This week, former NCAA turned BUCS athletes Paige Madden, Louise Hansson, and Sophie Hansson showcased their exceptional talent in the pool at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Paige won two medals, while Louise and Sophie advanced to the finals in several events.
All three athletes moved to the UK to pursue master’s degrees and continue their collegiate athletic careers, benefiting from the fact that NCAA eligibility does not affect participation in UK university competitions.
Silver & Bronze Medal Glory
Paige Madden, a former student-athlete at the University of Virginia, captured the nation’s attention with her extraordinary performance in Paris. Madden, who transitioned from the NCAA to BUCS in 2022, clinched a silver medal in the 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay and a bronze in the 800m Freestyle.
Finalists Making Waves: Louise Hansson & Sophie Hansson
Joining Madden in the Olympic pool were two more former NCAA turned BUCS athletes, Louise Hansson and Sophie Hansson, both of whom made it to the finals in their respective events. Louise, a University of Southern California alum, advanced to the finals in multiple events, while Sophie, who previously swam for NC State, showcased her skill in the 4 x 100 Medley Relay final.
Louise’s journey has been remarkable. After winning three individual NCAA titles, she moved to the UK in 2020, where she quickly became a force to be reckoned with in BUCS competitions and secured world champion status. Her determination and skill earned her spots in three 2024 Olympic finals: the 100m Butterfly, 4 x 100 Freestyle Relay, and 4 x 100 Medley Relay.
Sophie’s path was similarly impressive. The two-time Olympian moved to the UK in 2022 to extend her collegiate athletic career while pursuing further study. In the Paris Olympics, Sophie competed in the 4 x 100m Medley Relay final on Sunday, August 4th, alongside Louise, Sarah Sjöström, and Hanna Rosvall, with the team finishing seventh overall.
The Impact of NCAA and BUCS on Olympic Success
The success of these athletes at the Olympics highlights the critical role that both the NCAA and BUCS play in developing elite athletes. The NCAA stated, “more than 1,000 current, former, and incoming NCAA student-athletes [are] in Paris this summer at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Around 400 of them help make up Team USA – with the rest going for gold in more than 100 other countries. These athletes come from all levels of NCAA competition: DI, DII, and DIII.”
One week into the 2024 games, current and former BUCS athletes have secured over eighteen medals, representing nations from all over the world, including Great Britain, France, USA, and Ireland.
Transitioning from the NCAA to BUCS
The UK provides a unique platform for athletes to continue their collegiate athletic careers while pursuing further study. NCAA eligibility has no impact outside of the US, allowing athletes who’ve exhausted their eligibility to continue their athletic pursuits while earning master’s degrees. Some even progress to PhD studies after their master’s, extending their collegiate athletic careers for four or more years in total.
In addition to the ability to extend athletic careers, studying in the UK offers many other benefits, including shorter degree programs, cheaper tuition, and the opportunity to travel around Europe.
If you’re an NCAA, NAIA, or Club athlete looking to explore your options overseas, create a free account at athletefuturesabroad.com and start exploring your opportunities today.
Coaches and athletic administrators can stay up-to-date by following Athlete Futures Abroad on LinkedIn.
(Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)