Mathew Belcher

Full Name:  Mathew Belcher (Mat) Date of Birth:  20/09/1982 Began Sailing:  Age 6 Hometown:  Gold Coast Home Club:  Southport Yacht Club Institute / Academy:  Queensland Academy of Sport, Australian Institute of Sport Australian Sailing Team:  Since 2001 Education:  Master of Urban & Sustainable Development (Studying) B. Commerce (Accounting) REIQ Real Estate & Travel Agent License

Mat Belcher is the most successful sailor currently in the Australian Team. A long-time student of master 470 coach Victor Kovalenko, Belcher has an Olympic gold (2012) and silver (2016) medal to his name and numerous World Championships, including four with current crew, Will Ryan. He is married to German sailor Friederike Belcher who competed in the 470W at the London Games. The couple have two children, Anton and Amelie.

On my day off,

I hang out with my wife and kids, play golf or spend time on the water.

Advice to young sailors

Trust yourself and follow your dreams" - Victor Kovalenko. It was good advice to me and I'm sure it can help. Most important is to enjoy your sailing and have fun.

My sporting heroes are

Paul Elvstrom, Tom King and Ben Ainslie

Personal achievements

Having two children and staying married while campaigning.

What was the first boat you raced in?

Sabot

What other boat classes have you sailed in your career?

470, 420, Moth

When did you first represent Australia?

At the 1998/99 420 World Championships in Athens, Greece

What has been your Career Highlight?

London 2012 gold medal.