Matthew Cowdrey

Matthew Cowdrey is a retired Australian paralympic swimmer, born on December 22, 1988, in Adelaide, South Australia. He is broadly considered one of the greatest disabled athletes of all time. Cowdrey began his professional career in swimming at a young age and has won numerous Paralympic medals, including 23 golds, making him Australia's most successful Paralympian.

Cowdrey is known for his incredible speed, strength, and versatility. He has won numerous individual awards, and holds multiple records, including the most Paralympic gold medals by an Australian.

Off the field, Cowdrey is also recognized for his influence and advocacy, working tirelessly to promote Paralympic sports and inspire millions worldwide.

Early Career

• Matthew Cowdrey was born with a congenital amputation of his left arm, which ends just below the elbow. Despite his physical disability, he developed a love for swimming at a young age and honed his skills in the pool.

Paralympic Success

• Cowdrey competed in his first Paralympic Games in Athens in 2004, where he won three gold medals, two silvers, and a bronze. He followed this up with even greater success in Beijing in 2008, winning five golds, three silvers, and a bronze. At the London Paralympics in 2012, Cowdrey won five golds and two silvers, cementing his status as one of the greatest Paralympians of all time.

Retirement and Post-Swimming Career

• Cowdrey announced his retirement from competitive swimming in 2015 but has remained active in the sport. He currently serves as a member of the Australian Paralympic Committee and works to promote Paralympic sports and advocate for disabled athletes.

Australian National Team

• Made his debut for Australia in 2004 at the age of 15.

Achievements:

• Paralympic Games: Won a total of 23 gold medals, 9 silver medals, and 3 bronze medals across three Paralympics (2004, 2008, 2012).
• World Championships: Won numerous gold medals at the IPC Swimming World Championships.
• Cowdrey is Australia's most successful Paralympian in terms of total medal count.

• Discipline: Primarily a swimmer, specializing in freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly events.
• Skills: Known for his incredible speed, strength, and versatility. Cowdrey is celebrated for his ability to excel despite his physical disability.

• Education: Cowdrey has a degree in Media and a Masters in Business from the University of Adelaide.
• Advocacy: Cowdrey is involved in various advocacy activities, working to promote Paralympic sports and inspire other disabled athletes.

• Matthew Cowdrey is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his advocacy work and impact on Paralympic sports. His determination and success in the face of adversity have inspired thousands of disabled athletes around the world.

Most Gold Medals at Paralympics by an Australian:

• 23 gold medals

Most Medals at Paralympics by an Australian:

• 35 total medals

Most World Records in Paralympic Swimming:

• Set numerous world records in various swimming events

Books

• Paralympics Australia. (2012) Matthew Cowdrey: Australia’s Most Successful Paralympian. Sydney: Paralympics Australia.

Websites

• Paralympics Australia: Information about Matthew Cowdrey’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org.au
• IPC: Details about Cowdrey’s career at the International Paralympic Committee. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org

Articles

• ABC News: Matthew Cowdrey’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/matthew-cowdrey/
• The Guardian: Matthew Cowdrey’s impact on Paralympic sports. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/matthew-cowdrey