Please select your home edition
Edition
Selden 2020 - LEADERBOARD

Matt Wearn hits pause to recharge after historic Olympic gold

by Australian Sailing 2 Dec 2024 19:41 PST
Matt Wearn gets carried out of the water in victory © Sailing Energy

Following his historic second Olympic gold medal, Matt Wearn has announced a break from Olympic sailing to recharge after his Paris 2024 triumph. After competing across three Olympic cycles, missing out on selection for Rio 2016, and then becoming Olympic champion in 2020 and 2024, Wearn remains excited about Olympic campaigning but is taking the time needed to reflect and recharge. In the meantime, he plans to explore professional sailing opportunities and other aspects of the sport.

Since the Games Wearn has been able to reflect on the incredible journey that led him to this achievement and celebrate with family and supporters, "A pretty big contrast from Tokyo to Paris was being able to come home on the charter flight, flying to Sydney, and having family there waiting for us when we got off the plane, which was an incredible experience," Wearn said.

"With everything compressed into the three years between Tokyo and Paris, I haven't had proper time off in a while," Wearn shared. "It's been tough, but having a holiday with my wife Emma and just stepping away to let everything sink in has been super nice. At times, it still hits me, especially when people introduce me at events now as a two-time Olympic gold medallist. It sort of gives me goosebumps and makes me realise what I've achieved."

When asked what's next, Wearn explained, "Rafa (Trujillo) and I discussed the plan before the Games as we felt it was critical to the lead in. We decided it was important to take at least 12 months away from the ILCA. This time will allow me to explore different aspects of sailing, delve into the professional side of the sport and figure out if the drive and hunger for LA are still there," he said.

Wearn is embracing the sport without structure or pressure, "I'm getting into foiling, I just received my Switch and continuing to get out on the wing foil. I can stay out for half an hour or three hours, that's the nice bit at the moment, just enjoying it and learning something new. Obviously, coming from the ILCA I don't have too much exposure to foiling and that's the way the sport's going, it's been that steep learning curve and I'm enjoying that challenge."

"I'm also teaming up with John Bertrand for the Etchell Worlds in January, which could be a stepping stone into professional sailing overseas such as TP52 or RC44 racing," he added.

Wearn has also been reconnecting with the local sailing community, spending more time at Royal Perth Yacht Club with the dinghy section and engaging with young sailors. "I'll be visiting the WA Optimist fleet in December at their lead-in camp for the nationals, and I recently joined WA Youth Sail for a Q&A and signing session," he shared. "I'm just trying to be around the sailing community a bit more and give back where I can."

Reflecting on recent accolades, including his Australian Sailing Hall of Fame induction and nomination for World Sailor of the Year, Wearn shared, "It's incredible to get that recognition and join some amazing names. Being nominated alongside incredible sailors who've achieved so much is a privilege, it validates the hard work not just from the last 12 months, but the years leading up to it."

Wearn is also nominated as a finalist in the Male Athlete of the Year (Able) at the Australian Sports Performance Awards to be held in Melbourne on the 4th of December.

For now, you'll find Wearn, "Enjoying being a normal person over the Christmas period with family, not having a jet off to events. Going to take it easy and enjoy being at home for once in summer, which will be a refreshing change from the usual hectic schedule."

This extended break sets the foundation for Wearn's potential return to Olympic competition in LA 2028, with a refreshed mindset and readiness for the challenges ahead.

Related Articles

Grae Morris Takes on the iQFOiL Worlds
Shifty conditions on the first day in Aarhus, Denmark Aarhus, Denmark is serving up everything but predictability as the iQFOiL World Championships get under way, and Australian Olympic silver medallist Grae Morris is ready to assert his place at the top of the new Olympic cycle. Posted on 6 Jul
AST and B&G extend high-performing partnership
Continuing a collaboration that has been critical to the success of the team AST has announced the renewal of its long-term partnership with B&G, the world's leading sailing navigation and instrument specialists, continuing a collaboration that has been critical to the success of the team over the past eight years. Posted on 2 Jul
Australian Sailing welcomes new CEO
Malcolm Page OAM brings a wealth of experience to the role Australian Sailing is pleased to announce the appointment of respected sports administrator and dual Olympic gold medallist Malcolm Page OAM OLY as its new Chief Executive Officer. Posted on 1 Jul
Bronze breakthrough for Liddell and Brown
Nacra 17 duo claim their first international podium at Kieler Woche Brin Liddell and Rhiannan Brown have claimed their first international podium in the Nacra 17 class, securing bronze at Kieler Woche, the third Sailing Grand Slam event of the season. Posted on 30 Jun
Aussies Break into Top 10 at Kieler Woche
Put to the test from light air to heavy breeze The first half of Kieler Woche has wrapped up in Germany, with Australian sailors putting themselves to the test in five Olympic classes. Kiel delivered a complete spectrum of conditions for athletes to sharpen their racing skills. Posted on 26 Jun
Vale Hugh Treharne OAM
The Australian sailing community is mourning the passing of one of its greatest contributors The Australian sailing community is mourning the passing of one of its greatest contributors, Hugh Treharne OAM, who died peacefully surrounded by his loving family in Sydney last night. Posted on 25 Jun
Australian Sailors ready to tackle Kiel Week
The third event within the five event Sailing Grand Slam Australia's Olympic class sailors are set to tackle Kiel Week, the third event within the five event Sailing Grand Slam, held in the north of Germany. Posted on 21 Jun
Zhik and Australian Sailing renew partnership
For a fourth Olympic cycle Zhik and Australian Sailing are proud to celebrate over a decade of partnership, one built on innovation, elite performance and podium success. Since 2013, the collaboration has helped deliver four Olympic gold medals and four silver medals. Posted on 20 Jun
Top 10 finishes for Aussie crews in Europeans
Australia's 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 sailors have wrapped up a demanding week in Greece Australia's 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 sailors have wrapped up a demanding European Championships in Thessaloniki, Greece, with light winds, lengthy delays, and multiple general recalls pushing teams to their limits throughout the week. Posted on 9 Jun
Young Aussie squad ready to shine at Europeans
Australia's fast boat sailors are set for the 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 Europeans in Greece Australia's fast boat sailors are set to take on the 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 European Championships this week in Thessaloniki, Greece. With up to 18 races scheduled over the next six days, it's set to be a high-intensity regatta. Posted on 2 Jun
Allen Dynamic 40 FooterHyde Sails 2024 - One DesignDoyle_SailWorld_728X90px_GP BOTTOM