Matthew
Cameron

Matthew Cameron has always used a wheelchair after being born with popliteal web syndrome, an extremely rare physical disability that doesn’t allow him to stand and has forced him to undergo 25 operations since birth. Despite this, Matthew says he is always up for a challenge and will have a go at any sport. He is particularly gifted at wheelchair racing which saw him compete at his first Paralympic Games in Beijing.

Unfortunately he didn’t make the finals in the 100m and suffered another blow when the 4x100m relay team was disqualified. There was confusion at the changeover zone when the first pusher, Matthew, arrived before the second one, forcing him to slam on his breaks and be thrown from his chair. Despite this, he loved every minute of his experience in Beijing, from racing to meeting new and fascinating people in the athletes’ village, and sees his races as a great learning experience.

He appears ready to perform at London 2012 after an eye catching display at the 2011 National Championships, winning gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m. This followed an equally impressive display at the 2010 Nationals in taking home two silver medals and one bronze.

Apart from athletics, Matthew is an all-rounder and was also a member of the Australian under 20 years wheelchair basketball team. Recognition for his sporting achievements has come at a regular rate – he participated in the Sydney 2000 Olympic torch relay and in 2003 he was Townsville’s Australian Sportsperson of the Year.

Matthew has also gained two certificates from the Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE, one for business and the other for computer aided drafting. In his spare time, he likes nothing more than to be with friends or working his way through a steady stream of games on his xbox.

When he’s not playing sport, Matthew enjoys watching other people play it, particularly soccer and in addition to his other qualifications, has recently finished a traineeship in business and emergency operations, providing an avenue outside the athletics world for Matthew to explore.