Big Brother, the iconic reality show, is all set to embark on its 25th milestone season, and fans are eagerly waiting to witness the drama, alliances, and competition inside the infamous Big Brother house. With the premiere on August 2nd, CBS has introduced us to a diverse cast of houseguests, but one individual stands out from the rest – Matt Klotz, a Deaflympian with an incredible story of determination and triumph.
Introducing Matt Klotz – A Deaflympic Champion
Matt Klotz, a 27-year-old swimmer, hailing from Cameron Park, California, currently resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. What sets him apart from his fellow houseguests is his exceptional journey as a Deaflympian. Born deaf, Matt’s life has been a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Despite his hearing impairment, Matt pursued his dreams in the world of swimming and left an indelible mark on the sport.
The Revelation of His Deafness
In a candid interview with DeafPeople.com, Matt revealed that he was born deaf, but it went unnoticed by his parents until he turned two years old. This was before universal hearing screening for newborns became common practice. Matt mentioned that he could read lips at an early age, but it was only when he received hearing aids that he experienced the joy of hearing his parents’ voices for the first time.
A Secret Advantage in the Big Brother House
As an adept lip-reader, Matt possesses a hidden advantage that he plans to keep to himself during his time in the Big Brother house. In a Diary Room session, he slyly expressed, “I’m definitely not going to let anyone know my little secret, which is lip reading. I can read anyone’s lips from far away or up close, and I’m not going to let them know that because that’s going to be a huge advantage for me.”
A Balanced Strategy for Success
Matt, a self-proclaimed “decent fan of Big Brother,” is well aware of the game’s dynamics. Having watched a couple of seasons, he enters the house with a clear strategy in mind. His primary goal is to win the first Head of Household (HOH) competition to position himself as a magnet for forming alliances. However, he also understands the value of playing it smart, not burning bridges too quickly, and navigating the challenges with a cautious approach.
A Landmark Moment for Big Brother
In the 23-year history of Big Brother and 25 seasons of the beloved reality show, Matt Klotz makes history as the first hard-of-hearing contestant. His presence on the show breaks barriers and paves the way for greater inclusivity and diversity in reality television. Joining him in the quest for making history is Jag Bains, the first Sikh contestant to compete on the show, truly marking season 25 as a milestone.
Deaflympics Glory and LSU Journey
Beyond the Big Brother house, Matt has a remarkable track record in the world of swimming. He represented the United States at the Deaflympics, a multi-sport event specifically designed for deaf athletes. In the 2013 Summer Deaflympics, Matt showcased his brilliance by earning two gold medals in the 100M Backstroke. His success continued at the 2017 Summer Deaflympics, where he secured an impressive hat-trick of gold medals in the 50M, 100M, and 200M backstroke events.
Matt’s exceptional swimming skills also led him to become a part of the prestigious Louisiana State University (LSU) swim team from 2016 to 2020. During his senior season, he played a vital role in the 200 Free Relay team that broke the school’s record at the SEC Championships. His journey at LSU showcased his dedication, hard work, and relentless pursuit of excellence both in and out of the pool.
The Road to Big Brother Season 25
As the countdown begins for Big Brother Season 25, fans and viewers anticipate an exciting and transformative journey for Matt Klotz. His inspiring life story, coupled with his extraordinary abilities as an athlete, is sure to captivate the hearts of millions of viewers across the country.