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Upper St. Clair swimmer wins at sectionals

By Eleanor Bailey almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.Net 2 min read
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Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac

Upper St. Clair native Josh Matheny competed at the Speedo Sectionals held in Indianapolis as well as the U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha this year. In 2021, he also earned Swimmer of the Meet honors at the PIAA championships and shattered district, state and national scholastic records in his signature swim, the breaststroke.

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Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac

Josh Matheny takes a break before warming up for one of his recent races.

Josh Matheny of Upper St. Clair experienced success in his first major tune-up meet ahead of the U.S. Olympic Trials to be held in June in Omaha, Neb.

During the Speedo Sectionals held March 25-28 in Indianapolis, Matheny dominated his signature swim. He won the 200-meter breaststroke with a time of 2:11.05.

Cody Miller, 29, who was the bronze medalist in the event during the 2016 Summer Olympics, finished second.

In the 100 breast, Matheny tied Miller for first. Both recorded a 1:00.31 time.

The effort came on the heels of Matheny’s stellar performance at the PIAA championships.

During the state finals held March 20 at Cumberland Valley High School, Matheny captured his fourth gold medal in the 100-yard breast and lowered his national record to 51.84. He also won the 200 individual medley and guided his medley relay team to victory and a third-place showing in the team standings.

A three-time All-American, Matheny also was a four-time WPIAL champion in the 100 breast. He also lowered his district record to 54.50. With a silver in the IM and a gold in the medley relay, Matheny helped USC to the team championship.

In addition to competing for the Panthers, Matheny swims for the Pittsburgh Elite Aquatics swim club.

Among his other accomplishments are making the national team and competing at the World Junior Championships. During that event two years ago, he captured two gold and two silver medals in Hungary.

Matheny, 18, will continue his progress towards making the Olympic team when he matriculates to Indiana University in the fall. The Hoosiers have produced some of the greatest Olympian swimmers, including Mark Spitz, Lilly King and Miller, who are both breaststrokers.

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