Matt Wearn

Wearn, a two-time Olympic champion and multiple World Championships medallist, has firmly established his legacy in Australian sporting history.

The 28-year-old West Australian defended his Olympic title in the laser class at the Paris 2024 Games and became the first back-to-back Olympic champion in the men’s dinghy event.

This wasn’t an easy feat, considering he was forced to race the men's dinghy final twice, which was initially abandoned close to the finish due to the wind. This pushed Wearn from the leading position to the back of the pack. With composure and perseverance, he fought hard to win the race and secure the gold.

The accomplishment marks the fourth consecutive time an Australian athlete has won the men's dinghy competition and was extra sweet for Wearn, having overcome long-COVID in 2022.

Despite missing most of the 2022 season, Wearn’s determination saw him recover in time to win the 2023 Olympic test event and the 2023 World Championships and secure both World and Olympic titles in 2024.

Off the water, Wearn backs up his performances with good sportsmanship and is a highly respected competitor not only on the Australian Sailing Team but also on the World Sailing circuit.

His leadership was further recognised when he was chosen as one of Australia’s flag bearers at the Olympic closing ceremony.