Navigating Emotional Complexities Through Swimming and Mental Health

Dr. Madeline Barlow is a former collegiate swimmer, individual and team record holder, and NCAA qualifier. She is also CEO and Founder of Mind-Wise Mentoring LLC, The Director of Programming and Key Note Speaker for The Hidden Opponent, and a Transition Coach for Athletes Soul.

Self described as “highly sensitive,” swimming initially provided support, self reflection and muted the intensity of her world creating joy…until it didn’t. While competing in college, Madeline often got stuck between high levels of self awareness and action leading to recurring overwhelming episodes. When her swimming career came to an end, she kept moving forward and didn’t allow her self to process the transition out of competitive sports until her body demanded that she stop and acknowledge the loss.

Through her “Mind-Wise” method and her book, "The Highly Sensitive Athlete: How to Embody the Magic of Your True Self in and Out of Sport," Madeline Barlow validates that we are human and offers actionable tools that give us the choice to challenge ourselves or give ourselves grace.”

@mindwisementor