Madi and Audrey Ryon
two sisters. one passion. one trusted care partner.
- patient names: Madi and Audrey Ryon
- ages: 16 (Madi) and 13 (Audrey)
- seen in: Center for the Female Athlete, endocrinology and diabetes
- providers: Linh-Han Ikehara, MSW, LISW-S and Yelena Nicholson, DO
The Ryon sisters, Madi and Audrey, may be at different points in their figure-skating journeys, but they share the same level of determination. Traveling over an hour each way, multiple days a week, for training, these sisters are determined to be the best. Another thing they share? The same trusted support system. As competitive female athletes balancing the demands of training, school and their health, both found what they needed through the Center for the Female Athlete program at Dayton Children’s Hospital. From nutrition and mental health support to injury care and ongoing monitoring, the program has become a place where each sister can grow, recover and thrive in her own way.
Madi, 16 – double gold medalist whose journey includes nutrition, mental health support, and a return-to-ice plan after a pelvic fracture.
When Madi was about six years old, a friend’s birthday party at the local ice-skating rink sparked something life-changing. What started as a fun afternoon quickly turned into a new passion. She immediately started taking lessons, and now, 10 years later, Madi is a double gold medalist with U.S. Figure Skating. According to U.S. Figure Skating, earning a U.S. Figure Skating gold medal is a rare achievement that reflects years of practice, persistence and passion. Each year, skaters across the country complete about 40,000 skills tests, but about 3% reach the prestigious gold or senior level.
“Madi is such a hard worker,” says Madi’s mom, Courtney. “If she wants something, she’s going to after it and she’s going to make it happen.”
But even the most driven young athletes need support, and four years ago, Madi found exactly that through the Center for the Female Athlete program at Dayton Children’s. She was looking for guidance to help her train smarter, fuel her body and protect her mental wellbeing – a comprehensive approach designed specifically for female athletes. After hearing about the program from a friend, she decided to give it a try.
“The program has helped me so much,” Madi shares. “They were able to look at vitamins I was low on and helped me figure out what nutrition and training would be most beneficial for me.” Madi loved the new recipes she received and learning how to balance what – and how much – she should be eating to support her performance.
Another thing that Madi enjoyed about the program was the mental health counseling. “Linh-Han Ikehara, MSW, LISW-S, behavioral health therapist, helped me learn skills like meditation and breathing techniques that I use during competitions,” explains Madi. “It’s made a huge difference.”
The trusted support system became even more important when Madi sustained an injury. What they thought was an irritated hamstring turned out to be something much more serious. Because Madi was already connected with the Center for the Female Athlete, they were able to get answers quickly. “Madi had broken her pelvis, and the center was able to get her in quickly, diagnose the broken bone and establish a plan to get her safely back on the ice,” shares Courtney.
“For me, when I think of Dayton Children’s, I think of a really great support system,” shares Madi. “With the female athlete program, I’m able to receive support and resources that I can’t get anywhere else, and as a female athlete that matters a lot to me.”
Audrey, 13 – competitive skater managing type 1 diabetes, supported through mental health counseling, nutrition oversight and coordinated care with her endocrinologist.
Although Audrey shares her sister’s passion for ice skating, one thing that sets the two of them apart is that Audrey has type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed almost five years ago, Audrey has done a wonderful job managing her diabetes and the demands of a very competitive skating schedule. She is also an accomplished skater, having earned a U.S. Figure Skating gold medal and competing at the Excel National Final this past July – achievements that reflect her incredible dedication both on and off the ice.
But as Audrey has gotten older, Courtney wanted to make sure she was not only caring for her diabetes but also fueling her body properly and protecting her mental health. Audrey’s endocrinologist, Yelena Nicholson, DO, recommended the Center for the Female Athlete.
For Courtney, seeing Madi’s experience with the program made the decision simple. The mental health aspect is what really stood out to Courtney. “Having type 1 diabetes alone can take a toll on your mental health,” she says, “Add the pressure of a competitive sport, and it’s even more challenging. I wanted Audrey to have someone who understood both.” What reassured her even more was the close coordination between Dr. Nicholson and the female athlete team – a partnership that ensured Audrey’s diabetes management, nutrition needs and emotional wellbeing were all supported together.
Through the program, Audrey began working with Linh-Han Ikehara, who helped her develop a toolbox of coping strategies for competition anxiety. The emotional support was especially important given the added pressures of managing her type 1 diabetes.
Today, Audrey has “graduated” from her sessions with Linh-Han but still visits the program every six months or so for updated blood work. This checks for vitamin deficiencies or other nutritional concerns. And she always has the option to come back sooner if something changes. For Courtney, a program that supports her daughter in all these areas and also includes her endocrinologist, is the best coordination of care.
what mattered to the Ryons
“Dayton Children’s is like a safety net for us,” says Courtney. “Knowing that Audrey and Madi have the support they need for their individual experiences has been incredible.”
Although Madi and Audrey’s paths are uniquely their own, both sisters found what they needed at the Center for the Female Athlete:
- Personalized care
- Supportive mental health guidance
- Nutrition guidance
- A team that understands the unique needs of female athletes
Together, their stories show how exceptional pediatric experience and trusted, coordinated care can empower young female athletes – no matter where they are in their journey.
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