Editorial Coverage provided by 
Losing Like An Olympic Champion (Matt Grevers)
Originally published on July 1, 2016
By Annie Grevers
Like many of you, I’m a Matt Grevers fan. I’m going to make the bold claim that I’m a bigger Matt Grevers fan than you are. Over the past 48 hours, I’ve read heartfelt tributes to my husband that send streams of tears racing down my cheeks.
The U.S. Olympic Trials can be a cruel and unforgiving meet. Most competitors leave Omaha wishing they had been smarter strategically, timed a turn better, or not taken that extra stroke. It’s a meet that leaves most athletes hungry, unsatisfied. Many will head back into training with their mistakes fresh in their mind and strive to insure they never goof the simple things again. Some will leave the sport, knowing they made it to a prestigious stage.
A select few will see a ‘1’ or a ‘2’ beside their name on the jumbotron, gasp in disbelief or relief, hug their families and float through the rest of the meet in a state of euphoria, as an Olympian.
We Grevers planned to float through Omaha after Tuesday night, but our plans were derailed. Rather than sitting in the front row behind the pool to rally around our newly minted three-time Olympian, Matt’s parents and I stood up with somber expressions and offered hugs and kisses of solace to our forlorn Olympic champion. We watched helplessly as the big man lumbered past fans to exit the gladiatorial arena. Not the scene he had imagined. Nothing like the last two 100 backs he had experienced in Omaha.
At the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, Matt’s 52.76 earned him the undesirable third place finish. In 2012, American Nick Thoman took home Olympic silver with a 52.92. Yes, the U.S. men’s 100 backstroke is as cruel as the men’s 200 breaststroke was last night. You’ve got to be on the verge of the world record to make the Olympic team. And even if you are, someone has to get third.
I’ve taken fifth at the Olympic Trials twice. I’ve had visions that didn’t unfurl as they were supposed to. It hurts like hell. People you’ve grown to know and love make the team, you celebrate with them but also wince with pain. I’ve never held the title “Olympian” or “Olympic champion” though.
I feared the magnitude of the disappointment Matt would feel. Would he indeed be OK, as he had reassured me before the meet? Would his foundations remain intact? Would he be bitter toward the sport? Would he regret investing so much of himself into attaining the one thing left on his swimming bucket list– that elusive long course 100 back world record?
Yes, he’s OK. Yes, his foundations are rock solid. No, he is far from bitter. No regrets, he loves the life he’s led.
Matt hurt because he never allowed himself to imagine getting third. He hurt because he dared to believe that he could and would get a world record. Matt hurt because he knew how much and by how many his dreams were supported. But he never hurt because he’d lost himself.
He texted me to tell me he’d sign autographs for a while on Tuesday night. “It might make me feel better,” he wrote. Matt mentioned that it might be one of the last times people would want his signature or to take a photo with him the next day. I laughed at that. Sorry, dear. I think people may remember you beyond Tuesday, June 28, 2016. And 72 hours later, I can say (as I love to say) that I’m right.
Matt is a behemoth on the pool deck, but his presence extends beyond his seven-foot wingspan. He’s touched more lives than I thought someone in our humble swimming community could touch. I’ve heard the following reviews of Matt: Legend, a champion in life, a class act, an asset to Team USA, a true team player, my favorite national teamer, the kind of person I want my kids to emulate, a leader, the perfect ambassador of our sport, and my personal favorite– Matt Grevers for President.
Momentary glory is magnified at Olympic Trials. Swimmers can begin to feel diminutive after not living up to their own expectations. If you’re not first or second (or third through sixth for lucky freestylers), you failed.
Yes, you’re right. You failed to make the Olympic team. But you certainly didn’t fail to throw everything you had at that goal. You certainly went faster than 99.99 percent of the swimming world if you made top 16 in any event. You certainly made your family and friends puff with pride as they watched from the stands or on NBC.
The test of Trials is oft considered what swimmers can do to make the team. As I witnessed my fourth Trials, I saw the true test to be what swimmers do when they don’t make the team. When your video reel is missing its expected climax. When the rug is pulled out from underneath you.
