Losing Like An Olympic Champion

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

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!!

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.

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!

Beautiful story! What a great guy! He will always be remembered! He was so gracious last night signing and getting pictures outside after finals.

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”!

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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