Eight years after leaving the Olympic stage forever, Michael Phelps now engages himself in the audience seat, to enjoy the sport. However, one of his relay mates from the Beijing Olympics still aims to carry on into another day in the “Greatest Show on Earth.” In his relentless pursuit of his dream, the swimmer finds motivation from the cheerful faces of his fans who still remember him for all the positive moments of his swimming journey. Naturally, this love will drive him to secure a spot on the national swimming squad for the Paris Olympics.

Yes, it has already begun, as Matt Grevers is set to compete in the 2024 US Olympic swimming trials in Indianapolis. He will participate in the men’s 50m freestyle event, challenging all the age-based stereotypes.

Despite falls, Matt Grevers is all set to give a fight 

The 39-year-old Matt Grevers will enter the Lucas Oil Stadium as the oldest male swimmer this time. It will be his seventh Olympic trial in his dazzling swimming career, and he shows no sign of stopping. In fact, this time, Matt Grevers secured his Olympic trial ticket after delivering one of his fastest performances since 2015. The Tucson Ford swimmer is three months older than Michael Phelps and has not missed a single Olympic trial event in this decade. This year, Grevers made his comeback in February and, surprisingly, has shaved almost 0.9 seconds off his initial performance. However, generating raw pace is nothing new for him.

In the Beijing Olympics, the heat event of the 4x100m medley relay race witnessed Matt Grevers joining Mark Gangloff, Ian Crocker, and Garrett Weber-Gale. The relay team achieved the qualification mark ahead of the Australian squad. In the final, Michael Phelps clinched the gold medal with the relay team, including Aaron Peirsol, Brendan Hansen, and Jason Lezak. This victory allowed Phelps to surpass Mark Spitz’s record of seven Olympic medals in a single game.

In the next Olympics in London, Matt Grevers added three Olympic medals to his collection (two golds and one silver). However, in 2016, the Illinois native tasted failure in the 100m backstroke event, finishing in 3rd position. At the Tokyo Olympics, the heartbreak was even bigger as he could only claim sixth place in the trials for the 100m backstroke. This time, he is hoping for a better outcome.

The days swimming alongside Michael Phelps 

Matt Grevers is no stranger to the 50m free event. Except in 2016, he has participated in every Olympic trial for the event since 2004. However, repeated failures have kept him from securing a final chance. This time, he hopes to change his luck. He might draw motivation from one of his 100-yard IM runs where he defeated Michael Phelps, despite being in a tiring condition.

In 2016, at the Arizona vs. Arizona State dual meet, Matt Grevers defeated Michael Phelps in the 100-yard IM event by a 0.41-second difference. The epic battle in the ASU swimming arena attracted a lot of whistles and cheering, and it was just before the Rio Olympics. As per Matt Grevers, the victory came because of a race plan in place. And as far as the 50m races are concerned, the Olympian holds a special attachment to the events. 

Expressing that part, he once added, “I love 50s…because I think it allows us to stay longer in the sport. Everyone can swim a 50. I will keep my motivation up and continue my progression.” In a few days, he will be again at a 50m event. No matter what, he will give a memorable performance for sure.