Matthew Brittain, businessman and 2012 London Olympics Gold Medalist, lightweight rowing, shares his inspirational story, the beginnings of his sports career and his latest career direction.
On 2 August 2012, Matthew Brittain and his team mates Sizwe Ndlovu, James Thompson, and John Smith shocked the world by winning Gold for South Africa at the 2012 London Olympics. It was a historic moment for South Africa’s men’s lightweight rowing team, and for the sport – one that Matthew will certainly never forget.
“It was definitely one of my proudest moments. It was an incredibly special feeling to cross that line, win the medal, hear the national anthem, and watch the South African flag rising above the rest. I am very grateful for having had the opportunity to be part of that. We had an incredibly passionate and strong team. Behind that passion was a lot of hard work, and a very well-thought out training plan. We gave our best, and we won.”
Matthew Brittain grew up in Johannesburg, surrounded by sports from a very young age. His father Daniel was a serious rower. “I remember back in 1996 when Josiah Thugwane won an amazing Gold Medal for South Africa. I have wanted to be part of the Olympics ever since I was a young boy. I fell in love with rowing after trying different sports. I took one step at a time, and that was it”.
Brittain’s career was adversely affected by…
Read the full story in the digital magazine, Issue 7, page 9.
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