Matthew Denny OLY

Each Olympic cycle brings challenges, but the lead-up to Paris was particularly pivotal. In early 2023, midway through his third Olympic campaign, Denny made a bold move – switching to coach Dale Stevenson.

“Changing coach is pretty difficult for athletes. You instil a lot of faith in that person and build a relationship – it’s a little bit like marriage,” Denny reflects. “The decision isn’t made lightly because you’re running the risk of, is the next step going to be better?.”

The risk paid off. In the months that followed, Denny achieved an Australian Record, multiple Diamond League podium finishes, and ultimately, an Olympic medal in Paris.

Behind every great athlete is a formidable support team, and Denny’s is no exception. “I would say my team is efficient. Efficient is probably the easiest and best way to describe it,” Denny says.

While the core group includes Stevenson and Humphries, Denny credits a host of others, including QAS Performance Scientist Trenton Warburton, Physiotherapist Andrew McGough, Sports Psychologist Jonah Oliver, Dietitian Gary Slater, Performance Advisor Matt Lynch and throws coach Mike Barber. “And number one in the team is my wife, Mia,” he adds. “She sees the absolute me when I’m at home and she can see the full story outside of my lens and Dale’s.”

The team operates a no-nonsense approach, balancing hard work with camaraderie. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously, there’s good mix of wanting to get the job done but also have fun along the way.”

Straight talk has been central to Denny’s partnership with Stevenson. “When you’re an athlete, you only have a finite amount of time, and you have a lot of decisions to make. Dale and I had some pretty upfront conversations in that first period. He knows what he’s doing and I respect what he’s done,” Denny explains.

Unvarnished conversations are a necessary tool for success. “You have those conversations so then you can have Olympic medals in the long run. Whether it hurts your ego or not, you have to get on with it,” he adds.

Denny and his team continuously analyse and adapt. “We learnt more lessons after Paris on refining our process,” he explains.

Despite international success, Denny keeps it country, remaining deeply connected to his roots in Allora. “I’m very proud of where I’m from. Obviously a very small town and certain values come along with that,” Denny reflects.

“He is a country boy at heart,” Stevenson shares. “He’s jovial, he’s extroverted, he’s sensitive and people matter to him.”

“His family matters. He’s from a big family and he’s had some turbulence, losing his father back into last year. You only have to be around Matt and his family to understand how important that aspect of his life was. He started throwing in his backyard in a circle that was built for him.”

Allora keeps Denny grounded, providing a constant reminder of what truly matters. “When I go home after a big performance or a bad performance … the conversation is never about that. It’s always ‘How’s mum and dad? What are your brothers and sisters doing?’ It’s really nice,” Denny says. “It humanises your lifestyle a bit more.”

Looking ahead, the conversation around Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games has already started. “The way that my life looks will really transform over those four years, so front footing those conversations and … just being aware of that. It gives me a lot of comfort in knowing that we’re prepared for anything that happens over the next four years.”

Denny is now driven by an even deeper a sense of purpose. “Basically, the premise really from like now until I retire. It’s just trying to go better, do one better for Dad”. Denny says, reflecting on his continued motivation. “Obviously self-interest is important…but when you kind of take your purpose away from yourself you get a little bit more strength from it.”

With an Olympic medal now in his collection, Denny is far from done. His pursuit continues as he prepares for the next challenge. “It’s a pretty big year,” Denny says.

As Denny looks to the future, his journey is far from over. If his past achievements are any indication, the best is yet to come.