2023 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
- June 27 – July 1, 2023
- Indianapolis, IN
- Indiana University Natatorium
- LCM (50m)
- Meet Central
- Psych Sheet (updated version, 6/26)
- Live Results
- SwimSwam Preview Index
- How To Watch
- Day 1 Prelims Live Recap | Day 1 Finals Live Recap
- Day 2 Prelims Live Recap | Day 2 Finals Live Recap
On his way to a national title in the men’s 200 breaststroke, Matt Fallon blitzed a new personal best of 2:07.71. With that time, Fallon became the sixth-fastest American in history, passing Andrew Wilson. Fallon previously stood at #7 on the list, courtesy of his 2:07.91 at 2022 U.S. Nationals. This swim marks a two-tenth drop for him.
It also would have earned him silver at the 2022 World Championships. No American man has medaled at long-course Worlds in this event since 2015.
All-Time Top U.S. Performers, 200 Breaststroke
- Josh Prenot — 2:07.17 (2016)
- Kevin Cordes — 2:07.41 (2017)
- Eric Shanteau — 2:07.42 (2009)
- Nic Fink — 2:07.55 (2021)
- Will Licon — 2:07.62 (2019)
- Matt Fallon — 2:07.71 (2023)
- Andrew Wilson — 2:07.77 (2019)
Fallon employed his usual race strategy of back-halfing the race. He launched into action at the 100-meter mark, splitting 32.06 on the third 50 to go from sixth to first. It was the fastest third 50 split in the field by over a second. He was also fastest in the field on the last 50, splitting 33.19.
Split Comparison, Matt Fallon 2022 vs. 2023
| 2023 U.S. Trials | 2022 U.S. Nationals | |
| 50 | 29.90 | 30.40 |
| 100 | 1:02.46 (32.56) | 1:03.41 (33.01) |
| 150 | 1:34.52 (32.06) | 1:35.43 (32.02) |
| 200 | 2:07.71 (33.19) | 2:07.91 (32.48) |
Improving his front half of the race is actually what made the difference for Fallon here in Indianapolis. Compared to his swim in Irvine at Nationals, he didn’t let the field get too far away from him in the first 100 meters. He was almost a second ahead of his lifetime best pace at the 100.
His third 50 splits are separated by just four-hundredths. He was more than half a second slower at Trials on the last 50 than he was at Nationals. However, his front speed had done the job for him, and gave him enough room to get to the wall in a new best.
This is also a big swim for Fallon outside the time. It’s been an up and down year for him. He missed the 2022 U.S. Trials due to UPenn’s exam schedule, so he didn’t compete for a spot on the Worlds team. Then this year, he injured his back during in-water training, which caused him to miss 2023 NCAAs.
But he’s shown that he’s back on form and will race at his first World Championships in Fukuoka next month.
Can’t help but love the way he swims it. He makes the 200 br exciting!
Way to go Matt, New Jersey is proud of you, and soon your country will be proud of you!! we love your legendary stroke
Great job, Matt!!! Congratulations!! And good luck in Fukuoka!
Go Quakers!
He swam faster than Olympic gold medallist Zac Stubblety Cook at trials wow
Congrats, Matt! Way to wind it up. Have fun in Fukuoka…we are very proud of you.
Gary Sr.
I know backhalfing is his strategy, but I wonder what he could do if he pushed the front half a little more. He’d probably still be able to push hard in the back half and go an even faster time.
We saw him do that tonight. I think he gets that last 50 down to 32.5 and he’s golden
Agreed. The best 200 breaststrokers have that double tempo last 50 meters. Chupkov, ZSC, Sato, Schoenmaker, etc.
IMHO, Douglass, and maybe even Marchand, need to learn that style to reach their full potential in the event.
The specialists, like Fallon, know what they’re doing. The secret to 2:07 low 2:06 high for him is continuing the build from the 3rd 50.
In my experience, a long taper and a focus on holding water when you begin maxing out tempo does the trick.
If he can duplicate his 3rd 50 on the final lap he wins worlds.