Matthew Levy

Book Matthew Levy for speaking engagements & events.

Matthew Levy was born premature at 25 weeks with Cerebral Palsy and is legally blind. He has had approximately 40-50 operations ranging from Heart, Lungs, brain and ear. From the very beginning life was a challenge, with the support of his parents and countless medical professionals he was able to come out the other end strong and motivated to achieve in life.

He has been swimming since the age of 12 first representing Australia at the age of 13.

2002- Spanish Nationals 5 Gold- fastest junior in his classification in Para swimming
2003-Can am Para Pan Pacs Swimming- 7 Gold – First senior team. Fastest in the country for his class in the 100 Butterfly and 50 Breastroke.
2004 Athens Paralympics finalist in 5 events. Fastest for his class in the 400 FS nationally.
2005- Australia Day Address first year – present.
2006 IPC Swimming World Championships- Finalist- first world championships.
2008 Bejing Paralmypic games. 1 Gold 4x 100 Medley Relay. Fastest 400 FS swimmer in nation for class. Won first ever Paralympic gold medal in 4x100Im Relay
2009 World Championships 4 Gold 2 sliver 4 World Records- Fastest S7over100m in Freestyle and IM events. 50fly event Won 100 Fs by 13metres.
2010 World Championships 3 Gold 1 Silver 1 bronze 2 World Records. Fastest relay team in history for the IM and FS relays.
Started work at Westpac 2010-present.
2011- Can AmPara Pan Pacs Swimming- 5 Gold. Fastest for my class in the world for that year in the 50,100 and 400 FS
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation Ambassador 2011- present.
2012 Paralympics London, 1 gold 4×100 Free 1 silver 100 Freestyle S7, 3 Bronze, 200 IM, 100 Breastroke and 4x 100 Medley Relay. Lead by 14metres in my Freestyle relay leg in the 4×100 FS.
2013 World Championships, 2 Gold 1 silver 1 bronze- Flag bearer at the opening ceremony.Won my first ever world championship gold medal.
2014- Awarded Order of Australia Medal for services to sport (OAM)
2014- Usa Para Pan Pacs Swimming- 7 Gold – Most gold medals by anyone at that swim meet.
2015- World Championships, 2 Silver, Bronze.
Helped raise over 250 K for Lifes Little Treasures Foundation through their Annual Walk for Prems.
Finished Bachelor of Business Majoring Management.
2016 Paralmypics Rio, Brazil- 1 Bronze.
One of only 3 swimmers to attend a Paralympics as a competitor.
2017
First Long Course World Record in the 200FS 2.16.67.
Participating in the Maccabiah Games in July
7th World swimming championships in Mexico. National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA)
Dates:              October 2008 – 2011
Responsibilities:
Teaching children in rural communities the importance of nutrition, education, and sharing his personal sporting experiences (including goal-setting and achievement)
Currently at his 7th year Westpac Bank Group, as a Change Analyst. Matthew has a passion for travelling and experiencing new things. He also has completed a Bachelor of business (management)
-Longest serving Paralympic athlete on the swimming team. Been on the national team since 2003.
– Part of the athlete leadership group since 2012.

`           AMBASSADOR PROGRAMS

Australia Day Ambassador, 2005 – Present
This included speaking at the Australia Day Address and interacting with the local community and VIP’s at various rural and metropolitan locations. Talking about experiences, achievements and pride in being an Australian.
Westpac International Disability Day Ambassador, 2010 – Present
IDPwD is a United Nations sanctioned day that is celebrated internationally. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disability. This what Matthew helps celebrate at Westpac.
Life’s Little Treasures Ambassador, 2011 – Present
The Life’s Little Treasures Foundation is Australia’s leading charity dedicated to providing support, friendship and information, specifically tailored for families of children born premature or sick. The Foundation’s services are available in the hospital (neonatal and special care units) and in the community when families come home
Athlete Leader Swimming Australia 2012- Present
A mentor to the Paralympic Swim team and a mentor to the upcoming athletes in development squads. 1:1 catch ups or group meetings talking about what it means to be an athlete on the Australian Team,
National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA)      October 2008 – Present
Teaching children in rural communities the importance of nutrition, education, and sharing his personal sporting experiences (including goal-setting and achievement)
Telstra Paralympic Education Program, 2005 – 2012
Aims to develop awareness of the Paralympic games, Paralympic sport and the athletes by teaching students about disabilities, health, social issues and sport’s importance to the community
Vision Australia Speaking Program, 2006 – 2011
This includes speaking to schools and communities about experiences and the role Vision Australia plays in the helping of blind and vision- impaired people.