By Mike Verzosa
15 April 2024: Five-time Paralympian Matt Levy OAM has partnered with the University of Canberra to establish a mentoring program that would help aspiring elite athletes work through a plan to help them achieve their goals.
Mr Levy, a Master of Business Administration graduate from the University, had a successful 22-year swimming career, winning over 20 medals for Australia at the Paralympics, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games.
The mentoring program features seven modules that will assist University student athletes achieve their athletic, academic, and life goals, while learning under the guidance of one of Australia’s most decorated athletes.
“Mentoring is important to me because everyone learns in different ways, and I believe it can help unlock someone’s potential,” Mr Levy said.
“I have a lot of experience as an athlete and I want to share some of that with the next generation, to show them that there are different paths to get to where they want.”
James Erwin, Associate Director of Sport at the University, says the program is an important addition to the offerings for its elite student athletes, as it provides them with world class support that is unique to the University and will set them up for long term success academically and athletically.
“As UC continues to strive towards becoming Australia’s number one sporting university, it is phenomenal that we are able to deliver a program to our current and future elite student athletes that provides them with real world mentorship from one of Australia’s greatest swimmers – and a fellow UC alumnus,” Mr Erwin said.
“Engaging with a world class athlete who has made a successful transition into life after sport will give our elite athletes invaluable insights into the intricacies of balancing training, competition, and academic responsibilities, alongside their holistic success beyond their time at UC.
“Having Matt involved in a program like this is invaluable to our students, and his willingness to support the next generation of Australian athletes is a testament to his character. We couldn’t be more excited to have Matt back onboard.”
One of the athletes benefitting from Mr Levy’s mentorship is Bachelor of Science in Psychology student Jasmine Greenwood.
Ms Greenwood, who won a silver medal as the youngest Australian athlete at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, is part of the University’s Elite Athlete Program.
“I am thankful to Matt for the time and effort that he has put into mentoring us,” she said.
“His expertise and knowledge are of great value for us to learn from, to develop our own careers both in and outside of swimming.”
The establishment of the mentoring program comes off the back of Mr Levy’s induction into the UC Sport Walk of Fame in 2023; the program will fall under the University’s Elite Athlete Program. It reinforces the University’s commitment to sport and is in alignment with the UC Sports Strategy.
“Throughout my career, I learned that it was always important to have people in your journey that have your back and whom you could bounce ideas off. UC has always been very supportive of me, and this program is a way that I can give back and help the next generation of student-athletes that come through,” Mr Levy said.
Image by Liam Budge.
