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.
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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