Swimmers either spiral into a free fall or find a way to land with both feet on the ground. My husband landed firmly. He faced pained expressions conveying genuine sympathy from coaches, fellow athletes and fans. He talked to the media, he smiled for photos with kids, he toasted and laughed with us at a family dinner. He remained Matt. He remained joyful. It’s not that he didn’t suffer, but he did so with grace that comes from a divine place.
To you who came within sniffing distance of an Olympic berth, I hurt for you. The world will say you failed, but anyone who knows you will vehemently defend you against the world’s shallow view. You made it through an emotional wringer. You proved yourself to be one of the finest in our nation. You didn’t waste thousands of hours in the pool. Most people will never allow themselves to even envision the success you so tangibly pictured. You dared, and you dared greatly.
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Amazing article Annie!! He is an Olympian forever and his fans will admire him forever .
I know it’s been said he actually didn’t, but even if he did, lots of athletes in all sports announce their retirements after trials. They knew that they were committing that one last shot at the Olympics, and then they were hanging up theitheir hat and moving on to other things. Troy Dumais, four time Olympic diver, just did it last week. Unless you have been in that position, I don’t think you have a say in how they live their lives or finish their careers.
That was meet as a response to Guppy, sorry Sox Fan. Don’t know how to remove it.
Amazing article … truer words have not been spoken. I had the pleasure of swimming against Matt in college and he truly is a class act. #GreversforPresident
He should have announced his retirement after the meet. The focus should be on athletes who make the team, not those who don’t and then quit because they didn’t make it.
Wow, how can you judge anybody like that on when to make the announcement.
It just seems like an inappropriate time. Did the 4th, 5th, 6th place finishers announce their retirements also because they didn’t make the team? I can see the disappointment that arises when you’re expected to place in the top 2; however, nothing is certain. And quitting the sport immediately after you don’t make the team doesn’t show emotional maturity. Messi did the same thing recently when Argentina lost in the final of the Copa America. It’s like an emotional outburst from a child that says “I quit” after they lose a game or something becomes so difficult. Just an observation 🙂
“In an interview with Paul Newberry of the Associated Press, Matt Grevers says that he’s calling it a career after missing the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team.”
Lisa, he did dare greatly…and another part of that speech is “It’s not the critic who counts….” Don’t even listen to those who are not also daring greatly….they have no place to be considered!
He never announced his retirement. SwimSwam wrote that headline based on assumption. I don’t think we’re ever at risk of making the Olympic Trials not about the Olympic Team, Guppy.
Agree! He did great. I don’t think I would be able to show that much grace under pressure. Well maybe. I hope so. But you don’t know until you’re there do you?
Swim swam made an assumption without Matt even having the opportunity to respond. Shame on them! And you made an assumption …. A very quick judgemental decision that came from a 3rd party. Shame on you for trying to bring shame to an amazing being.
“In an interview with Paul Newberry of the Associated Press, Matt Grevers says that he’s calling it a career after missing the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team.”
Relax, Guppy, Herein lies the problem with social media. Attention grabbing headline written, article and interviews not read/heard. Assumptions made. Best to bite your tongue when you do not have a firm grip on the situation.
Debi, thank you! I’m relaxed now……social media definitely skews information. That’s why we need to hold our media more accountable for the information they distribute. I am a huge Matt Grevers fan btw. (maybe i should have started with that) I was rooting for him to make the team. I do have a difficult time understanding when elite level athletes responds to a loss/disappointment by discussing their ambiguous future plans immediately following an event. I feel a more appropriate response would be to take some time to let your emotions cool down, collect your thoughts, finish out the meet and show you’re fans that even when you don’t accomplish your goal, there is something worthy in keeping your head down at the finish.
Guppy: You got SwimScammed. To set the record straight, watch the video where Matt talks about his future…
https://youtu.be/xp9n9pzWG1I
WOW!!! What an A@.#$H*&$e!!!!! Don’t see you up there, GUPPY!!!!
