From Olympic sprinting hero to Australian television favourite, Matt Shirvington’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and staying power.
The Sprinting Sensation of the 90s
Matt Shirvington burst onto the athletics scene in the late 1990s, quickly becoming one of Australia’s fastest sprinters. By the age of 19, he had smashed junior records and lined up against some of the best sprinters in the world. His breakout moment came at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, where he stormed to fourth place in the 100 metres.
Finishing just behind Olympic medallists Ato Boldon, Frankie Fredericks and Obadele Thompson, Shirvington clocked 10.03 seconds — the second fastest time ever by an Australian. Almost overnight, he went from promising junior to national sporting star. His long blonde hair and boy-next-door personality made him one of the most recognisable faces in Australian sport heading into a home Olympics.
Sydney 2000: Pressure and Heartbreak
Two years later, all eyes were on Shirvington as Australia hosted the Sydney Olympics. Branded the “pin-up boy” of Australian athletics, he carried the weight of expectation on his shoulders.
In front of a packed Olympic Stadium, Shirvington powered through his heats and lined up in the semi-final of the men’s 100 metres — one of the most-watched events of the Games. Despite running a brilliant race, he missed a place in the final by fractions of a second. The disappointment was etched on his face as he crouched on the track, realising his dream had slipped away.
That moment remains one of the defining images of Sydney 2000. For Shirvington, it was a harsh lesson in how unforgiving sport can be. Yet it also showed his resilience, as he continued to compete at world level, claiming relay medals at both the World Championships and Commonwealth Games.
Listen To The Full Interview Below
This interview was originally recorded on June 25, 2020, as part of the Greats with Garby podcast series, hosted by respected Australian sports journalist Daniel Garb. In this throwback conversation, Matt Shirvington reflects on his athletics career, the Sydney 2000 Olympics, and his journey into television.
From Sprint Track to TV Studio
After retiring from athletics in 2008, Shirvington began the next chapter of his career. He transitioned into broadcasting with Fox Sports and later joined the Seven Network, where he became a familiar face on Sunrise.
Shirvington’s natural charisma, deep sporting knowledge and willingness to reinvent himself have made him a household name all over again — this time not for his speed out of the blocks, but for his presence on morning television.
His journey is a reminder that resilience goes beyond sport. Shirvington has shown that setbacks can be springboards to new opportunities. From sprinting sensation to media favourite, his career proves there is always life after elite sport.
