Defying the Odds: Following my Dreams

Matt has been sharing his story across the country about pursuing his dream to swim in the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo.

Growing up with a disability, he spent years of people telling him he would never succeed in the classroom. Swimming became his focus and motivation in a world where he didn't believe in himself because others didn't. Matt had to overcome depression and he soon found his successes in the pool and went on to competitively swim at a D1 school where he earned a BS in Kinesiology from LSU. He competed in the USA Olympic Trials 2016 and 2021, and plans to compete again in 2024. Covid hindered his training for 18 months, but he has still been able to set new Deaf World Records. He competed in the Deaflympics for Team USA in 2013 , 2017, and 2022, setting several Deaflympic and Deaf World Records.

He has decided to compete in the Tokyo Deaflympics and hopes to continue his goals of representing Team USA, as he ends his swimming journey that he started at age 4.

Unfortunately, Deaf athletes do not receive funding support as Olympic athletes do, and training is a full-time job. The cost alone for attending the Deaflympics is going to be around $10,000. It is a huge financial burden that comes along with training, equipment, travel expenses, and meet fees.

Through your support, his goal is to continue to be an inspiration to others as a role-model. He wants to motivate and encourage others to reach for their dreams, no matter what obstacles and challenges are in their way. We appreciate your generosity in supporting Matt's dreams and making them a reality. Please help share this post in hopes of helping Matt make it to Tokyo to accomplish his goals.