Winning two Olympic gold and one silver across three Games from London 2012 to Tokyo 2020 in the 470-class and carrying the Australian flag at the Tokyo 2020 Closing Ceremony, Mathew retires as Australia’s most successful Olympic sailor.

He was crowned 470-class World Championships eight times, named World Sailing’s Male Sailor of the Year in 2013 and won Australian Sailing’s Male Sailor of the Year six times.

While making his Olympic debut in London 2012, Mathew got his first taste of the Olympic movement at a young age – carrying the Olympic flag into the Sydney 2000 Closing Ceremony as one of six young athletes, after he won the 2000 Junior World Championships in the 420 Class.

AOC President Ian Chesterman said Mathew was a special athlete.

“Congratulations to Mat on a truly outstanding career,” Mr Chesterman said. “Mat has been at the very top of international sailing for more than a decade.

“Even with our country’s rich Olympic sailing legacy, Mat stands atop as Australia’s most successful Olympic sailor.

“Mat’s commitment to excellence, strength of character and ability to get the best out of himself and others around him made Mat an easy choice to carry the flag into the Tokyo 2020 Closing Ceremony – I know he will bring those same attributes and talents to his next endeavour.”

Mathew Belcher’s career highlights include:

•    Olympic Games – 2012 (gold), 2016 (silver), 2020 (gold)
•    Selected as Australian Flagbearer for Tokyo 2020 Closing Ceremony
•    World Championships – Won 470-class gold in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019 and bronze 2016
•    2013 World Sailing Male Sailor of the Year
•    Six-time Australian Sailing Male Sailor of the Year