Matt Aldridge

Rowing is a family business for Matt. His dad, Steve, a long-time coach at Christchurch Rowing Club, has always been a driving force in his career and Matt’s love for the sport has been nurtured by his Dad’s love for it.

Matt’s passion for sport grew as a child, to help him overcome struggles with ADHD and slight anger issues. He would often be found on the launch watching his dad coach and was later coached by his father at Christchurch. Matt’s nan is his number one fan and her unwavering support and belief in her grandson has driven his will to succeed. He also met his fiance, Sophia when they raced as part of the GB under 23 rowing team.

Matt’s time on the senior GB Rowing Team hasn’t been easy. In 2022 he tested positive for COVID the day before the start of the World Championships and had to watch his men’s four crew mates claim the title from his hotel room. Committed to coming back fighting in 2023, Matt was reselected to the men’s four in 2023. The crew’s calm and efficient approach to racing saw them retain their World Championship title, finish the season unbeaten and stylishly qualify the boat for Paris 2024. Matt made his Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games, winning bronze in the men’s four.