Born On:  March 26th, 1985

Hometown:  Lake Forest, Illinois

Resides in:  Tucson, Arizona

Education:  Northwestern University '07

Height:  6'6"
 

The Moment That Changed His Life

Heading into the 2008 Olympic Trials, Matt Grevers was not a favorite. He was entered in an event that was, arguably, the most competitive in the entire world: the men’s 100m backstroke. He faced a deep, stacked field. Two-time defending Olympic Champion Aaron Peirsol. World-record holder Ryan Lochte. In an event where only the top two finishers qualify for the Olympic Team, Matt Grevers had an outside chance. 

But somehow, reaching out with his 6’8’’ frame, he managed to get his hand on the wall second, nipping world-record holder Ryan Lochte, and qualifying for his first-ever Olympic team. 

It was an upset that forever changed his life. But it didn’t stop there. Fueled by the confidence of making the team, Grevers flourished in his new role as backstroking superstar. The Chicago native won a gold medal in his two relay performances, swimming freestyle and backstroke, respectively, in the preliminaries. But arguably his greatest swim came in the men’s 100m backstroke. In the preliminaries, Grevers set an Olympic record, swimming the fastest time ever swum at the Olympics – at any Olympics.

But he wasn’t done. 

Later that night, Grevers won an individual silver medal, behind teammate Aaron Peirsol. The event was a momentous victory for Team USA, and Matt became a household name among swim fans everywhere. 

The Decision That Changed His Life

The United States is the hardest Olympic team to qualify for. There are so many swimmers and so few events. Oftentimes, an Olympic Trial individual event features the top three best swimmers in the world – but only two can go. 

Which is why Matt’s decision is so surprising.

Because Matt’s parents are from The Netherlands, Matt held dual-citizenship. Which means that Matt could have attempted to swim for another country that is, arguably, less competitive than the United States to qualify for the Olympic Team. But Matt thought it over, and decided that he wanted to at least try to qualify for the United States Olympic team. He grew up here. He lived here. And he wanted to wear the American flag. 

George Bush later praised Matt for this decision as a shining example of what it means to represent the United States in international competition. Matt could have taken an easier route to the Olympics, but he followed his heart. 

Matt’s Backstory

Matt grew up north of Chicago. He quickly became a local legend. He was High School Swimmer of the Year, and arguably, the top recruit in the country coming out of Lake Forest High School. He led them to its first-ever state championship, as well as setting state records in his events – three of which stands today (50, 100 freestyles; 100 backstroke). 

Matt went to school at nearby Northwestern University. Quickly, Matt flourished. By the time he graduated, Matt was a 27-time All-American, as well as a 4-time NCAA Champion. Matt experienced all this athletic success while attending one of the most academically challenging universities in the country. 

Where He Is Now

After graduation, Matt moved from Chicago to sunnier weather. He now lives and trains in Tucson, Arizona. He looks forward to 2012 and the Olympic Trials to qualify for his second Olympic team. He competes in numerous meets around the country, namely the USA Swimming Grand Prix series, where you can catch Matt signing autographs, posing for pictures, talking with kids, and sharing his story.