Australian discus champion Matthew Denny has shared a heartfelt tribute to his late father, John Denny, who passed away last November. Matthew garnered national attention after securing a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics last year, an achievement that brought immense pride to his family.
In a revealing interview on Channel Nine’s Today, Matthew reflected on a past segment featuring his father just before the Olympics. John, who participated from outside a hospital, showcased his unwavering spirit even while dealing with health challenges. Matthew fondly recalled that "Dad was actually in hospital," underscoring his father’s determination to embrace life and contribute to the moment despite his circumstances.
John played an instrumental role in Matthew’s journey as an athlete, dedicating countless hours to support his son’s aspirations by driving him to competitions across the state. With palpable emotion, Matthew stated, "A lot of my career is basically, from now on, just trying to continue making him proud." This shift in perspective has influenced his approach to athletics, forging a deeper commitment to his sport.
Denny maintains a resolute mindset in his training, emphasising a "no tolerance attitude" towards both preparation and competition. Recently, he achieved a remarkable feat in the Oklahoma Throw Series, breaking his own record with a 74.78m throw, eclipsing his previous Australian record of 72.07m. Although his performance was notable, it fell short of the current world record held by Lithuania’s Mykola Alekna.
The atmosphere in Ramona, Oklahoma, was reminiscent of his hometown of Allora, contributing to his success. Matthew noted that out of 18 attempts, 15 surpassed 70m, indicating a strong performance overall. He expressed optimism for Australian athletics, pointing out a surge in talent, notably from up-and-coming athletes like Gout Gout, which bodes well for the nation’s athletic future as they head towards the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.
Matthew humorously remarked about his own future, suggesting he might appear at the Brisbane Games in a wheelchair, reflecting a lighthearted acknowledgment of his own career timeline. He concluded by celebrating the burgeoning interest in athletics across Australia, recalling a recent meet in Melbourne that attracted an impressive crowd of 10,000 spectators, marking one of the highlights of his athletic journey.
Through triumph and tribulation, Matthew Denny continues to honour his father’s legacy, driven by the passion they shared for athletics.