In light of his performance at the 2017 Deaflympics, sophomore swimmer Matt Klotz has been named the USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) Sportsman of the Year.
Klotz was outstanding at this past summer’s Deaflympics, which were held in Samsun, Turkey. Klotz swam in all three individual backstroke events, the 50 back, 100 back, and 200 back, and won gold in all three events. In doing so, he also set Deaflympics records in all three swims as well as new deaf world records in the 50 and 200 back.
Along with his three gold medals, Klotz also won silver in the 50 fly and 50 free.
Klotz, being the only returning swimmer for Team USA last summer, was also named Team Captain for USA Deaf Swimming.
“This is a great honor for Matt to receive,” said LSU swimming head coach Dave Geyer. “He had some great goals this summer of what he hoped to accomplish in the water at the Deaflympics. For that now to be recognized in this manner is certainly rewarding for him.”
Klotz also holds the ninth fastest time in school history in the 100 back, swimming a 48.07 at the Art Adamson Invitational last season.
The above press release courtesy of LSU Swimming & Diving
Congratulations