Dual Olympic gold medallist Matt Wearn has returned to Perth after winning his second consecutive gold in the dinghy-class sailing at the Paris Games. The Australian sailor, who also served as a flag-bearer at the closing ceremony, has spoken about the challenges athletes face once the Olympic spotlight fades.
Wearn told ABC Radio Perth that the period of recognition after the Games is brief. 'It is a bit rough that obviously we finish the Games and sort of get your week, maybe two weeks of spotlight, and then you sort of go back into life as normal,' he said. He noted that despite a slight increase in his profile, sustained funding and sponsorship remain difficult to secure.
The 30-year-old highlighted the disparity between government support in Australia and other countries. 'The government does a great job to support us, but you compare us to other countries, and it makes you feel a little underwhelmed at times,' he said. Wearn works on yachts on Australia's east coast and in Europe to supplement his income between Olympic campaigns.
Wearn has not decided whether to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. 'I haven't really made a decision on LA and beyond, but certainly if the Olympic stuff isn't on the page in the future then potentially just be sailing in general,' he said, noting that sailing will remain part of his life for a long time.
