McLean Anchors United States to Gold at FINA Short Course Worlds

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Dec. 13, 2012

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ISTANBUL—Virginia swimming and diving volunteer assistant coach Matt McLean anchored the United States men’s 4x200m freestyle relay to a gold medal at the 2012 FINA Short Course World Championships Thursday (Dec. 13) at the Sinan Erdem Dome in Istanbul.

The U.S. relay of Ryan Lochte, Connor Dwyer, Michael Klueh and McLean finished in a time of 6:51.40, ahead of Australia (6:52.29) and Germany (6:53.22). McLean was also a part of the prelims earlier on Thursday that qualified fourth for the finals.

This is McLean’s fourth international gold medal. The 2011 UVa graduate was a member of the U.S. 4x200m free relay at the 2012 London Olympics that touched first and at the 2011 World University Games, he won two gold medals – in the 200m free and the 4x200m free relay.

The Sterling, Va., native graduated with a degree in sociology and is one of UVa’s most decorated student-athletes. McLean won the 2011 NCAA Championship in the 500-yard freestyle and was a 15-time All-American at UVa. A 17-time Atlantic Coast Conference Champion, he was the ACC Swimmer of the Year in 2008, 2009 and 2011.