The past year has been hard on athletes, with COVID shutting down training facilities nationwide. The timing of the pandemic couldn’t have been worse for Olympic hopefuls Corey Crawford and Madisen Richards, who were working together to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. When their training facility at Chula Vista, California enforced tight COVID restrictions, the pair wasn’t certain how to move forward on their journey. After hearing about SPIRE Institute and Academy (IA), they decided to make the cross-country move to Geneva, Ohio and continue training in the athletic academy’s world-class facility.  

For this pair, the move to SPIRE signified the start of a new journey dedicated to achieving their dreams of Olympic competition. Madisen explains, “It’s been an incredible journey. We have all the resources we could ask for at SPIRE, we’re surrounded by great people, and we’re able to continue training together.”

Upon their arrival at SPIRE, Corey took on the position of Social Media Specialist while Madisen began an internship training high schoolers in after-school track programs with former SPIRE Head Coach, Charlie Powell. They quickly found themselves in a rigorous training routine at SPIRE, often the first ones on the indoor and outdoor tracks in the morning and the last ones to leave at night. Their routine involved strength training in the weight room three times a week and track training 5-6 days a week.

Corey, recovering from a torn labrum in his hip, credits his time at SPIRE for helping him heal and progress. “I’m feeling great now after the injury in February. I’m having a healthy year, and lucky to be at SPIRE where I have everything I need to get the most out of my body.”

The couple met in 2019, which was Madisen’s first year out of college. Training together has been an incredible journey for both of them. “It’s hard to train alone, “ Corey said. “Coming out of track as a post-collegiate athlete means leaving behind the team and the support of trainers, coaches, and physiotherapists.” Madisen agrees. “When you come out of college, it’s hard to find support. We’ve found that at SPIRE, all coaches are helpful, even if they aren’t in your sports. In fact, everyone at SPIRE is beyond helpful. They honor our goals and passions, keep us inspired, and treat us like family.”

When a mentor first connected the duo with Tim Mack, SPIRE’s Director of Track and Field Training and Development, they immediately knew the Olympic gold-medalist understood exactly what it would take for them to succeed. He and now-retired head coach Charlie Powell went out of their way to make sure Corey and Madisen had everything they needed. “We wouldn’t have gotten to SPIRE without them, and we couldn’t have made it to the Olympic Trials without SPIRE,” Madisen said.

Consistent and reliable training facilities with world-class amenities have given the pair a competitive edge in a world where many others were not able to train due to COVID. Corey explains, “SPIRE provided us with an experience that helped us qualify for trials, providing us the facilities we needed when there were none out there. For us, the indoor track was an amazing way to continue consistent training, no matter the weather.” 

Madisen found that training together has helped them maintain their dedication to the sport. “We find encouragement in each other because we are hoping to accomplish the same goals, in the same sport, using the same process. I find motivation when Corey is having a good day, even if I’m not. His success inspires me.” 

For Corey, who wants to be a coach himself in the future, encouraging Madisen both on and off the track is motivational for them both. “Madisen is the real deal and has all the tools she needs to jump really far.”

Corey recalls the day he achieved his goal of an automatic qualifier for the Olympics. “It was a huge relief,” he said. “I hadn’t jumped in two years, but I knew I could do it. Now, I have confidence that I can do it again.”

For Madisen, the Olympic qualifier was bittersweet. “I missed the automatic qualifier by 1 cm, but I did qualify for the trials. I’ve dreamed of competing in the Olympics since I was seven. My first year out of college was a little tough, and endedmy career as an All-American. SPIRE has restored my joy in competition, giving me the experiences I’ve dreamed of since I was a little girl. I feel ready to compete on a national level now.”

Corey and Madisen are grateful to the coaches and trainers that have followed them along their Olympic journey. Corey explains that Rutgers Track and Field Coach Robert Farrell has been inspiring in his belief in the young athlete’s success, as well as writing great programming that keeps him motivated. Nick Newman, Jumps Coach at the University of Southern California, has been crucial to Madisen’s success. “We’ve been a great team,” she explains. “He has such a strong belief in me, and he’s continued to train me virtually through Facetime.”

The couple credits SPIRE’s Charlie Powell for expanding their training experiences. “He’s a very educated man in the ways of competitive track and field. He is awesome to work with and we’ve learned a lot,” Corey said. 

Corey and Madisen encourage any Olympic hopeful to experience SPIRE’s world-class training facility. “It’s well worth investing in yourself to get the most out of your body. SPIRE is a top-notch facility with all the resources you need to be the best athlete you can be.”

As for Madisen and Corey, the future’s looking bright. Madisen is excited to continue training alongside Corey. “It’s a dream. Getting to spend all this time with someone you love, doing what you love, supporting each other on a daily basis. I wouldn’t have wanted to share this journey with anyone else.”