Scotch College

The Highs and Lows of an International Swimmer

It has been an interesting few months for Matt Welsh ('94). Matt experienced both the highs and lows of competing at the highest level during the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, where he won the Gold medal, and the Pan Pacific swimming titles in Yokohama, where he was disqualified during his qualifying final.

At Manchester during the Commonwealth Games, Matt had to deal with the challenge of competing against Australia's swimming idol (and outstanding champion) Ian Thorpe.

Matt originally chose backstroke as his pet event because few swam it particularly fast and he could 'get a gig'. He is now the world champion of the 100m backstroke and a great ambassador for the sport.

Before the race Matt claimed 'I'm just going about my job and anyone who happens to be there is a competitor and I plan to beat them'. This positive thinking and self confidence held him in good stead as he went on to win the gold medal ahead of Ian Thorpe who claimed the silver medal.

There aren't too many swimmers in the world that can currently claim that they have touched the wall ahead of Ian but Matthew is one of the few that proudly can.

Matt has dedicated himself to his sport and is now one of Australia's best International swimmers.