PJ Stevens is a Slovenian sprint breaststroke specialist born July 1st, 1996. After a successful junior international career, Stevens headed for Knoxville to the University of Tennessee. He said Tennessee is the place for him to reach his Rio Olympic dreams.
International
Stevens quickly emerged as Slovenia’s next big breaststroke star swimming for PK Triglav Kranj swim team.
2013 European Junior Swimming championships
Stevens suited up for Slovenia for the first time at the European Junior championships. In the 50-meter breaststroke, his time of 28.06 was enough to tie for second place.
2013 Fina World Junior Championships
Stevens continued a successful summer in Dubai. In his specialty, 50-meter breaststroke, Stevens charged down the pool for a new championship and Slovenian junior record of 27.74.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15v7dKAkzfo
2013 European Short Course Championships
A busy year was topped off at the European Short Course for Stevens’ first senior international cap. He continued his good form, finishing 5th in the 50-meter breaststroke.
University of Tennessee
2014-2015
Stevens recorded the fastest breaststroke split in history with 22.72 in the 200-yard medley relay at the SEC championships. He helped his team to win gold in the event. Stevens also had a finals appearance in the 100 breaststroke finishing 4th. At his first NCAA championships Stevens earned two All American selections. He helped the Vols to an 8th place finish in 200-yard medley relay and finished 11th overall in 100-yard breaststroke.
2015-2016
Stevens picked up a devastating disqualification in the 100-breaststroke at the SEC championships. His time of 51.9 before his disqualification would have put him through to the final seeded 1st and was the 3rd fastest time in the nation of the year. He recorded a 52.35 earlier in the year which was enough to secure a place at the NCAA championships.
2016-2017
At the 2017 NCAA championships, Stevens placed 20th in the men’s 100 breast (52.61). He also helped the Volunteers win the B-final of the 200 medley relay with a breaststroke split of 23.11.
2017-2018
His senior year, Stevens won the B-final of the 100 breast at the 2018 NCAA’s in 52.11. He also helped the volunteer relays to a 6th place finish (200 medley) and 15th place finish (400 medley).
2018 European Championships
At the 2018 Euro champs, Peter won his first senior international medal, touching for 3rd in the 50 breast at 27.06.
