18-year old Sierra Marlins swimmer Matthew Klotz has whacked his own Deaf Swimming World Record in the 200 meter backstroke at the 2014 U.S. Junior National Championships.
Klotz swam a 2:04.51 to win heat 12 on Thursday in Irvine, which breaks his own record of 2:05.64 set back in February in Santa Clara.
The 18-year old American was a star of the 2013 DeafLympics; despite entering the meet as a relative unknown, he won both the 100 and 200 backstroke in Sofia, Bulgaria, and added a bronze in the 400 IM. Since then, he’s taken off, breaking each of his own World Records multiple times.
Klotz’s swim on Thursday morning was a well-split 1:01.6/1:02.8 masterpiece, including a 30.17 on his last 50 meters. He probably left a few tenths in the tank, and as the second alternate unfortunately won’t get a chance to swim again in finals.
As of yet, Klotz, who is headed into his freshman year of college, has not announced his plans.
Sunny outside swimming is soooo tough on trying to swim sraight in backstroke. I saw a lot of swimmers hitting the lane lines and then trying to straighten themselves out, which adds a lot of time on.
Some swimmers are just exceptional with their spirit power ! This one proves that anything is possible . In Scotland , last week , there were few races with desabled swimmers … It’s was unbeleivable to watch ! Well done