262: Matthew Mitcham (Part B)
3/18/202644 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 00:00
[upbeat music] A listener production.
Mark Howard· Host0:04
[upbeat music] You are listening to episode two hundred and sixty-two of The Howie Games Part B, featuring Olympic gold medal-winning diver Matthew Mitcham. On we go, Tommy. So you go to China.
Matthew Mitcham· Guest0:17
Mm.
Mark Howard· Host0:18
Famously, it was the 8/8/2008- Exactly ... when it all kicked off, wasn't it?
Matthew Mitcham· Guest0:21
Yeah, yep.
Mark Howard· Host0:21
Because it's the lucky Chinese number.
Matthew Mitcham· Guest0:23
Mm-hmm.
Mark Howard· Host0:24
You, you know, you perform obviously to a level. W- we get to the Olympics. Why are the Chinese so good at diving? I- is it the discipline- Mm ... a- and the just the relentless work required?
Matthew Mitcham· Guest0:34
It... I think it's, um, a case of survival of the fittest, to be honest. I mean, yes, they've got very good, you know, uh, technique and, and whatever but- And a big pool ... Uh, w- a big pool- Big ... of athletes to draw from.
Mark Howard· Host0:47
Yes, and to, and to discard.
Matthew Mitcham· Guest0:48
You know, and so you can train them until they break, you know?
Mark Howard· Host0:51
Yes.
Matthew Mitcham· Guest0:51
And, like, if one breaks, there are 18 more to take their place.
Mark Howard· Host0:55
Yes.
Matthew Mitcham· Guest0:55
And, you know, because it is so, so competitive, um, and because there are so many athletes, they can just push them, and push them, and push them, and push them because, you know, eventually you're gonna get the... you're gonna be left with the ones that don't break.
Mark Howard· Host1:10
Mm.
Matthew Mitcham· Guest1:10
Um, and I mean, I don't know kind of what other socioeconomic factors- Mm ... you know, might be at play. I, you know, I know that a lot of the athletes support their families back home with, you know, with their training. Um, but also they get paid a lot better, um, comparatively speaking,