Headingley swimmer eager to gain experience

Last year, I introduced readers to Headingley swimmer Matt Miller, who was competing in the 2016 Can Am Para-Swimming Championships in Gatineau, Que.

At age 16, Matt is still learning to cope with his Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a hereditary disease of the peripheral nerves which results in the hands and feet losing sensation.
In the past year, Miller has racked up medals at various swim meets.

"Matt’s personal times have improved greatly, especially in the backstroke, that seems to be his best," says his mother, Sandra.  

"He competed in Windsor, Ont. at the Speedo Para Can Am meet and had a gold medal race in the 200 backstroke, dropping five seconds off his previous time... (and) he was invited to participate in two relays for Team Canada, a pretty thrilling experience for him."   

Now Matt is getting ready to compete for Team Manitoba at this year’s Canada Summer Games.

Miller’s coach, Ian Grunewald of the St. James Seals, will be an assistant coach for Team Manitoba, and explained his expectations of the Games:

"Canada Games is the next stepping stone in Matt’s swimming career. He has now participated in two Para Can Am Championships making the finals at both and being selected to Team Canada relays," Grunewald said. "Canada Games is the setting that teaches swimmers how to compete on a much bigger scale.  The crowds will be bigger, the expectations higher, especially being at home.

"The Games will, I hope, set the stage for much bigger things to come for this talented young man"  

When asked if his training regime had changed during this last year, Matt said:

"I spend even more time in the pool. I swim seven times per week. I also do some dry land training with Undefeated Crossfit."

Even with this gruelling training schedule, he still finds time to work part-time at Breezy Bend Country Club as a club Attendant.

Come out to the Canada Summer Games to cheer on one of our own.

All of Headingley will be rooting for our athlete!

Valerie Chatain-White is a community correspondent for Headingley. You can contact her at vchatainwhite@gmail.com