Jersey Boys Make Waves at the Olympics
New Jersey has emerged as a powerhouse in the swimming world, with three athletes hailing from the Garden State making waves at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Matt Fallon, Nic Fink, and Jack Alexy have already secured medals, leaving their home state bursting with pride.
Fallon, a 21-year-old from Warren, will be competing in the 200-meter breaststroke on Tuesday. He expressed his excitement about New Jersey’s growing prominence in swimming, stating, “New Jersey has really started to kick it up a notch now.” Fallon is joined by Fink, a 31-year-old Morristown native, and Alexy, a 21-year-old from Mendham.
Fink’s silver medal win in the 100-meter breaststroke was a historic moment. Not only did he tie with legendary British swimmer Adam Peaty, but he also became the oldest swimmer on the 2024 US team to earn his first medal since 1904. Fink’s achievement was a testament to his perseverance after a disappointing fifth-place finish at the pandemic-delayed 2021 Tokyo Games.
Alexy, standing at an impressive 6 feet 8 inches, had his shining moment when he won gold as part of the men’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay team. His grandmother, Judith Ann Alexy, spoke proudly of his dedication to the sport, recalling how he would always be swimming from a young age. Alexy’s success is a result of his unwavering commitment and continuous efforts to improve.
What makes these New Jersey swimmers even more remarkable is their longstanding connection. Alexy and Fallon have been teammates for years, training together at the Somerset Hills YMCA. At the Olympic trials in June, Alexy witnessed Fallon’s victory in the 200-meter breaststroke, securing his spot on the USA Swimming team for the Summer Olympics. The bond between these athletes extends beyond their shared home state.
Their alma mater, The Pingry School, has played a significant role in their journeys. Fink and Fallon both attended the prestigious college prep school in Basking Ridge. According to Timothy Lear, Pingry’s head of school, the institution launched a social media campaign to support the swimmers, garnering enthusiastic responses from hundreds of alumni. The success of Fink and Fallon has put Pingry in the spotlight, showcasing the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded students.
Fink, who graduated from Pingry in 2011, emphasized the significance of their shared experience, stating, “The fact that Matt and I are both on this team is a pretty cool little stat.” Fink’s wife, Melanie Margalis-Fink, is also a gold medalist, adding to the family’s swimming legacy.
Fallon echoed the sentiment, expressing his pride in representing his home state. He sees himself as a figure for the swimming community in New Jersey, inspiring others to pursue their dreams. Both Fink and Fallon exemplify the ability to excel in academics and athletics simultaneously. Lear described them as exceptional students who prioritized their education while achieving success in the pool. They embody the idea that one can be both a serious student and a committed athlete, without sacrificing personal growth and character development.
Alexy’s grandmother, Judith Ann, shared similar sentiments about her grandson’s humble and kind nature. Despite coming from a family of successful athletes, Alexy remains down-to-earth and has volunteered to help younger swimmers. His dedication to improving the sport that has treated him so well speaks volumes about his character.
The success of these Jersey boys at the Olympics not only highlights their individual achievements but also showcases the growing prominence of swimming in New Jersey. Their stories serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and demonstrate the power of hard work, resilience, and the support of a close-knit community. New Jersey can celebrate its rising status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of swimming.
