The Journey from TSS Prep to World #1 TSS Old Boy, was introduced to at the age of seven while at TSS Prep School. Born on the Gold Coast in 1982, Mathew attended TSS from Year 1 - 12.

He and his brother Daniel were ordinary students, boys who are not big, not loud, nor top of the class, who through the ‘Learning to Lead’ culture rose to the top of their chosen careers.

The Worlds #1 Sailor did not have Olympic aspirations from the beginning. He learned to sail through TSS Sailing and the Southport Yacht Club. By 2000 the boys won the World 420 Youth Championship while Mathew was still at school, juggling pressures of graduation, being a prefect and house captain of Surman.

As an 18yo TSS Senior, he was invited by the head of the Australian Olympic Committee, John Coates to carry the Olympic flag at the closing ceremony of the 2000 . His goal was a gold medal. MATHEW BELCHER OAM Mathew achieved this at the London 2012 Olympic Games, “trust yourself and follow your dreams” where together with he won the 470 class, on top of winning three consecutive world championships leading up to the games, (2010,2011,2012).

12 March 2015 Tickets He has since defended these titles in 2013 and 2014 with new crew, Will Ryan to become the first person to win five consecutive Olympic class world titles. Along the way he also had Annand Theatre $15 students and staff a record 18 regatta winning streak. An achievement that earned him the sports highest The Southport School (includes light meal & drink, signed Dixon Drive souvenir lanyard for sailors) honour, the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Sailing World Sailor of the Year in 2013, Southport and a finalist on three other occasions 2010, 2012, and 2014. $25 parents and friends On-water Coaching with Mat for (includes finger food & a beer or wine) Mathew is determined to defend his Olympic gold at the Rio 2016 Games. all TSS sailors from 3:30pm. Extras by cash bar. Off the water, Mathew is focused on completing his Master of Urban Development and Catering from 5:30pm. Surplus funds will be directed Sustainability, but also enjoys spending time with family and friends. Mathew is highly towards boat maintenance. involved within the Australian Sailing Team mentoring athletes. Boat naming, Presentations,

Parkinson style interview and Buy tickets online at What Mathew learned at TSS from his teachers, coaches, parents and friends has become audience Q&A from 6:30pm http://tsssailing- his most important life lesson… “trust yourself and follow your dreams”. matbelcher.eventbrite.com.au Join us at TSS on 12 March for an inspiring evening for all boys, all teachers, parents and coaches of all sports.