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.