Paige MacEachern: The UCLA Swimmer’s Secrets to Success

Some people wait until they're older to start making healthy choices for their lives.

At 21 years old, Paige MacEachern is harnessing a healthy lifestyle and targeted supplements to help boost her success as a competitive swimmer at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

This past summer, MacEachern swam for Team USA at the University Games in Chengdu, China, where she took home a silver medal in the 800-meter free relay, and a bronze medal in the 400-meter individual medley (IM).

She broke UCLA's school record in the 400-meter IM, won All-American Honors in the 400 IM, and placed fourth in the 2021 Olympic Trials Wave I.

Now, as an Olympic Trial Qualifier, she has her sights set on the 2024 Olympic Games.

A Competitive Edge

In a sport where tenths of a second can make a difference between a podium finish and last place, little factors can make a big difference in success.

Consistent practice, pool and dryland training, and an intense focus on technique are foundational.  

MacEachern's training regimen includes up to 20 hours of training per week. This consists of one or two two-hour swim practices per day, plus one hour of dryland training (such as strength training) three days a week.

In addition to her intense training, MacEachern's recipe for success under the demands of such grueling physical and mental stress includes a healthy lifestyle, mental toughness, and targeted nutrient support.

"My whole life, swimming has helped me stay on a constant routine of waking up early, working out, and eating healthy," said MacEachern.

As a competitive athlete, MacEachern benefits from extra support from nutrients for muscle and mineral recovery. And due to the demanding physical schedule, she values extra immune support as well.

“Taking these nutrients has helped me stay competitive and perform at the highest level as it has kept me feeling strong, healthy, and staying away from sickness,” said MacEachern.

Based on these specific needs, MacEachern's current nutrient list includes the following:

• Tart cherry, potassium, and magnesium (for muscle and mineral recovery after workouts)
• Probiotic (for GI support and a healthy stomach)
• Vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc (for immune system health)
• B-Vitamin Complex (for extra energy production)
• Chocolate protein bar (for protein on the go)

"Taking these supplements every day has helped me maintain my busy schedule between school and swimming. As I get older, I anticipate them continuing to help support my body in new ways," said MacEachern.

Family Legacy

For MacEachern, swimming is more than a sport—it's a legacy.

Before her, Paige's mother, Channon MacEachern, swam collegiately at Southern Methodist University. She was a finalist in the 200-meter breaststroke at the 1984 Olympic Trials and represented the U.S. at the 1985 World University Games in Kobe, Japan.

And her uncle, Thomas Hermstad, served as a water polo referee at the Olympics from 1972 to 1988.

"My mother is a huge inspiration regarding my swimming career. It helped me to be able to talk with her about the challenges that come with competitive swimming," said MacEachern. "My father is also my inspiration, as he is one of the most hard-working and supportive dads I could ever ask for. I am very grateful to have them both in my life."

As MacEachern looks to the future, her next major goal is to qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

In the meantime, she can also look back at the accomplishments that brought her this far.

"I am very proud of what I have accomplished in the pool and in the classroom in the past two years," said MacEachern. "It has taught me to be gritty and work for everything and not give up when times are hard."

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