Matthew James Gilmore

Son of Australian cycling champion Graeme, Matthew Gilmore was born in Belgium. Returning to Tasmania when he was 5 years old, he was in the unique position of growing up as a dual Belgian-Australian citizen.

His cycling career began at the age of 14, and he soon became a Tasmanian and national champion in several events, including the Madison and road races. Matthew also made an indelible impression on cycling fans when he won the Latrobe, Devonport, Burnie and Launceston wheel races, becoming only the fourth rider to win all four prestigious events. Matthew then returned to Belgium to further this career, using his Belgian passport to compete for the European nation for 13 years. During that time he won 17 international six-day races, four European championships, four World Cup points events and a silver medal in the Madison at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.

A devastating road crash in 2006, which left Matthew with a broken femur, tibia and cracked kneecap, sadly brought an end to his successful career. He returned to Australia to take up the position of head cycling coach at the Tasmanian Institute of Sport in Launceston. Already during his short tenure, he has coached athletes to six World Championships, and was named Australian Cycling Coach of the Year in 2009.

Matthew's individual sporting achievements, and his role in mentoring future generations of cycling champions, mark him as an outstanding athlete. He is a worthy addition to the Tasmanian Sporting Hall of Fame, and takes his place alongside his father Graeme.