Perseverance pays off as Glaetzer and McEvoy win well in Paris

Their results in Paris have been a long time coming for cyclist Matthew Glaetzer and swimmer Cam McEvoy, but with the support of their performance teams and loved ones, the pair have certainly brought Australian sport’s vision to win well and inspire Australians to life in France.

Australian cyclist Matthew Glaetzer wins bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Glaetzer went into his fourth Games with three world championships and five Commonwealth Games gold medals, but four fourth place finishes at previous Olympics.

That all changed when at his last Olympics and at 32-years of age, Glaetzer claimed bronze in the team sprint alongside teammates Matthew Richardson and Leigh Hoffman.

“I've been chasing an Olympic medal my whole career and it's taken 12 years. Every single team sprint we've come fourth and it's been the monkey on the back that I just haven't been able to shake,” Glaetzer said.

“I know a lot of the media put heaps of emphasis on gold medals, but to be honest, like any performance that you're proud of is super valuable. And this bronze is like a gold to me, to be honest. I mean, after going 12 years with no Olympic medal and to win a bronze, it's so special. And to share it with the boys. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

The support Glaetzer received to achieve his goal of a podium finish reinforces Australian sport’s united commitment to win well, an ideal which balances ambitious performance goals with a culture of care, integrity, fair play and pride.

It also champions people first, athletes second, something which McEvoy’s team lived and breathed during his Olympic preparation.

Australian swimmer Cameron McEvoy celebrates winning gold in the 50m free at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Just like Glaetzer, Paris was Games number four and the last for McEvoy.

McEvoy retired from swimming after Tokyo but when he decided to have one last go in Paris, he revolutionised his training regime, working with coach Tim Lane to make the sport suit him, rather than the other way around.

The approach paid off, with McEvoy becoming Australia’s first gold medallist in the 50m freestyle.

“That entire 21.25 seconds was just bliss, I never thought I'd be able to experience that,” Mcvoy said.

“I think with the new training approach too, I think I can help so many people around the world and push sprinting forward.

“I didn't have anywhere in Australia to have the freedom to do this type of approach. It was only him [coach Tim Lane] that said whatever you need, I’ll move heaven and earth to make that happen.”

Swimming Australia and AusCycling are two of the 51 sports and organisations that have made the pledge to win well as part of Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy.

To learn more, or add your name to the win well pledge, visit winwell2032.au