New Kid on the Block

Matt Grevers. The Gentle Giant. “Nu.” “Dutch.” Matt Grevers is a three-time Olympic medalist who first broke onto the international swim scene at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials, where he upset Ryan Lochte to earn the second spot in the 100m backstroke. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Grevers again surprised skeptics, winning an individual silver medal in the 100m backstroke after setting an Olympic record in the preliminary heats. With the swim, Grevers established himself as a permanent player on the USA swim scene and a force to be reckoned with for the next four years.

Olympic Opportunity

Once touted as the best 10-year-old swimmer in the country and a former NAG record holder in the 13-14 age group, Grevers quickly found himself the number one high school recruit in the country, earning “Swimmer of the Year” honors his senior year. Instead of attending a traditional swimming powerhouse, Grevers selected Northwestern University, where he developed into a backstroking star, winning numerous NCAA championships under head coach Bob Groseth. After graduating from Northwestern, for a change-of-pace, Grevers switched training locations from Chicago to Tuscon, Arizona before the 2008 Olympic Trials. The move proved to be the right one. Grevers qualified for the 2008 Olympic team in the 100m backstroke, edging out favorite Ryan Lochte by less than two tenths of a second. It was one of the most heartfelt moments of the Olympic Trials, as Grevers leapt out of the pool and ran over to his screaming family, who had deck-side seats behind Grevers lane.

USA! USA!

Both of Grevers parents are from the Netherlands. But Grevers attained widespread national attention for choosing to compete for Team USA, even earning a mention in a speech by President George W. Bush praising Grevers for his patriotism. Grevers holds dual citizenship for both the United States and the Netherlands, but instead of having a virtual automatic placement on the Dutch Olympic team, Grevers rolled the dice and decided to try out for the US team. The gamble paid off. In addition to the Olympic silver medal, Grevers swam in the preliminary heats of both 400m relays, earning two Olympic gold medals in the process.

Up Next

Grevers picked up right where he left off in 2008, qualifying for the 2009 World Championships and earning himself a night swim on the gold-medal-winning men’s 400m freestyle relay. He also won a gold medal at the World Championships in the 400m medley relay, swimming in the prelims. Grevers currently lives and trains in Tucson, Arizona. When he’s not relaxing or playing video games, he’s training for London 2012, looking forward to making another Olympic team, and – in his words – “living the dream” as a professional swimmer. 

Olympian (2008)

3 Olympic Medals (2 gold, 1 silver)
2008 Olympics (Beijing)
GOLD
400m Freestyle Relay
400m Medley Relay
SILVER
100m Backstroke

4 World Medals (2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze)
2009 World Championships (Rome)
GOLD
400m Freestyle Relay
400m Medley Relay

2006 SC World Championships (Manchester)
SILVER
400m Medley Relay
BRONZE
400m Freestyle Relay

Current World Records
400m Freestyle Relay (SC) - 3:03.30 (2009 Duel in the Pool, Manchester)