Former UM Swimmer Matt Gribble to Be Honored in Street Dedication Ceremony
May 26, 2005
CORAL GABLES, <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>Fla. –Miami-Dade County Commissioner Katy Sorenson will name the corner of SW 117th Ave. and 128 St. after the late Matt Gribble, a former Miami swimmer and Olympian, on Thursday, June 2nd at 10:00 a.m. <?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
The ceremony will be attended by family, friends and Miami-Dade officials, as well as UM Hall Of Fame Swim Coach Bill Diaz and current Miami swimming coach Mariusz Podkoscielny.
Gribble passed away March 21, 2004 at the age of 41 in a fatal automobile accident near The Falls.
Considered on of the most decorated athletes to ever swim for the Hurricanes, Gribble, a native of Miami, was a two-time NCAA champion (1982, 1983) and a four-time All-American (1981-84) in the 100-meter butterfly while at UM. He set four school records including the school mark in the 100-meter butterfly that still stands today. Gribble was inducted into the University of Miami Hall of Fame in 1997.
A two-time Olympian, Gribble was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, which did not compete due to an American boycott in Moscow, and a member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic team. He won the 1982 World Championships in the 100-meter butterfly and held the world record in the event until 1984. He was also a member of the 1982 World Championships gold medal 400-meter medley relay team.
“Matt was an outstanding, tough swimmer,” said Diaz after Gribble’s passing. “He was quiet and all the swimmers loved and respected him. He was very dedicated and loved the University of Miami and his teammates.”
