Matt Grevers Relishes Relaxed Attitude Toward Prelim Swims (SW Radio)

Photo Courtesy: Kara Sekenski

Coverage of the 2015 FINA World Championships is sponsored by Wylas Timing. Visit our coverage page for more.

Matt Grevers prides himself on being a relaxed swimmer in the morning prelims, confident that he has three races in which to put together a fast swim, and he said that helped him cruise through the 100 back prelims at the FINA world championships.

“The morning swims are easier for me,” he said. “I’m used to having a looser energy.”

Listen To Interview On Swimming World Radio

No one could fault Grevers if he had been a bit anxious in his prelim swim, where he qualified second for the semifinals with a 53.21. He was part of the American foursome that failed to qualify for the final of the 400 free relay yesterday, despite his strong 48.67 split. His role of team captain, he said, added to the disappointment of not doing more to get the Americans in the final.

“We feel really bad about it, but being a men’s team, no one’s blaming anyone,” Grevers said. “I would as captain like to get medals for us. So, we have to start racking up some medals.”

Grevers added that the relay team – which included Jimmy Feigen, Anthony Ervin and Conor Dwyer — came into the race with the mentality that their best effort wasn’t required to get into the top eight.

“Everyone felt like they left a little something in the pool,” Grevers said, “and it bit us in the butt.”

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use