A star swimmer at the University of Texas where he studies kinesiology, Matt Rose qualified for the Games in the 100-metre backstroke at the Olympic trials in July. That was considered a bit of surprise since Rose is traditionally known as a sprint freestyler.
"I've been working hard on my backstroke and I knew that cut was within reach," said Rose, who started swimming in Lindsay, Ont., under Marian Sweetnam, the mother of Commonwealth Games champion Nancy Sweetnam. "Hopefully I surprised some people tonight with my performance."
Rose didn't disappoint in the 50 freestyle either. He broke his Canadian record in event at trials lowering it to 22.42. seconds. "I haven't had great 50 freestyles this year so I'm very happy with that result."