Right on the mark, JB! WOW!
And to get back to the point of all of this, Matt Grevers is one of the class acts to walk the planet. And I can say that I know firsthand, not by assumption or trolling social media.
I know it’s been said he actually didn’t, but even if he did, lots of athletes in all sorts announce their retirements after trials. They knew that they were committing that one last shot at the Olympics, and then they were hanging up theitheir hat and moving on to other things. Troy Dumais, for time Olympic diver, just did it last week. Unlss you have been in that position, I don’t think you have a say in how they live their lives or finish their careers.
Guppy,
He is 31, not an 18yr old with years left in their swimming career. It’s one thing to be a 19yr old and say “I quit” or “I’m going to look into other careers outside of swimming” for not making the team, not for a 31 year old with a wife and child on the way. To anyone who knows swimming, it wasn’t really a “shocker” to hear him mention life AFTER swimming. It is a natural progression of life like any other sport. Of course there have been Olympians older than he is (those are few and far between, and it is sad that swimmers can’t earn enough to continue their sport like so many other athletes of other sports are able to- but that is a different topic), but as he mentioned, swimming isn’t like other sports that you can easily earn a living from, I am sure whatever he chooses to do going forward did not stem from “emotional immaturity” or an outburst of emotion, and that he has thought his decision over thuroughly, showing great maturity and respect for the sport.
Truly an American inspiration. Being from Illinois, my 3 kids have met and listened to Matt speak multiple times and my oldest has written for Swimming World under Annie’s guidance. Both will always be remembered as gracious wonderful people that have represented the USA swimming family like the champions they are. As they continue as “swammers” and begin to raise their own family, I’m sure they will forever be inspiring the young swimmers of this country as they, too, aspire to represent their teams in the same way the “Gentle Giant” has for so many year. God bless!
He is an inspiration! He is and always will be an Olympian.
What a great article!! Matt is one of the swimmers my son looks up to the most!! He missed his chance meeting him at the Duel in the Pool and was greatly saddened. So my son will always be one who will keep looking to meet him somewhere for his autograph and the chance to carry a conversation with him. He is an amazing swimmer in his eyes and always will be.
Perhaps the greatest part of this story is that fact that it sounds like two wonderful people met each other through the sport of swimming! Together, there is no way the two of you will ever “lose”!
Heartfelt article, a great athlete‘person, but also proof of the importance of a loving partner.
The sweetest article I have ever read. Matt is an inspiration on how to be a leader, a champion and a role model. A true Olympian!! Couldn’t be happier for baby Grevers to have solid parents to welcome him/her into this world!! I think Matt for President is my favorite – he could show them all how to be a gentleman!!
Getting to meet Matt and Annie several years ago at a clinic with my daughter, let me just say it was awesome! They both spoke to the kids with pride and confidence. They both got in the water and shared swim tips with everyone, answering all the kids questions. Following training, Matt and Annie signed autographs and talked with each kid individually. Matt and Annie are both great athletes and definitely have a passion for what they do. Very proud to have met them. May you both continue to strive for your goals and share them with all swimmers. We’ll be watching.
He will be remembered as an amazing athlete and representative of the sport. We saw him last night entering the facility and he stopped to sign autographs, have his picture taken with lots of different kids and even though he was running behind schedule to get to the Aqua Zone, he was gracious.
If your awesome husband would consider doing a meet and greet at home here in Tucson, we will all line up in droves! Matt Grevers is a great guy.
LOVE THIS IDEA!!!!!
Matt is a class act!!! Great article Annie!!
What an amazing tribute to an incredible man, husband, and athlete. Your story took me back to my own from 1988. Going into Olympic Trials as the defending Olympic Gold Medlaist in the 100 freestyle and coming up short that day. I had no plan “B”. It was my identity, my world, and all of my hopes and dreams! I lived with that “failure” for 30 years! The word “failure” and “Olympian” should NEVER be used in the same sentence. Ever! I salute you for writing your truth, and I salute Matt as the man, and champion he will always be! Forever Olympians and forever champions! Onward!
