Splashdown
Matthew Hunter is ready to take on the world
Matthew Hunter is set to take on the world, in a manner of speaking, at a major event starting this week in Truro.
Swimmer Matthew Hunter is ready to fly the flag for Truro at the Down Syndrome World Swimming Championships, where he will be the only local athlete out of 300 competing.
In the countdown to the championships, the 30-year-old juggles early morning swimming sessions six days a week with his four jobs at Cineplex, Holiday Inn, Tim Hortons and the food canteen at Victoria Park.
It’s a schedule that would overwhelm many, but Hunter says “I think I am ready.”
“I would put it this way,” said Matthew’s father, Joel. “Our community has nurtured Matthew in multiple ways over the last 30 years, contributed to him and his development and this is his gift back to the community. We’re very proud of what he’s done, his accomplishments and his hard work and the many, many people who have contributed to get him where he is.”
Matthew has competed abroad in previous championships in Italy, Greece, Mexico and the United States.
It was after a previous Down Syndrome World Swimming Championships when Matthew and his family had the idea of bringing the competition back to Truro.
At the 2016 championships in Florence, Italy, a delegation from Truro visited to learn about successfully hosting such a major sporting event.
The town’s bid was successful, and Truro is the first-ever town to host the championships thanks in large part to Matthew and his supporters’ efforts.
The week-long event is at the RathEastlink Community Centre and will begin with an opening ceremony at Truro’s downtown Civic Square.
“It’s going to be a fabulous celebration for everyone there. It will be a chance for our community to meet some world class athletes,” said Joel.
Both father and son are excited to meet other athletes from around the world. Their international competition hails from 25 countries in total.
Joel said the swimmers are no different than other athletes. He added Matthew is a good swimmer by Canadian standards and “middle of the pack,” internationally.
As well as his six days per week swimming, Matthew does weight and agility training to hone his fitness levels in the water.
All told, Matthew’s achievements are beyond his doctors’ expectations. He was born with four separate heart defects – a common symptom of Downs – and required multiple surgeries.
On the night before his final surgery, a doctor told Joel that Matthew would likely not swim afterwards. He did not tell Matthew this when he woke up the next day.
However, Matthew returned to the pool. While growing up he was also able to attend school, where he took part in student council and the theatre group.
“He always gives back more than he takes,” said Joel.