World champion Patrick Sammon discusses the digital age and the importance of mental health

World Champion Patrick Sammon. Photo Credit: Bex Wyant.

World champion and world record holder Patrick Sammon discussed being a competitive athlete in the digital age, and the importance of mental health.

Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This quote applies to Patrick Sammon, 22.

Daily motivations as an athlete

On his motivations as a swimmer, he said, “Honestly, faith is a big thing. So, I believe God gave me a gift to be athletic.”

“I’m trying to use that to my best of my ability and use it to spread His word. Also, I want to keep performing and to be the best I can be every single day,” he said.

Sammon on what he loves most about his sport

Sammon is drawn to the sport because it allows him “to go in and hang out with his friends every single day.”

“I’ve been lucky enough to have my best friends here by my side,” he added.

World record and world gold medal

At the 2025 World Aquatics Championships, he won the gold medal and broke the world record as part of Team USA in the mixed 4 x 100 meter freestyle medley.

“That was crazy,” he exclaimed. “That was probably the biggest highlight of my career, for sure. It was such a crazy feeling.”

“That first couple of minutes didn’t really feel real because I had always been looking up to other athletes who had been breaking records and seeing my friends like Leon Marchand break records and now to say, ‘I’m on that level with the relay,’ it was definitely crazy,” he elaborated.

Arizona State University as part of ‘Sun Devil Athletics’

Presently, he competes for Arizona State University (ASU) as part of Sun Devil Athletics. “I love it there,” he said.

“I’ve been here for the past five years and when I first came here, I didn’t really know what to expect because I didn’t take any recruiting visits here due to COVID,” he noted.

“I ended up coming here, meeting all my best friends) and just loving it, especially during the wintertime. It’s beautiful,” he added.

Sammon on Olympic gold medalist Michael Andrew

Sammon had great words about teammate and Olympic gold medalist Michael Andrew. “I love Michael,” he said. “It is so great to have him here at ASU. He has such a contagious smile.”

“Michael is a great person. He is always trying to go out of his way to help me out, which is awesome. He is a lot of fun to train with too,” he added.

Favorite stroke in swimming

Sammon listed the “butterfly” as his personal favorite stroke in swimming.

“I think that’s the most fun,” he admitted. “Maybe not for the 200, but for the sprint events. Then, otherwise I would have to say freestyle.”

Future plans

On his future plans, he shared, “Right now, I’m just taking it year by year. I’m going to be swimming until the Pan Pacific Games in August of next year, and I’ll probably reassess then.”

“If I’m still making the U.S. national team, then I’ll continue on. Otherwise, I’ll probably start getting into more of my professional career with real estate and going down that field,” he added.

The digital age

On being an athlete in the digital age, at a time when streaming, technology and social media are so prevalent, Sammon said, “I think it’s awesome. It’s definitely good for the sport of swimming, especially for us to try to get out name out. That way, it’s not only once every four years that we become relevant.”

“I think a lot of athletes are starting to build their presence online. I think it’s going to be growing more and more,” he noted.

“Ultimately, if more athletes are present online, then it’s going to get more eyes in the sport, which will ultimately lead to better payouts for athletes and then just growth,” he added.

Importance of mental health in the digital age

On the significance of mental health in this digital age, Sammon said, “It’s huge and you’ve got to learn how to take a step back.

“I know I do some social media detoxes. It’s definitely nice to step out of that digital side and get in touch with nature, go outside, and interact with people face to face. So a social media detox from time to time is nice,” he explained.

Stage of his life

On the title of the current chapter of his life, Sammon revealed, “In Transition”

“I’m moving from collegiate sports and now I am more free with more free time to do things that I love. I think that’s a lot of fun,” he said.

Advice for young and emerging swimmers

For young and aspiring swimmers, Sammon said, “Don’t be too hard on yourselves but also learn to be coachable.”

“Make sure to listen to your coaches and not try to be too stubborn when you think something you’re doing is correct. Always be open to listening and then ultimately, that’ll help you improve way quicker,” he elaborated.

Superpower of choice

His superpower of choice would be to “be able to fly.”

“I feel like would be super cool, especially if you can go fast, then you can fly all over the world for free,” he said.

Favorite motto to live by

On his favorite motto live by, he shared, “One of the proverbs I like is: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths’.”

Best thing about being his age

On the best thing about being his age, he said, “I have to say the energy because when I talk to some people that are older than me, they tell me to cherish all this energy I have. So that has to be it. I hope to keep growing with my energy.”

Best advice he has ever been given

On the best advice he has ever been given, Sammon said, “To always lean on others when you are in trouble. Try not to do everything yourself but make sure to have a good group of people around you that will help support you.”

Success

Regarding his definition of the word success, Sammon said, “Honestly, if I can wake up every day and be grateful for what I have and pursue what I’m doing in the moment with 100 percent of my ability, I would call that success.”

Message for the fans

For his fans and supports, he expressed, “Shout out to my family that has always been there. They are always at my swim meets with me. They’re my biggest supporters.”

“Also, I would like to say, ‘thank you’ for all their sacrifices and what they’ve done for me for helping me to get to this point,” Sammon concluded.

To learn more about Patrick Sammon, follow him on Instagram.