Diving Australia is pleased to announce Mathew Helm’s appointment to the role of National Coach Melbourne, following a period acting in the role.

Mathew comes into the position with a wealth of diving experience both as a coach and as a world class athlete. As a diver, Mathew became the second Australian male to win an individual medal at an Olympic Games with his history making performance in Athens.

Prior to his current role, Mathew has had coaching stints with the Queensland Academy of Sport, Victorian Institute of Sport, and most recently served as the Head Coach of the Western Australian Institute of Sport diving program.

“Mathew throughout his coaching career has been a huge asset to Australian diving and our pathways program especially,” Diving Australia General Manager - High Performance, Steve Foley said.

“Since stepping into the acting role as National Coach Melbourne, Mathew has successfully navigated his team through one of the most turbulent periods in our sport, especially for our Victorian divers.

“Mathew has continually sought to improve his coaching both in and out of the pool and his personal growth will serve him in great stead as he takes on the National Coach role.  

Mathew says he is excited for the opportunity to oversee the Melbourne program.

“I’m really looking forward to watching the Melbourne program grow from strength to strength in the coming years,” Mathew said.

“Melbourne is a fantastic hub for Diving and with great support from the VIS, I am really excited about what this program can do, with the wonderful athletes training in Melbourne. I will be giving it my all!”

Mathew is currently overseeing the training of Olympic Medallist Anabelle Smith, Olympian Domonic Bedggood, and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Georgia Sheehan, amongst others, as well as supervising the Melbourne Performance Pillar. 

As National Coach Melbourne,  Mathew joins National Coach Sydney Chava Sobrino, National Coach Adelaide Andy Banks, and National Coach Brisbane Ady Hinchliffe in the four-member National Coaching Panel for the Paris Olympic cycle.

DA would also like to acknowledge Rick Schavone, who has stepped down as Co-National Coach Adelaide and moved into a supporting role through to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.