Human Interest |
General Interest |
Superstitions / Rituals / Beliefs |
Before a tournament, he usually tries to eat light food. (Athlete, 18 Jul 2000) |
Famous relatives |
Matt's wife is Kathleen Burke, the World under-23 Rowing Champion in 1994. The two met at the Australian Institute of Sport in 1998 where Kathleen was also on a scholarship. His brothers-in-law are Olympic rowing silver medallist Daniel Burke [Sydney 2000] and State Boxing Champion Michael Burke. (archery.org, 25 Aug 2010) |
Sport Specific Information |
Why this sport? |
He first came into contact with the sport when his father bought a bow at a clearance sale, three months later they both joined an archery club. |
General Interest |
Hero / Idol |
Australian former middle distance runner and businessman, Herb Elliot. (archery.org, 25 Aug 2010) |
Sport Specific Information |
Handedness |
Right |
When and where did you begin this sport? |
He took up the sport at age seven in Goorambat, Victoria, Australia. |
Further Personal Information |
Occupation |
Police Officer |
Languages |
English |
General Interest |
Nicknames |
Matt. (Athlete, 16 Jun 2008) |
Other information |
OLYMPIC NEAR MISS As an 18-year-old he was close to qualifying for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona but just missed out on a spot on the team by one place. This disappointment was all but forgotten when he qualified for the 1996 Olympic Games and then went on to set an Olympic record in an early round of the team event. The Australians scored 253 of a possible 270 points to set the record in Atlanta but could only manage to finish the competition in fourth place. (AOC, 07 Apr 2008)
WATER He is a police officer with the NSW Water Police. (ACGA, 29 Aug 2010)
DAUGHTER "My motivation was to have my daughter watch me compete at the 2008 Olympic Games. I hope my Olympic journey helps her in life to accomplish whatever she wants. Her words of 'Go Dad Da' over the phone are enough to keep me motivated." (Athlete, 16 Jun 2008) |
Hobbies |
Surf skiing with friends, gardening, and water sports. (Athlete, 16 Jun 2008) |
Most influential person in career |
His wife and daughter. (Athlete, 16 Jun 2008) |
Ambitions |
"Be the best father I can be for my children." (Athlete, 16 Jun 2008) |
Sport Specific Information |
Training Regime |
He trains whenever he can fit it in, between family and work. |
International Debut |
Year |
1988 |
Competing for |
Australia |
Tournament |
World Championship |
Location |
Italy |
General Interest |
Sporting philosophy / motto |
"What's the worst thing that could happen!?" (Athlete, 16 Jun 2008) |
Further Personal Information |
Residence |
Nelson Bay, NSW, AUS |
Sport Specific Information |
Club / Team |
Sydney Olympic Park Archers: Sydney, NSW, AUS |
Further Personal Information |
Higher education |
Nursing - La Trobe University: Melbourne, VIC, AUS |
Sport Specific Information |
Coach from which country? |
Australia |