Local Sports Stars: Paralympics coach Matt Rawlings nominated for Service to Sport

KINGS Langley’s Matt Rawlings turned adversity into success after the former national track champion was the victim of a hit-and-run 15 years ago.

Matt Rawlings has guided athletes to the Paralympics.

• Gymnast raises the bar
• Gymnastics star

KINGS Langley’s Matt Rawlings turned adversity into success after the former national track champion was the victim of a hit-and-run 15 years ago.

With a time of 47.7 seconds over 400m, the 33-year- old was on course to compete at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006.

But his plans — including a scholarship to the US — were dashed when a car hit him in Sydney’s CBD in 2002.

Rawlings, who has been nominated for a Local Sports Star Service to Sport award, suffered nerve damage, had to undergo surgery and became depressed.

“I think not being able to continue on that level of sport (caused depression).

“It’s what I’ve always been good at and that’s all I knew, to be honest …,’’ he said.

After 12 months of rehabilitation, he saw an opportunity­ to take up coaching when his former mentor at Hills Athletics Club, Malcolm Lavender, left the role at the Baulkham Hills club.

A few years after settling into the role, he was approached by the family of Stephanie Schweitzer, who has an intellectual­ disability, to coach her.

“It all snowballed from there,’’ he said.

Matt Rawlings has enjoyed success on and off the track.

It was the start of a vocation­ that has seen him help athletes reach the pinnacles of their careers, including­ the Paralympics.

Within 12 months Schweitzer, 14 at the time, qualified for the Australian team. She came fourth at the London Paralympics.

About 90 per cent of the 20 students Rawlings coaches have a disability. His charges include Tamsin Colley, who has cerebral palsy, and, at 13, was the youngest Australian to compete at the Paralympics in Rio last year.

“If I can provide one per cent of happiness to these kids, I’ve done my job,’’ Rawlings, who has a six-year-old son, said.

Tamsin Colley.

“It’s extremely rewarding seeing that growth. I’ve had athletes compete at the last two Paralympic Games and world championships.

Matt Rawlings and Stephanie Schweitzer in 2014.

“It’s just incredible. I don’t do it for any pats on the back.

“If I don’t do it (train para- athletes), these kids are missing out on some wonderful opportunities.’’

Rawlings said his role required­ “patience, open to look outside the square especially­ with people with a disability’’ and “attention to detail because what works for one might not work for the other’’.

Rawlings, who is a co-coach with his father Ron, works in the stewards department­ with Racing NSW when he is not voluntarily coaching athletes.

“I have my normal job then I do this because I have a passion and desire in track and field,’’ he said. “I’m not going to turn down an athlete who wants my help.’’

Nominate someone at localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal