Even as his Stanford career is in its infancy, freshman swimmer Matthew Swantson has already picked up national honors in his home country.

A native of Newmarket, Ontario, Swantson was named the 2009 Male Junior Swimmer of the Year. Even more impressive is the fact that it was the second straight time that Swantson has received the award. Total points determine the winner and Swantson was honored in large part because of the 918 points he accumulated at this summer’s British Tri-Nations Meet in London.

Swantson, who swims backstroke, was presented with the trophy at the Canada Cup, where he also swam in the 200 and 50-meter races, placing second in both. In the 200 meter backstroke, he was second only to Matt Hawes, who holds the Canadian record in the event.

Swantson has already seen action for Stanford in the fall section of the team’s schedule. The Cardinal is currently ranked No. 2 in the nation and will not be back in action until it faces Pacific on Jan. 9.