Sent from my iPhone on the Telstra Next G network

On the swimming front things are traveling well heading into national champs in just a few weeks time.

They start on the 1st august at Sydney Olympic park aquatic center – I hope to see everyone there.

On top of the training, I’ve also started a job at the department of foreign affairs and trade working in the legal section which is a great opportunity and something I’m really enjoying.

Thought of the day: I’m looking at getting a new computer – do I go PC or Mac?

Matt

Sent from my iPhone on the Telstra Next G network

Also very exciting I’ve started my new job at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Which has been amazing so far.

Plus I received a nomination in the Laureous sports awards to be held in Abu Dhabi in Feb.

Matt

Sent from my iPhone on the Telstra Next G Network

Australia’s Swimmers are banding together to help the region by holding swim clinics in the states with all proceeds going to the appeal. Stay tuned for more info.

Matt

Sent from my iPhone on the Telstra Next G Network

As the new year begins, so does the hard work. No rest here at the institute this year: we trained new years eve and day. I didn’t even make it to midnight this year. Have to be excited for the opportunities this year with the first ever Pan Pacs and some altitude training along the way.

Need to make a shout out to the guys from the institute and our other Telstra ambassadors who departed for the IPC athletics World Championships. Good Luck guys and look forward to hearing the results later in the year.

Matt

It was also a great night last night with the AIS awards being held at the Arena in Canberra. Unfortunately no win for me for the athlete of the year but definitely a worthy winner in Lydia Lassila, amazing to watch her in Vancouver earlier in the year. Congrats to all winners and finalists on a great year.

Matt

Sent from my iPhone on the Telstra Next G Network

Well its that time of year again, when I try and escape the grips of Canberra for a short while and travel over to the US to watch as much sport as I possible can in 2 weeks.   Its been a great trip so far and I’m currently in Philadelphia after spending a week in NY.

I really enjoy getting to see elite sports here in the US, the atmosphere and excitment that surrounds the NFL, NBA and NHL here is just amazing. Having been a New York Giants fan for the last 10 years or so its great to be able to see the team live and get the feel of the city and its team.

Since I’ve been here I’ve also caught up with a few of the guys I used to swim with back home in Adelaide as they now have swimming scholarships at unis here in the US and will also see a couple of the US Paralympic guys while on my travels.

Big thanks to Novatel as well they have been great supporters over the past few years and I’m so thankful for their help organising the trip.   Tomorrow is a full on day here in Philly with a NHL game the Flyers v Devils and NBA game 76ers v Bobcats back to back. Then its on to Boston via NY again for another Giants game.

I’ll keep you updated.

Matt

What an amazing experience it was, big thank you to everyone that contributed to my performance over in Delhi.

I also want to say congratulations to the Indian people for the job they did hosting the games, quite seriously I think the best group of volunteers that I have come across at one of these events.

The Taj Mahal was amazing to see and really did live up to its billing as a wonder of the world.

It has been a crazy few weeks since the games involving a whole lot of travel and opportunities.

A little golf down in Adelaide also a highlight of the past few weeks.

Thanks everyone for your support

Matt

Just want to say a Goodluck to everyone going over there with me. I’m sure it will be a great experience for all, even though I’m sure it will be different and at times confronting.

We compete as athletes for Australia because we love what we do and this is no different, it is a huge honour to be named on an Australian Commonwealth Games Team and one I am very thankful for. No matter what happens over the next few weeks I will support the decisions of all athletes and staff members.

Lets go kick some butt, Aussies!

matt

Despite a fall in the gym at the end of last week, preparations have been going very welll and I’m really getting excited about getting over there and racing!!

Since being here in Canberra I have found a new passion in the NRL and Canberra Raiders, as a Gold member and fan just want to give a shout out to the boys for a great season. Unlucky last Friday night in the semi v W Tigers but great effort and hoping that Campese comes back better than ever next year. Got a pic of the 27 odd thousand Canberrans that turned out to see the Green Machine last week, have to say it was a great atmosphere and I really enjoyed it.

Also over the weekend I had the pleasure of being invited down to Belconnen AMF  to help out an amazing man on his quest to raise money for stroke victims. Berni what an amzing effort mate!! 24 hours of straight ten pin bowling, where every strike raised money for the ‘strike for stroke’ foundation. Glad we could keep you company after a rough night and congratulations.

Matt