Matthew Cowdrey

Matthew Cowdrey, born on December 22, 1988, in Adelaide, Australia, is an Australian Paralympic swimmer. He is widely recognized as one of the most successful Paralympians in history. Cowdrey began his Paralympic career at the 2004 Athens Paralympics and continued his streak of success until his retirement in 2015. Known for his speed, technique, and versatility, Cowdrey has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records, such as the most gold medals won by an Australian at the Paralympics.

Outside the pool, Cowdrey is also recognized for his work in advocating for people with disabilities, making significant contributions to both policy and awareness in Australia and worldwide.

Early Career

• Born with a congenital amputation of his left arm, Cowdrey was introduced to swimming at an early age. He began competitive swimming as a teenager and quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional talent and determination.

2004 Athens Paralympics

• At the age of 15, Cowdrey competed in his first Paralympics in Athens, where he won three gold medals and set two world records.

2008 Beijing Paralympics

• Cowdrey's success continued in Beijing, where he won five gold medals and broke several world records.

2012 London Paralympics

• In London, Cowdrey won another five gold medals, becoming the most successful Australian Paralympian in terms of gold medals won.

2014 Commonwealth Games

• Cowdrey competed in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where para-sports were fully integrated into the program for the first time. He won two gold medals and one silver.

Retirement

• Cowdrey announced his retirement from competitive swimming in 2015.

Australian Paralympic Team

• Debut: Made his debut for the Australian Paralympic Team in 2004.

Achievements:

• Cowdrey is Australia's most successful Paralympian in terms of gold medals won.
• He has won a total of 23 Paralympic medals, including 13 golds, and set multiple world records in his career.

• Classification: Cowdrey competes in the S9, SB8, and SM9 categories.
• Skills: Known for his exceptional speed, technique, and versatility across a range of swimming styles, including freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly.

• Education: Cowdrey has a Bachelor of Media degree from the University of Adelaide.
• Advocacy: Cowdrey is a strong advocate for people with disabilities, working to increase awareness and promote inclusivity in sport and society.

• Matthew Cowdrey is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his advocacy work for people with disabilities. His impact on the sport and his status as an icon extend beyond the swimming pool, inspiring millions of people worldwide.

Most Gold Medals won by an Australian at the Paralympics:

• 13 gold medals

Order of Australia:

• Awarded in 2014 for his contribution to sport as a gold medallist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games

Books

• Cowdrey, M. (2013) Matthew Cowdrey: An Autobiography. Sydney: HarperCollins Publishers.

Websites

• Paralympics Australia: Information about Matthew Cowdrey’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org.au
• Australian Government: Details about Cowdrey’s advocacy work and awards. Available at: https://www.australia.gov.au

Articles

• ABC News: Matthew Cowdrey's career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/matthew-cowdrey

Interviews and Documentaries

• Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games: Matthew Cowdrey, Swimming - Official Competition Film. Available at: https://www.youtube.com
• Various interviews and features on Matthew Cowdrey, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au