Matt Wuchte

Current Age Group: 50-54

Team you are a part of: Milford Athletic Club

When did you start competitively swimming? In 1980 at 10 years old

How long have you been in Michigan Masters? 10 years

What is your favorite swim event/race? I enjoy races that most people shy away from. I like the 400IM, and the 200 butterfly. If they had a an 800IM, that would be my favorite.

So far, what was your favorite Masters Swim Meet? At Cleveland, Ohio Nationals Chad Steed, Patrick Sturdy, and I got 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the same heat. To me that was exciting. You don’t see that often. We all had on our red caps to represent team Michigan.

What is your favorite set? 10 x 100s butterfly on 1:30. Nothing fancy. It gives me the most sense of accomplishment. It is my favorite set when it is over.

What is something you need to improve or constantly working on in the pool? Backstroke, and freestyle.  I wish someone could wave a magic wand over me to make me better at those strokes.

What are your big swim goal(s)? My goals may be a little different than others. My goals are to always have fun. What I like most is the friendships that I have made. I thoroughly enjoy my training partners on the weekdays, my MAC friends on the weekends, and my friends that I only get to enjoy at the various meets. I will drive hours to see you, train, talk swimming, joke, and have fun.

Favorite swim Olympian? Rowdy Gaines. He not only signed my poster, but he gave me Steve Lundquist’s address so he could sign it as well. Because of that story, they are the only autographs that I value.

What do you like to do outside the pool? Downhill skiing. Being on a mountain in northern Michigan, or out west is my other happy place. For me, the ride up is just as important as the ride down. Looking at the scenery from the chairlift is so enjoyable to me.