Matt Wearn Takes a Break to Recharge after Historic Olympic Gold
by Australian Sailing 2 Dec 19:41 PST
Matt Wearn is carried from the water in triumph © Sailing Energy
After winning his historic second Olympic gold medal, Matt Wearn has decided to take a break from Olympic sailing to recharge following his Paris 2024 success. Having competed over three Olympic cycles, missing Rio 2016, and then winning gold in both 2020 and 2024, Wearn remains passionate about Olympic sailing but needs time for reflection and rejuvenation. In the interim, he intends to explore professional sailing possibilities and other areas of the sport.
Since the Games, Wearn has reflected on the remarkable journey that led to this milestone, celebrating with family and supporters. “A stark contrast from Tokyo to Paris was coming home on the charter flight to Sydney, where family awaited us upon landing; it was an incredible experience,” said Wearn.
“As everything got condensed into the three years between Tokyo and Paris, I haven’t had a genuine break for quite some time,” Wearn explained. “It’s been challenging, but having a holiday with my wife Emma and stepping back to let it all settle has been wonderful. Occasionally, it still strikes me, especially when people now introduce me as a two-time Olympic gold medallist. It gives me goosebumps and truly makes me appreciate my accomplishments.”
On what lies ahead, Wearn shared, “Rafa (Trujillo) and I discussed our approach before the Games since we felt it was vital for the lead-up. We concluded that it was essential to take at least a year off from the ILCA. This time will help me explore different aspects of sailing, dive into the professional side, and determine if my drive for LA is still alive,” he stated.
Wearn is embracing sailing without the usual structure and pressure: “I’ve gotten into foiling; I recently received my Switch and continue to practice on the wing foil. I can go out for thirty minutes or three hours; it’s great to enjoy it and learn something new. Coming from the ILCA, I had little exposure to foiling, but it’s the direction the sport is heading, and I’m enjoying that steep learning curve.”
“I’m also partnering with John Bertrand for the Etchell Worlds in January, which could be a pathway into professional sailing abroad, like TP52 or RC44 racing,” he added.
Wearn has been reconnecting with the local sailing community, spending more time at the Royal Perth Yacht Club’s dinghy section and engaging with young sailors. “I’ll be visiting the WA Optimist fleet in December for their pre-nationals camp, and I recently participated in a Q&A and autograph session with WA Youth Sail,” he noted. “I’m just trying to spend more time within the sailing community and give back where I can.”
Reflecting on recent honors, including his induction into the Australian Sailing Hall of Fame and nomination for World Sailor of the Year, Wearn remarked, “It’s incredible to receive such recognition and join fantastic names. Being nominated alongside remarkable sailors who have accomplished so much is a privilege; it affirms the effort put forth not only in the past year but also over the years leading to it.”
Wearn is a finalist in the Male Athlete of the Year (Able) category at the Australian Sports Performance Awards set for December 4 in Melbourne.
For now, Wearn plans to “enjoy being an ordinary person during the Christmas season with family, not rushing off to events. I aim to take it easy and relish being home for once in the summer, which will be a refreshing change from the usual hectic schedule.”
This extended hiatus lays the groundwork for Wearn’s possible comeback to Olympic competition at LA 2028, with a refreshed mindset and preparedness for upcoming challenges.
