Matthew's Story
1976 –
Matt Welsh had only been competing as a backstroker for a little over four years when he arrived at Sydney 2000. His first medal was a silver in the 100 metres backstroke, behind the brilliant Lenny Krayzelburg of the United States. Josh Watson of Australia finished a creditable fourth. In the 200 metres backstroke, Welsh was up against Krayzelburg again and the soon-to-be-great Aaron Peirsol and duly finished with the bronze medal after smashing his own Commonwealth record in the final. Welsh then joined with Regan Harrison, Geoff Huegill and Michael Klim to finish second in the final of the 4 x 100 metres medley relay, behind the American team that included Krayzelburg. At the Beijing Games Welsh’s best result was fifth in the 100m backstroke.
