Five golds, four PBs and a world record...
Perth Grammar kid Matthew is tournament’s star
Matthew Doig added plenty of gold to the trophy cabinet Young racerunner Matthew Doig was on top of the world this week after a memorable performance in Copenhagen.
The Perth Grammar School student, competing in the International Racerunners Cup, set a new under-14 world record in the 1500m.
Racerunning is an athletic discipline for disabled athletes or ‘racerunners’.
Athletes use a running bike, a threewheeled frame with a saddle, body support and most notably, no pedals.
It was the third time Matthew had jetted out to take part in the Danish event but this time round proved to be extra special.
The 12-year-old’s time of 06:45.42 made him the quickest under-14 racerunner for the distance on the planet.
“We knew the time was good and at the medal ceremony, it was announced that Matthew had achieved a world record to the cheers of the crowd, the loudest coming from his mum, dad and brother Nathan,” said proud dad Graeme.
“We are extremely proud and full of excitement for Matthew achieving this world record.
“He was getting close to some of the under 12 records before surgery meant he missed most of last season.
“He still has another year in the U14 category so who knows what he will achieve in the future.”
Coupled with his 1500m gold and world record, Matthew won an additional four golds in the 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m.
Matthew (centre) after his 400m race Graeme added: “When Matthew guidance of Jim Hunter at Perth gets on his racerunning bike, his Strathtay Harriers. competitive spirit kicks in and this “He has been racerunning with focus and determination has seen him Perth Strathtay Harriers for six years,” win all five of his races in Copenhagen Graeme explained to the PA. to achieve five gold medals, four “Coach Jim Hunter has been personal bests and one world record. instrumental to developing Matthew’s
“He’s absolutely delighted with potential during this time. himself although understandably “We can not thank him enough for tired after three training days with motivating and inspiring Matthew to the Danish national squad and three get to where he is now. days of competition. “Racerunning has had a massive
“Matthew has made many new positive influence on Matthew and friends from across the world at these many other athletes in Perth and championships as well as enjoying meeting up with friends he has Kinross. The sport is growing all the previously made here in Copenhagen. time and has now been included
“This is a special competition that in the International Paralympic we as a family have always enjoyed committee’s schedule and we hope coming to. The event is extremely well it will be in the Paralympics in 2024. organised with great communication “Racerunning is a fantastic way throughout the week. for anyone with a physical disability
“Everyone is so friendly and it to get involved in sport and anyone doesn’t matter who is running or interested should contact Graeme where they are from, everyone gets Doig or Jim Hunter at Perth Strathtay tremendous backing from the crowd, Harriers to give it a try.” coaches and fellow athletes. We will Matthew will be having a short definitely be returning next year.” break from action before returning
Matthew’s racerunning has gone to the track at the England Athletics from strength to strength under the AAA Championships in Manchester.