Order of Australia Medal Honour for Mat Belcher

On 25 January 2014, 470 helm Mat Belcher was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his achievement at the London 2012 Olympics, which was announced on the Australia Day Honours List. An amazing recognition for services to the sport of sailing. Fresh on the back of Belcher receiving sailing’s ultimate accolade, the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award in November 2013, the OAM is continued recognition of Belcher’s outstanding achievements.

Belcher has enjoyed an unprecedented run of success in the 470 Class, outclassing all his rivals to maintain a record breaking 18 consecutive event wins. Belcher and crew Ryan will be racing at ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami, where racing starts on 27 January 2014 and seeking their 19th win. In the history of the class no one has dominated quite like Belcher whose winning streak started in November 2011.

Coinciding with the announcement of Order of Australia Medal, Belcher was recently announced as ranking amongst the top 20 most influential Aussie sports stars, as part of Richard Hinds' countdown of the Top 100 current sportspeople – right up there with the likes of Australian PGA Golfer Adam Scott and Formula 1 driver Mark Webber.

His #19 ranking accolade reads, “Has been dubbed the Black Caviar of Australian sailing due to his long winning streak and is considered a similarly freakish competitor."

More Information:
Order of Australia Medal Honours List
ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards Profile

Image: Mat Belcher victorious at the 2013 470 Open Europeans © Gianluca Di Fazio