Division III Grad Wins Seven Estonian Golds, Misses Olympic Cuts

Rose-Hulman graduate Matt Smith won seven gold medals and one silver medal, while narrowly missing a spot in the upcoming Olympic Games, during the Estonia Swimming National Championships last week.

Smith, a 2003 graduate who holds dual citizenship in the United States and Estonia, won individual national titles in both the 100-meter breaststroke and 50-meter breaststroke. He also participated on winning relay teams in the 200-medley, 200-freestyle, 400-freestyle, 400-medley and 800-freestyle.

In addition, Smith also claimed an individual silver medal in the 200-breaststroke.

Smith missed the Olympic qualification cut by less than two seconds, with a personal best time of 1:04.81 in the 100-meter breaststroke. "It's unfortunate that I didn't make the Olympic time cut, even with my personal best times. It was a great trip for everyone involved, and I never imagined the thought of winning eight medals in a national championship," said Smith.

Smith became Rose-Hulman's first swimming national champion in 2003, claiming NCAA Division III title honors in the 100-yard breaststroke. The four-time All-American finished fifth in the 200-yard breaststroke in 2003, after claiming All-America honors in both events in 2002.

Smith also became the first Academic All-American in swimming program history in 2002. At Rose-Hulman, Smith was named the 2002 SCAC Tri-Swimmer of the Year, won eight individual conference titles and set eight school records.