Met Matt only once at last year’s Dual in the Pool, at the USA Swimming Foundation event. It only took me a few seconds to see why he’s so universally well liked and respected and it has nothing to do with being a swimming superstar. Breaks my heart not to see him in Rio, but he’s one person I’m not worried about, not matter what comes next.
Matt is indeed a class act, but this article, Annie, should be a must-read for every athlete and parent of an athlete who will invariably have to deal with a difficult loss. You had a unique perspective to Matt’s disappointment and you provided a playbook by which disappointed athletes can again emulate Matt.
Even without a ticket to swim at the 2016 Olympics, I would say Matt Grevers is a Champion and a Winner. The prestige, medals, and benefits of training and goal setting are worth it all, but more than all of that, the biggest and best prize that comes from competitive swimming are the relationships that you make. Matt’s wife Annie seems like the real prize.
And while “the friends you make through competitive swimming” might sound cliché, I would point out that some of my best friends these days are parents of the children I teach and coach and co-coaches that I have met in the past 15 years. Swimming brings new friends and connections to my life almost daily. I have never swum at the level of Matt Grevers, but I am a winner too!
Swimming- the best sport in the world in so many ways!!!
Matt Grevers is one of the finest swimmers the world has seen. He has always been a fantastic team member and leader in a sport that often focuses on individuals. I cried for him after that back, not in disappointment, but in pride. He may not have made it to Rio, but he is without a doubt a true Olympian.
An incredible article illuminating an incredible man. My 11 year old daughter got Matt’s autograph and picture taken with him at trials. Although he seemed giant to her, my daughter said, “He’s the nicest guy.” And I agree. You can either let the sport of swimming define you or define yourself. Matt is doing just that. Making his mark as a leader, a kind soul. Someone who is giving back. Matt has been a joy to watch and can’t wait for his next endeavors.
Yes, Matt is “the nicest guy”. So giving of his time and energy and I wish him and his lovely wife, Annie, all the best and for a bright and joyful future.
This article holds true from the age group swimmer to the world record holder. Swimming is a sport with grace and honor. I have witnessed other sports that this does not hold true for, which only increases my love for swimming. For those who have spent thousands of hours in the pool your victory is the next personal best and if you work hard and achieve that, everyone can be a champion.
So true! Well said!
I must say I’ve always loved watching Matt Grevers swim! His confidence, strength, spirit, and grace not only inspires others but stands for all the good things USA Swimming represents!! I’m sorry Matt didn’t quite make the team this year, but his legacy in USA Swimming and International Swimming will follow him forever and inspire others toward lofty and remarkable goals!
Great article Annie. Matt’s a true champion and should hold his head high. And you can reassure him that swimmers and non swimmers alike will be clammoring for his autograph and a picture with him for many many more years.
Jeff you were great as well. I remember the summer when you were swimming at the Phoenician Swim Club. I was several years younger and remember how helpful you were to all the swimmers on the team. It’s great to see so many Olympians be great role models for the next generation of swimmers.
My favorite Olympian! One that I would be proud for my son to admire. He has carried himself with grace and with character that’s missing in a lot of top tier athletes! Matt, you are an amazing man and you and Annie will make WONDERFUL parents. Best wishes to you and your beautiful family! Just keep swimming!
I am sorry that he didn’t qualify, I was cheerin for him. But what is great about this article and Matt’s reaction is that it shows how he (and you too!) should still be looked up to, followed, and be an inspiration to ALL swimmers, not just those at the brink of the Olympic level.
This article is especially inspiring to me because I have been 0.11 away from my goal to qualify for a national meet for the past two years, getting painfully close almost every time I swim and I know that I have not been reacting nearly as positively as Matt has and this is inspiring me, though not at the Olympic level, to still react more positively and to just work harder.
Thank you!
Beautiful story! What a great guy! He will always be remembered! He was so gracious last night signing and getting pictures outside after finals.
