Matt Walker, English swimmer

Matthew "Matt" Benedict Walker, a name synonymous with British Paralympic swimming, was born on April 25, 1978, in Stockport, England. His remarkable career has seen him become one of the nation's most celebrated para-athletes, a testament to his incredible talent and unwavering perseverance. Recognised for his exceptional contributions to sport and community, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), a prestigious national honour.

A Distinguished Paralympic Career

Over an illustrious career spanning four Paralympic Games – a true mark of his longevity and commitment – Matt Walker amassed an impressive tally of eleven medals. His appearances at these global sporting spectacles cemented his legacy as a formidable force in the pool, showcasing remarkable consistency and skill across multiple disciplines. His medal haul includes:

• Athens 2004: A gold medal in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay (S7-10), three silver medals (50m Freestyle S7, 100m Freestyle S7, 4x100m Medley Relay S7-10), and one bronze medal (200m Individual Medley SM7).
• Beijing 2008: A gold medal in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay (S7-10), a silver medal (50m Freestyle S7), and a bronze medal (100m Freestyle S7).
• London 2012: A silver medal in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay (S7-10) and a bronze medal (50m Freestyle S7).
• Rio 2016: A bronze medal in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay (S7-10).

This grand total comprises two gold, five silver, and four bronze medals, highlighting his status as one of Great Britain's most decorated Paralympic swimmers.

Understanding Para-Swimming Classifications

Central to para-sport is a meticulous classification system, designed to ensure fair and equitable competition by grouping athletes with similar functional abilities. Matt Walker competes across various categories, reflecting his versatile skill set and adaptability in the water. Specifically, he is classified as S7 for butterfly and freestyle events, SM7 for the demanding individual medley, and SB7 for breaststroke. These designations are critical; they allow athletes like Matt to compete against peers whose physical impairments result in comparable levels of function during races, ensuring that the contest is truly about athletic prowess, technique, and dedication rather than the degree of impairment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Matt Walker

Who is Matthew "Matt" Walker MBE?

Matthew "Matt" Benedict Walker is a highly decorated British Paralympic swimmer, born in Stockport, England, in 1978. He is celebrated for his extensive medal-winning career across four Paralympic Games and holds the honour of being a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

How many Paralympic Games has Matt Walker participated in?

Matt Walker has proudly represented Great Britain in four Paralympic Games: Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016.

How many medals has Matt Walker won at the Paralympics?

Matt Walker has won an impressive total of eleven Paralympic medals. This includes two gold, five silver, and four bronze medals across his four Games appearances.

What do the S7, SM7, and SB7 classifications mean in para-swimming?

These classifications refer to the categories in which Matt Walker competes based on the functional impact of his physical impairment. S7 denotes his classification for freestyle and butterfly events, SM7 for individual medley, and SB7 for breaststroke. This system ensures fair competition among athletes with similar functional abilities.

What does the "MBE" after his name signify?

MBE stands for Member of the Order of the British Empire. It is a prestigious honour awarded by the British monarch to individuals who have made a significant achievement or service to their community or the country, reflecting Matt Walker's outstanding contributions to sport.