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Maddie Dahlien has a chance this year to go down as one of the best sprinters in Minnesota state history this season if she goes back-to-back in her pursuit of the 100m, 200m, and 400m state titles. As good as she is on the track though, her real talent is on the soccer field.
We at MileSplit Minnesota recently caught up with Dahlien to talk about her start in track and field, her goals for her season, her collegiate choice, and her future.
You dabbled in track in 2017, but this will really be only your third season of track and field experience. How did you first get involved and how did you get up to speed so fast?
I initially just wanted to go out for another sport, and join a sport that would help cross-train me for soccer. I think playing soccer helped my speed and endurance when initially joining track.
In your first full season, you finished 2nd at state in the 100m, 200m, and 400m. Did finishing second motivate you more to come back the next season and win all three events?
100% yes, I was very grateful to be able to place second in the events, but it did leave me hungry to come back another year so I could get redemption for myself.
Right now you have the 21st fastest 100m of all-time in Minnesota, the 11th fastest 200m, and the 15th fastest 400m. Where do you see those times and all-time marks by the end of the season?
Just like every year, I hope to keep improving my times. My biggest goal this season is to PR in each of my events.
What are some of your goals for this track and field season?
Individually I would love to win all three of my events again. I would also love to win state as a team this year.
You're now a Senior at Edina. What would you still like to accomplish for your high school running career?
This is my last year of track, so leaving everything out on the track and doing everything I can to contribute to the team.
High School
| Outdoor | |
| 100 Meter Dash | 11.99 |
| 100 Meter Hurdles | 20.05 |
| 200 Meter Dash | 24.45 |
| 400 Meter Dash | 55.48 |
You are committed to play soccer at the University of North Carolina, how did you choose to go there for college?
Combination of academics and athletics. I fell in love with the campus and coaching staff at the university.
Were you tempted to do track instead collegiately? or try to do both track and soccer?
Yes, I was definitely tempted, but I realize that is a very difficult thing to do, and wanted to prioritize my education.
How does track help advance your soccer skills and vice versa?
Track helps my speed, acceleration, and endurance in soccer. Soccer helps track in those same areas as well.
What goals do you have for yourself after high school?
I want to play professional soccer someday.
What has been your favorite high school running memory?
Winning state in my three events, and being there to cheer on my teammates.
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