OMAHA, Neb. - Minot swimmer Matt Lowe failed to qualify for the semifinals of the 200-meter breaststroke at the U.S. Olympic Trials on Thursday at the CenturyLink Center.
Lowe completed his heat in 2 minutes, 19.37 seconds, his fastest time of the season. He finished 60th out of 132 competitors, but only the top 16 advanced.
Kathy Aspaas, Lowe's coach, said Lowe was hoping recent tapering in his training would allow him to swim a time near 2:16 or 2:14. Clark Burckle was the fastest qualifier at 2:10.30 and Brendan McHugh took the 16th and final spot in 2:13.87.
"His overall goal was to swim a time that he would be satisfied with," said Aspaas, also Lowe's aunt. "Whether that was enough to make it into the top 16, he just wanted to know that he had swum a time that he was capable of swimming ... and that didn't happen."
Aspaas said Lowe didn't indicate whether he'd continue swimming competitively after his third Olympic Trials. At 26 years old, Lowe must decide whether to commit to four more years of preparation for another run at the Olympics or to pursue another career.
"It's more 'What have you gained from the journey?' " Aspaas said. "I think when he stops to think about that aspect of it, he will come to realize that there's a lot of swimmers in North Dakota - and even outside of North Dakota - who look up to him. A lot of people look up to him as far as his commitment and dedication to the sport."
- Daily News Staff