If you read the 2003-2004 annual report on Matthew Outzen, you will see how he shocked even himself when he won the Australian U20 All Schools title in javelin as a 16 year old. he had emerged as our newest star. There must be something about the Australian All Schools that motivates Matthew, because he did it again 12 months later in Sydney at the 2004 All Schools. Maybe he loves performing in front of big crowds; but whatever it is brings out the best in him.
The season started well with Matt easily winning the NSW CHS title with a throw just short of 70 metres.
The new rules at the NSW All Schools would force Matt to choose between the 700gm javelin or the 800gm javelin, but not both. He chose the 80gm Javelin and won easily.
The next major meeting would be the Commonwealth Youth Championships where Matt would proudly wear the Australian uniform for the first time. Competing in Bendigo against some of the Worlds leading Youth athletes, Matt would finish happily with the Bronze medal just short of his personal best throw. The Gold and Silver were just out of reach for Matthew up against strong competition from India and South Africa. Once again a large crowd seem to motivate Matt to greatness.
Then came Matt's favourite meet; the Australian All Schools. This would become the highlight of his career when he would win both U18 and U20 titles.
Matt's performance in the U18 javelin stands alone as one of the defining moments in the history of Westfields.
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When the javelin stuck in to the ground several metres beyong the record line, there was sudden roar and burst of applause. It was a magic moment. Matt comented after the presentation, which coincidentally coincided with his 17th birthday, "...it was the best day of my life".
However that was two years ago. Matt has bettered even his expectations this seasonwith half a dozen World Junior qualifying throws, the NSW CHS "field athletes of the meet", and two new state records. All this before he travelled to Melbourne where at the Pacific Games he broke the Pacific record and threw a Commonwealth Games qualifier to become the leading Australian senior javelin thrower at the time. The throw of 75.35 metres is the second best throw ever by an Australian Junior.
Unfortunately an elbow fracture and a subsequent operation put Matt out of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. He is now hoping to get fir for the World Junior Titles in Bejing. The selectors have left a spot in the team for him pending fitness. Even though Matt has to throw 66.50 metres, he has already made the decision that unless he is throwing in the 70 metre range that he won't go. Also as winner of the 2006 Adhemar Scholarship to Brazil, Matt's involvement depends on his recovery.
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