Perth sailor Matt Wearn is on the cusp of etching his name into the annals of Australian Olympic history. The reigning gold medallist in the ILCA 7 dinghy class is setting his sights on a remarkable achievement at the upcoming Paris 2024 Games: winning a third consecutive gold medal, a feat that would place him among the nation's most decorated Olympians.
The Path to a Potential Treble
Matt Wearn's journey to this pivotal moment began with a dominant victory at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he secured gold with a race to spare. He followed this with a world championship title in 2024, solidifying his status as the man to beat in the fiercely competitive single-handed dinghy class. Now, the focus is entirely on Paris. Only three Australian sailors have ever won two Olympic gold medals: Tom King, Iain Murray, and Malcolm Page. Wearn has the chance to surpass them all by claiming a historic third.
The 28-year-old West Australian acknowledges the immense challenge ahead. The ILCA 7, formerly known as the Laser, is one of the most physically demanding and tactically complex Olympic sailing disciplines. Wearn's preparation has been meticulous, involving intense training blocks both in Australia and overseas to acclimatise to the expected conditions in Marseille, the sailing venue for the Games.
Building on a Legacy of Australian Greatness
Wearn is acutely aware of the legacy he is both inheriting and extending. He credits much of his development and mindset to the influence of Australian sailing legend Tom Slingsby, a gold medallist from London 2012 and a current America's Cup star. Slingsby's guidance has been invaluable, providing a blueprint for sustained excellence at the highest level.
The Australian sailing team, known as the Australian Sailing Team, has a proud tradition of success. Wearn's potential treble would be a crowning achievement for a program that consistently produces world-class athletes. His campaign is not just about personal glory but about inspiring the next generation of sailors from Perth and across the country.
The Final Push Towards Paris
With the Opening Ceremony on July 26 fast approaching, Wearn's final preparations are in full swing. The sailing events in Marseille are scheduled to begin shortly after. The pressure is immense, but Wearn appears focused and driven. He has spoken about the importance of process over outcome, concentrating on perfecting each race rather than fixating on the podium.
This mindset, combined with his proven skill and experience, makes him a formidable contender. The sailing community and sports fans across Australia will be watching closely as Matt Wearn attempts to sail into the history books. A third gold medal would not only be a personal triumph but a monumental moment for Australian Olympic sport, cementing his place as one of the nation's greatest ever sailors.
