Articles by Matt Rees

The Meet Of Tears: U.S. Olympic Trials

At every Trials, there’s a small subset of about 25 swimmers who carry a heavy burden: they miss qualifying for the Olympics by a single spot.

  81 Comments

Robinson Boys & Girls Win The Northern Virginia 6A Occoquan Region Championship

Both the boys’ and girls’ Class 6 Occoquan region championship titles went to Robinson of Fairfax on Saturday.

  Comment First!

Gemmell Powers Stone Ridge Girls to Metros Team Title; Churchill Boys Go Back-to-Back

Stone Ridge senior Erin Gemmell won the 100 free (48.19) and 200 free (1:43.45), with the former breaking a Metros record Caroline McTaggart had set in 2015.

  8 Comments

The Joys of Summer League Swimming Captured In A New Documentary

Matt Rees and his sister, Johanna, at Springbrook Pool, 1976.

  11 Comments

Churchill Boys Score Upset Win At Metros, Stone Ridge Girls Roll To Victory

Stone Ridge won the girls’ portion of the meet, while the Churchill boys’ surprise came in the form of a team victory by a margin of just 2.5 points.

  5 Comments

An Homage To Omaha: A Swim Fan’s Reflections On A Week At Olympic Trials

A look back at what was a whirlwind week in Omaha from a fan’s perspective.

  11 Comments

A Review of Splash!: 10,000 Years of Swimming & a Q&A with Author Howard Means

Matt Rees shares his review of Splash!, along with an interview with author Howard Means.

  5 Comments

How Eddie Reese Became The Most Successful College Coach In Swimming

Reese has built an incredible legacy at the University of Texas, leading the men’s team to unparalleled excellence.

  12 Comments

Rip Esselstyn: Get Plant Strong

Esselstyn, an author, former swimmer and firefighter, is on a crusade to transform the American diet.

  10 Comments

Woodson, James Madison Win VHSL Class 6 Championships; Huske and Grimm Shine

The Woodson boys and James Madison girls won VHSL Class 6 State Championships yesterday, while Torri Huske set a new national public school 100 fly record.

  1 Comment

Phoebe Bacon Phenomenal At Metros As Stone Ridge & Gonzaga Win Team Titles

Phoebe Bacon won the 100 back and 200 IM at the 2020 Metro Championships in record-setting fashion as Stone Ridge and Gonzaga came away with the team titles.

  13 Comments

Holton-Arms and Georgetown Prep Win DC “Metros” Title As Bacon Shines

Much of the Washington region’s deep talent pool was out in force, and they did not disappoint

  8 Comments

Standout Sophomores Anthony Grimm and Tori Huske Dazzle at VHSL Northern Region 6A Champs

The Virginia Northern Region 6A champs have historically seen some really fast swimming, and this year is no exception, as sophomores Anthony Grimm and Victoria Huske broke meet records previously held by some big names.

  9 Comments

Bowman Shares Pre-Olympic Michael Phelps Workouts At ASCA Convention

At the recent convention of the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA), Arizona State coach Bob Bowman delivered remarks focused on how he prepared Michael Phelps for the Olympics in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016

  45 Comments

Multiple State Records Shattered At Virginia 6A State Meet

Meet results Photo vault Virginia’s 6A state championship meet on Friday night had a potent mix of ingredients: three tablespoons…

  1 Comment