With the London 2012 Games in everyone’s minds, the Irish Olympic sailor Matt McGovern, recently sailed back into his old classroom at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) to talk to aspiring athletes about what it’s like to live the dream of competing in the Games.
Matt is part of the two man team with Ryan Seaton who will compete in the 49ers class were both are hoping for Olympic glory.
Matt studied his Foundation Degree in Sport at SERC and even then had begun his training at Ballyholme Yacht Club, with the goal of one day competing in the Olympics.
On a recent trip back to Co Down, Matt took time-out of his busy schedule to speak to the current sports student to give them advice on how they can realise their goals of being professional athletes. Matt explained what it meant to compete at a professional level explaining that ‘training’ and ‘discipline are two of the most important aspects to life a professional athlete.
Matt describes what it means to him to have made it this far: “To qualify has been a dream come true and something I have been training for of over 10 years. Now we are all focused on the London 2012 Games and bringing back a medal to Co Down.’
Lynda Robinson, SERC Lecturer, introduced Matt as ‘a student she knew was determined to be the best in his sport.’ Matt and his partner Ryan are currently placed 16th in the world rankings and both are hoping to impress when they compete in the London 2012 Olympic Games next month.
