Matthew Cowdrey – Australian Paralympian

Matthew Cowdrey OAM returned home from the 2012 Paralympics in London as Australia’s greatest ever Paralympian. Born with a congenital amputation to his lower left arm, Cowdrey has shown immense strength and courage to succeed and reach incredible heights in the world of swimming.

It was at the Paralympics in Beijing 2008 that Matt truly arrived as a dominant force on the world stage, with a staggering haul of five World Records, five Gold medals and three Silver medals. Matt followed this up the following year at the World Championships in Brazil with seven World Records, seven Gold medals and two Silver medals, which demonstrated the true versatility of this athlete, drawing many comparisons to Michael Phelps of America.

Matt’s amazing achievements have been recognized throughout his career, including being named the Australian Swimmer of the Year with a Disability two years in a row and the 2005 Male Athlete of the Year at the Stan Wickham Disability Awards. Matt currently trains in his home town of Adelaide, where he has set his sights firmly on adding to his Commonwealth Gold collection at Glasgow 2014. In his spare time, this intelligent and extremely motivated young man is currently undertaking an internship with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Matt will take his never say die attitude to the Albert Park street circuit in an attempt of a podium finish at the Mazda6 Celebrity Challenge in 2013.

My favourite part of the car is?
The accelerator.

Have you attended a F1 before?
Yes, in 1994, on my father’s shoulder in Adelaide.

My favourite F1 driver is?
Kimi Raikkonen.

What made you decide to participate in the M6CC?
It's an amazing once in a life time opportunity.

Where do you think you will place?
Hopefully top 5 but I’m up against some tough competition.