Matt Denny striving for greatness after narrowly missing medal at Tokyo Olympics

The Chronicle catches up with local discus star Matt Denny on his Tokyo 2020 Olympics campaign, social media fame and the road ahead.

Matt Denny. Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images

ATHLETICS: Like many of our returning heroes, Matt Denny has a bit of time on his hands at the moment.

The Allora discus thrower is approaching the back end of a quarantine stint after an incredible throw saw him finish fourth at the Tokyo Olympics.

In between responding to messages from fans and keeping people entertained on TikTok, The Chronicle caught up with the former Toowoomba Grammar student on that memorable night, keeping entertained during quarantine and the road ahead.

THE FIRE BURNING

With an almighty hurl of the discus, Denny and the whole of Australia looked on as he strived for a throw long enough to medal.

It fell just short of third place by just five centimetres in a bittersweet finish to a personal best throw.

Denny said while happy with producing a best on the Olympic stage, a fire remains burning for the future.

“I was happy with my competition to the extent of throwing a PB after the year we’ve had,” he said.

“In saying that I’m still quite frustrated because I felt I had more in me. I felt like I had a 68m, which would’ve not only put me in the medals, but in line for silver.

“It’s still eating at me. I know it was a great achievement what I did, but I’m not in it for fourth and I felt like I could’ve done more.

“It motivates me 100 per cent. We’ve got a world champs two weeks before the Commonwealth Games next year, the world champs again and then the Olympics, so its pretty full on for the next three years.

“The Olympics confirmed my spot and where I thought I was at. To know that I have more there, if we have a smooth run into the next three years and stay healthy, things are looking very good.”

Matt Denny of Team Australia. Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images

HOMETOWN SUPPORT

Green and gold adorned the streets of Allora as Denny completed his tilt at Olympic glory.

Denny said he was humbled at how much not only the Southern Downs town got behind him, but the wider Australian public.

“Mum and dad had a party at their place with a few close friends together and they had a lot of fun,” he said.

“The whole family wasn’t able to be together, but they were all watching. There was green and gold everywhere.

“I don’t know how to describe it. To come from a community like that, I’m just so thankful for supportive family and friends.

“The only way people could watch was on TV and the time zones worked out really well.

“Everyone was so excited to just be able to compete and get back out there. We were out there enjoy what we were doing and I think that showed.

“The thing about the team in general was that we were so genuine about wanting to perform and represent Australia really well. We’re about performance but we wanted to entertain as well, and I think that’s reflected in the messages we’ve received.”

Matt Denny. Photo Michael Steele/Getty Images

SOCIAL MEDIA STAR

In between media commitments and responding to messages of support, Denny has been a revelation on social media app TikTok.

Amassing a following and over 285k likes, he said it’s an entertaining way to be able to connect with fans.

“It has actually gone pretty well. I didn’t realise how good a platform it was until now,” he said.

“I’m up to 17,000 followers in seven days which is pretty good, but it’s not about the following.

“I get a lot of messages on there and it’s keeping people entertained, so if it can provide some laughs it’s useful.
“As much as no one enjoys quarantine, I’m glad I’ve had that time to dedicate to getting back to people, although I’m keen to get back to reality.”

THE ROAD AHEAD

As for when Denny gets the chance to experience freedom once again, he said reconnecting with family would be his first priority.

“I’m definitely looking forward to finally spending some time with my fiance Mia,” he said.

“It’s been six weeks and it has been pretty tough on her being alone, working full time and stressing for me.

“I’m keen to get back to see her and the family in Allora. I’ll be able to sit down, have a couple of drinks and say cheers.”