Well said, Annie. Matt has always been one of my favorite elite swimmers, and his grace and generosity under pressure have always been obvious. I wish you both (soon to be you three!) the best going forward.
What a beautiful article about an inspirational athlete! Annie, you and Matt have both touched David’s life in only the most positive ways. In our house you are both champions! Best of luck to both of you on your newest “project”!
Matt is truly in a class of his own! We are truly blessed to have him as a role model for our young age group swimmer. The few times we have met him, my son will see him from a distance and say, “look, there he is!!” And yes, there he would be standing, bigger than life, so tall and such a presence you can’t do anything but stop and stare at the great champion in front of you. Then when he engages with his fans, the only thing bigger than his tall stature, is his huge smile and friendliness to his fans. We will always be a part of the Matt Grever fan club. Thank you for all you’ve done and will continue to do for this amazing sport called swimming!!!
What a class act. Here is the part that really showed me what a champion he is (from a Washington Post article).
“As it turned out, Grevers’s time Thursday in the 200 back prelims was good enough for 14th place and a spot in Thursday night’s semifinals. But knowing he wasn’t fast enough to go any further than that, he said he planned to withdraw in time for the 17th-place finisher to take his spot. Maybe there was a kid, sort of like Grevers himself was 12 years ago, who could use that spot as a springboard to future greatness.
So, say hello Thursday night to Tristan Sanders, a 20-year-old out of the University of Michigan, who suddenly went from 17th to 16th, sneaking into the semis thanks to Grevers’ gesture.”
It is a reminder about the importance of balance in life. There is a time and place to be an Olympian and a gold medalist. It’s not like Matt was deprived of that experience. There is also a time and place to be a parent. Maybe it’s worth considering making that the priority now. Good luck!
So nicely written, Annie. I’m so proud to have shared the pool with both of you. A true inspiration for all of us swimmers, old or young.
Very well written Annie! I have been fortunate to know Matt and he exudes class. Most of what you wrote is true for many others who got close to the top but just missed. It is a tough meet in that regard. I hope all the swimmers have the same perspective soon (rather than later). Thanks for sharing.
Annie,
I am in complete awe of Matt and I always have been. I still remember the first clinic you both came to in Oro Valley. I vividly remember the excitement and amazement that was pulsing through the very core of my being as a young begining distance swimmer would have the opportunity to train under two of her biggest heroes.
I also remember the terror that was within me when I first met you too that day. These two people standing right next to me, had accomplished so much. What had I accomplished? I had made it to states in the 1000 for the first time. I was never one to get star struck. Being the blunt outgoing young girl I was had always allowed me to speak my mind whenever I wanted to, to whoever I wanted to.
For the first time in my life, I was so excited I forgot what words were and how to use them (which is saying something for someone who can talk a mile a minute). I was completely star struck. Because to me- it’s never mattered what you didn’t accomplish, it was always what you had.
The pictures you took with everyone- that photo sat on my dresser for 3 years after that day. And I looked at it everyday, and I fueled the spark that I needed to light every day.
A few people I once knew went to OT. One made the B final I believe in a backstroke event (I cannot recall which one), and the other had swam some breaststroke (once more, I cannot recall which ones). I was completely stunned. I had known these people for almost a year, yet it had never been brought up. Why? Because they didn’t think it was as important as I did.
Well, maybe they didn’t make the Olympics. But all I could see was the swimmer who went down that hard (and ironically, lonely) path to get there. Getting to OT is no easy task. That’s all I could see.
After that, I remember hearing that Annie Chandler would be doing private lessons. My breaststroker friend nearly had a heart attack. Time continued on, and I would always watch from a distance, hoping one day I would accomplish enough to deem myself worthy of speaking to thee Annie Chandler.
I often still sit back, and realize what a crazy opportunity I have every day. Everyday I look at that picture frammed on my dresser, and carefully review the vibrate pink card that holds a special place in my heart next to it. Everyday I look at the names on the record boards on my teams pool deck, and I always look for the same two names.
