Meet Josh Matheny
Josh began swimming at the age of four or five, initially enrolled in lessons so he could safely join his two older sisters during family trips to the beach. Throughout his childhood, he was an active athlete, competing in hockey, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and basketball. Although swimming remained a consistent presence, it was not his primary focus until middle school. Between fifth and eighth grade, he narrowed his interests to hockey and swimming. Recognizing his stronger potential in the pool and after receiving a concussion from hockey, he ultimately chose to dedicate himself fully to swimming.
"A happy Swimmer is a fast Swimmer"
The decision proved pivotal. In high school, he saw immediate success, winning both the state championship and Junior Nationals as a freshman. His sophomore year brought even greater achievements: he broke the Pennsylvania state record and captured gold in the 200-meter breaststroke at Junior Worlds, setting a meet record in the process. Just as his junior year was poised for further breakthroughs, the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted training and delayed the Olympic Trials. After months out of the water, his senior year was inconsistent, but he still managed to win three events at the state meet, set a new state record, and earn Swimmer of the Meet honors. At the rescheduled Olympic Trials, he placed fifth in the 100-meter breaststroke but failed to advance in the 200-meter breaststroke—an especially disappointing result, as it was his stronger event. The setback was a difficult conclusion to his high school career.
At Indiana University, he quickly re-established himself. As a freshman, he won the 100-meter breaststroke at the Phillips 66 National Championships and posted the third-fastest time in the United States. The following summer, he qualified for the World Championships team in both the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke, reaching the finals in both events and contributing to two relay medals. These performances restored his confidence heading into the Olympic year. At the Olympic Trials, he narrowly missed qualifying in the 100-meter breaststroke, finishing third by just 0.07 seconds—a heartbreaking result. With the support of his coaches and teammates, he regrouped and delivered in his best event, the 200-meter breaststroke, placing second to secure a spot on the Olympic team. At the Games, he advanced to the final and represented the United States as the sole American in the event, marking a defining moment in his career.
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