Penn swimming and diving junior breaststroker Matt Fallon’s years of hard work have culminated in one of the greatest seasons in Penn history, and it’s not over yet.
The Warren, N.J. native came into the 2023-24 swim season with momentum from a bronze medal-winning performance at the World Championships last summer, and he kept this momentum going into the collegiate season. Fallon went undefeated in both breaststroke events during the regular dual meet season and was instrumental in Penn's historic win over Harvard — the first win over the Crimson since 1971.
During the collegiate championship season, all eyes were on Fallon, and he consistently delivered. At Ivies, Fallon touched the wall in a time of 1:49.75 seconds, claiming both a championship title and the fastest time in the NCAA at the time.
A month later, Fallon made a triumphant return to the NCAA Division I Championships after missing last year’s due to injury. In a competitive heat including five-time world champion Leon Marchand, Fallon finished second behind Marchand. His time put him up as the second-fastest American in history in the 200-yard breaststroke.
Outside of the NCAA, Fallon has consistently proved that he is the top American 200-meter breaststroker and the one to beat at this year’s U.S. Olympic Trials. At the U.S. Open, Fallon took home a win in meet record-breaking-fashion in the 200-meter breaststroke over a field of Olympians and fellow World Championship medalists. Most recently, at the TYR Pro Swim Series, Fallon took home a revenge win over Marchand.
As we head into the final weeks ahead of the U.S. Olympic Trials, Fallon’s chances of an Olympic berth this summer are high. Regardless of his Olympic outcome, the Penn community will be looking forward to next school year for his final season with the Red and Blue where he will return as the top 200-yard breaststroker in the NCAA.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
Donate