Perhaps Matt may have not made the Olympics this time around, but that does not detract from the amazing things he has accomplished. Please tell Matt, that “Even heroes have the right to dream, and even heroes have the right to bleed.” because I feel as though it is important advice to have. I wish you the best of luck on your many adventures to come. I look forward to when our paths will across again, and perhaps I will deem myself worthy of speaking more than just a simple greeting of, “Hello, Mister Matt Grevers, sir.”
This was longer than intended, but I feel as though I covered everything.
“I’m with you till the end of the line,” and let me know when you want that pizza.
Annie, both you and Matt have always been class acts. My daughter went to swim camp down at UofA several years ago and her fondest memory was of Matt taking the time to pose for a picture with her and of your kindness. Every time he comes to Mesa to swim, he has been more than willing to talk and pose for pics with the kids.
Matt is an amazing swimmer and I personally witnessed it from the deck itself (I am USA Swim official).
I am sorry he did not make it to the 2016 Olympics in the 100 Back but he has left and continues to leave one heck of a legacy in the sport and someone to look up to for our age group swimmers!
I swam at Masters Nationals in San Antonio two years ago when Matt was there. Being 6’6″ myself, and thankful for it every time I leave the blocks, I was impressed with Matt’s physical ‘presence’. But more than that he was adored by all because he was easy going, smiling, humble, gracious and friendly. Women loved him, and guys wanted to be like him! HOWEVER — this article doesn’t sound like something Matt would write. I believe the statements are correct that MATT is at peace with this turn of events. Sure, it must sting for a few minutes, but he’s had a big helping of success and seems comfortable enough without having more. But what I did hear was the wife/partner who seems to feel great distress with him not having achieved. Sort of Munchausen by Proxy. The saying “Thou Protesteth Too Much” rings through my head. The more I hear “it’s okay” and “he” (me?) is not hurt about this, the more I sense the pain. Not HIS pain, but HERS! Hundreds of swimmers do NOT make the team, but they are all not out there writing “I’m okay” articles. Only speaking for myself, I already thought Matt would handle this with class (as he already has). But the more effort you take to convince me, the more I wonder.
This is the action of a true athlet after you fall: get up, clean the dirt off your clothes and go on!
I’ve been racing Matt a few times at world’s and the 2012 olympics and all I can say is, that this giant is a true champion!
It’s in times like these, you need your family and friends to cheer you up, but it is up to yourself, to fight trough…
Matt, you have achieved more than most of any athlet, so don’t get yourself stopped right now!
Great letter Annie! Not the triumph but the journey and am sure both you and Matt know that. Both of you will continue to be leaders in whatever direction you choose.
Matt signed my daughter’s cell phone case on Sunday between prelims and finals. She is 12 years old and was star struck. Because of his kindness and inspiration, she returned to practice on Tuesday with a new found drive to train harder because she too wants to be an Olympian. She said other swimmers walked by and wouldn’t stop, but Matt took the time to talk to the kids, sign autographs and inspire the next generation of athletes. Such a class act! Thank you Matt for showing my little girl that being an olympian is about so much more than swimming a fast race. My daughters cell phone case is now covered in tape because she wants to make sure your signature doesn’t rub off. I can only imagine how many kids you touched over your career. Thank you!
As a swimmer (and fellow breaststroker), as a competitor, as someone who has succeeded in the sport and as someone who has failed (more times than I can count), this article is something I will take with me for the rest of my career. Thank you Annie. This reminds me how to pick myself back up when I fall and to remember the special people around me that are so supportive. I will always remember this article and have it bookmarked. <3
Excellent article. I’m an ex-DIII top 12 swimmer from long ago … I never got anywhere near close to where you and your husband suffered of being ALMOST there … I watched these trials for the first time this year, owed likely to my son attending with his team … and was struck by the ‘sooooo close’ pain that a number of swimmers must have felt …
I’d encourage you, like the guy over at cap and goggles, to keep writing. Your level of insight is amazing, vs the fawning cruft over at swim swam.
