We are proud of our athletes and their different accomplishments both within the sport of swimming and beyond their swimming. Matilda Mobbs took the time to answer some questions about what is happening in her world at the moment.
Q) For those who don’t know you or much about multi-class athletes – tell us how you are classified and what makes you a multi-class athlete?
M: Anyone with a physical or intellectual disability can be a Multiclass athlete. You need to go through the classification process where they assess you and your limitations and decide what class you fall into. I am an S8,SB7,SM8 for swimming and Open for Archery.
Q) Tell us about your experience as an athlete who is tackling not just one, but two sports!
M: Sometimes it difficult because they events clash and I have to choose which one to miss. It’s a lot of training so I’m tired all the time. But overall I love it and find it a great experience.
Q) How did you come to discover archery?
I went to a Para come try day with Taylor Cameron. It is hosted by Paralympics Australia to introduce para sports to Multiclass athletes. I met Australia’s para archer Imalia she has the same disability as me, she showed me how to shoot a bow and I loved it. Plus I was reading Hunger Games at the time so I thought it was so cool.
Q) What do you enjoy about each of your sports?
I love to race, competing in swimming is my favourite thing. It also gives me the strength to keep walking. Archery is a unique sport you don’t hear many people who do it. The archery community is so lovely and welcoming I love how supportive they are to everyone.
Q) You got a televised shout out from Paralympic Athlete Ellie Cole during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. What was that moment like for you?
Shocking but in a good way, I didn’t expect her to remember me especially at the Tokyo Olympics. I had raced her earlier in the year and she was amazing.
Q) You were picked as the face of the Paralympics Get Involved Tax Appeal campaign. What did that involve and how did it go?
I had to share my story with Australia, what sport means to me and how I feel about having a disability. I had to do interviews and encourage people to donate so Paralympics Australia could continue to have the come try days that introduced me to Archery. We raised $155k over the campaign and as a thank you I was given a signed Australia jersey from the Tokyo women’s Paralympic relay team.
Q) What have been the proudest moments for you in your swimming?
My proudest moment would be breaking the S8 400m freestyle Short Course state record. It stood for 16 years until I broke it. Also making the NSW para development squad and definitely racing my idol Ellie Cole.
Q) And in your archery?
In archery I became the youngest classified international archer in the world and competed at my first international event this year where I came 4th. And also making Archery Australia’s National Pathways Squad.
Q) What do you think the future might hold for you in regards to your sports?
I want to be a dual Paralympian so hopefully the Paralympics and maybe the Commonwealth Games if I keep working hard.
Q) Is there anything else you’d like to share – maybe some advice or words of encouragement for others who have never considered multi-class sports but who might be interested?
My advice for anyone with a disability, you never know if the never try. Go to a Para Come Try event and have a go at sport, it’s rewarding, inspiring and shows everyone that having a disability doesn’t have to stop you achieving success or your dreams.