We asked 2025 Open Water World Aquatics Championships head coach Bruce Gemmell and assistant coach Maddy Olsen about themselves as we prepare for open water competition to start in Singapore. Learn about their coaching careers and what they are looking forward to accomplishing in Singapore below.

How long have you been coaching, and what originally inspired you to pursue coaching as a career? 

Bruce Gemmell (head coach): I’ve been coaching for almost 35 years. My college coach and mentor, the late Jon Urbanchek, was a huge influence on my decisions to coach as well as my career choices.

Maddy Olsen (assistant coach): I am going into my eighth year as a coach. I would not be in coaching if it weren't for Kelly Kremer (Director of Swimming & Diving at the University of Minnesota), who saw potential in me and brought me back to Minnesota after I worked with the team during my undergrad. Also, my dad coached high school swimming for 30 years, and my late aunt Kim owned/coached a club team in Minnesota. I have looked up to them my entire life.  

What will be your primary focus going into the meet, either for the athletes or your coaching perspective? 

BG: I look forward to focusing on how we can elevate the entire USA Swimming open water program to truly be competitive with the current world-leading programs. All while keeping an eye on sustained success for the LA 2028 and the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.

MO: My primary focus is to help each athlete feel comfortable and confident on race day.

What is one thing you hope each athlete gains from this international experience? 

BG: I hope they gain inspiration and motivation to continue to be hungry and prepare to compete with the world’s best.

MO: They have each accomplished so much to represent Team USA, so I hope their performances in Singapore can be a celebration of that and give them momentum going into the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

Can you share one memorable coaching moment from your career that you find impactful, inspiring, or special? 

BG: At the 2009 Open Water World Aquatics Championships in Rome, the US men went 2nd and 3rd in the men’s 10k. That is what it means to be truly competitive with the world’s best.

MO: I was lucky enough to coach Eliot Kennedy her entire career at Minnesota. Eliot went about six years without going a best time in the 1650 free and had a breakthrough in her sophomore year. This past season as a senior, she dropped 16 seconds to earn bronze at the Big Ten Championships, after not making the conference team her first year. Her career was a great reminder of how much patience we sometimes need in our sport, and how when we enjoy the people around us and the process, good things will come.

What’s one word your swimmers would use to describe your coaching style?  

BG: Expectations. I would say high expectations, but that’s two words.

MO: Open!

And just for fun…how many cups of coffee do you go through during a typical championship meet?

BG: ZERO…I’ve never had a cup of coffee in my life.

MO: Generally, one before prelims and one before finals. I try not to overdo it.