My son swims for the National Training Group with RMSC, Rockville Montgomery Swim Club in MD. He’s 15 and 6’4, and very good at backstroke. His coaches and teammates call him Grevers. I can’t think of a better compliment. Me. Grevers has always conducted himself with class. He lived the life we hope for from our Olympians, as an example to the younger generation. Thank you for your article, and thank Matt for his dedication and the pleasure we got from watching him.
– Steven Handy
My kids stood outside the athletes’ entrance Monday night when Matt exited the pool area. He was so kind to all the kids there that night as he paused for a few photos and explained how hungry he was and how he needed to go get dinner but then genuinely promised to return Tuesday night and sign autographs as long as it took. My eldest snapped a quick selfie with him at that time. Tuesday night my kids again stood outside the entrance after Matt placed 3rd. When he came through that doorway, I never expected him to do what he did next. He set his swim bag down and headed for the first kid nearest the exit and proceeded to walk the entire line signing autographs. He was there well over half an hour following that devastating 3rd place finish. As friends who did not attend trials post on FB how much they emulate Lochte and Phelps, I’ve corrected them time and again that it is swimmers such as Matt whom I would prefer my kids to emulate. In my book, Matt proved himself to be a man of his word, mature, and the epitome of a sportsman Tuesday night. After suffering heartbreaking defeat, he made good on his promise to the younger generation and do so with a gracious smile on his face. Please thank him, Annie, for being a man of character who models great sportsmanship.
I couldn’t agree more!
One of the reasons that I wanted to be here at the trials is to witness the clash of the Titans, the first generation of pros versus the first generation of superstars they inspired to stake a claim on Mt. Olympus. This changing of the guard promised to be one epic battle after another. This was a chance to see Matt defend his castle against ever more challenging odds. The outcome of these clashes is never a foregone conclusion and if they were replayed twice more, there might be three different results. This is the ultimate Olympic Trials for fans, one that may not be surpassed in its significance. Thank you, Mr. Greevers, for your heroic fight, for being carried out on your shield with honor and dignity intact. No one can ask for more. We are all proud of you. How could it be otherwise?
But it sounds like there’s still something left on your bucket list that needs some attention. You’re on the cusp of that elusive WR and I am certain that you’ve done the right training to achieve it. Your WR is in that body and just hidden by fatigue. With a little more rest, it’s there for the taking. Adding the title of World Record Holder to Olympic Champion might take some of the sting out of this week. I’m pretty sure they’re holding time trials in Omaha.
If I could wish one thing for my swimmer children, it would be that they do the sport with grace- when they “win” and when they “lose”. That’s so much more important than any time they could achieve, or any medal they could win- Olympic or otherwise. Congratulations to Matt for being the very definition of the word champion, and for being someone I hope my children will emulate. Thanks so much for this article.
Class act & Champion in every sense. Saw him swim his senior year in High school, anchoring the free relay. He went in about 1-1/2 body lengths behind and was leading by his breakout. The greatness was there then and will always be there– and people will still want his autograph many years to come.
Annie! I met on a plane leaving Master Nationals in San Antonio! You were other the sweetest people and we will never forget him! Thanks for signing my poster for my daughter, she has it hanging in her room
???????❤️
Annie…. A most wonderful article for a giant of a swimmer!…. I always love and enjoy seeing Matt at swim meets… he is so friendly and thoughtful of others… He will always be in the swimming and non swimming world a winner…
He will ALWAYS be remembered!!! Class act for sure!!!!
Annie, we were so rooting for Matt here in TX… Knowing your San Antonio family and hearing them talk about Matt outside of the swim world has made us root for him even more. Like you said, he will be a well loved swimmer despite not making it to the olympics this year… His grace and positive attitude after his devistating loss was definitely something to be admired!
This is amazing. You have captured in writing the heart, soul, joy and pain every swimmer feels at Olympic trials. I’m grateful to you for having the opportunity to read your words and, honestly, shed some tears of understanding.
Cheers to you. I hope to read more from you in the future- you are a beautiful writer!