262: Matthew Mitcham (Part A)
3/17/202650 min
When Matt stepped up for his final dive in the Beijing Olympics from the 10 metre platform, he’d already lived it a thousand times in his mind. What followed was Olympic history, but as Mitcham shares, that gold medal has many layers to it.
This Australian legend opens up on the journey behind the moment, from a childhood (and diving career) shaped by chance, to the highs of global success and the challenges that followed.
It’s honest, vulnerable, and at times confronting. A story of determination, resilience, and what it truly takes to reach, and navigate, the top.
Matty is an absolute beauty.
Please note: This episode discusses sensitive topics. We encourage listeners to tune in thoughtfully and take care while listening.
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Catch Matt in the Off-Broadway hit play AFTERGLOW which is at the Eternity Playhouse in Sydney NOW. For tickets and more information, go to afterglowtheplay.com.au
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsSpeaker 00:01
[ on-hold music] A listener production.
Matthew Mitcham· Guest0:04
Okay, are you recording?
Mark Howard· Host0:08
[on-hold music] Welcome one and all to episode 262 of The Howie Games Part A, featuring Olympic gold medal-winning diver Matthew Mitcham.
Speaker 3· Soundbite0:18
Is it his time? [ diver boards] Oh, that is stunning. [crowd cheering] Now it's gotta be up to the judges. It is a memorable moment in diving history for the nation of Australia, and a memorable dive that will go into the folklore of the Olympic Games.
Mark Howard· Host0:37
Matt's path to the absolute top of his sport was not an easy one, to say the least. Ferociously driven, but at times very vulnerable, Matt doesn't hide at all from the issues that he has faced and overcome in his life. There is joy, light, and lots of success, mixed with some pain and self-doubt. He is a very strong man. Matt, being Matt, is also currently starring in the play Afterglow at the Eternity Playhouse in Sydney. He is phenomenal on stage. It runs through until March 22nd. Check the show notes for a link to get yourself tickets. This is a man of many varied talents. Enjoy the story of Matthew John Mitcham OAM, Never Be.
Speaker 01:16
[singing] So when you search, and then you find. And know just where to go. And thoughts that once used to cloud your mind. You see clearly, and now you know. Mystery,