14 to 15 age category

For this Young Achiever, life happens at the end of a paddle and in the classroom – a true double threat. Matthew is an honour-roll student in the International Baccalaureate program at St. Thomas High School, having maintained an academic average over 90 per cent over the course of his high-school career. At the same time, Matthew spends six days a week – and sometimes more than once per day – training as a kayaker. In addition to on-the-water training, Matthew swims, runs, lifts weights, does yoga, cross-country skis and plays canoe polo – all in the name of improving and one day, going to the Olympics. The Pointe Claire resident's K4 team finished third in Quebec and his K2 team finished eighth in the province. At the national championships in August, Matthew's K4 team finished seventh. Matthew also finds time to help out with the Aid to Africa project and raising funds for the Pointe Claire Canoe Club.