Up and coming athletic talent Matthew Silcocks has set his sights on the pinnacle of his sport, aiming to be the most successful Paralympian of all time.

Born with Poland syndrome, Matthew’s left arm is underdeveloped and he competes in an amputee class. Having only taken up the sport in 2009, he promptly won two gold medals at the AWD Underage Championships in the same year before backing up in 2010 with three gold medals at the same meet. But it was in 2011 that Matthew really stamped his class with a three gold medal haul at the Arafura Games in his first outing in national colours, while also sealing qualification for the London 2012 Games.

Coached by Richard Huggings, Matthew has tremendous respect for all of his training partners at Knox Athletics Club, situated in the south east region of Victoria. Having finished his schooling in 2010, Matthew is currently completing a degree in Science and Arts.

When he’s not on the track or at uni, he thinks of himself as an avid day dreamer and enjoys reading. Matthew’s favourite holiday destination is Amsterdam and he stands well poised to see more of the world through his fast developing athletic career. Matthew competes in every race with a four leaf clover taken from his garden and hopes this routine will help in his quest to be the best.