Sporting icon Matt Shirvington (Shirvo) holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Australians.
From Olympic sprinter to co-host of Australia’s most successful breakfast show, Shirvo has had a career like no other.
The athlete-turned-broadcaster was announced as Sunrise co-host alongside Natalie Barr in 2022, after David ‘Kochie’ Koch stepped down from the show after 21 years.
In a sporting career spanning two decades, Matt has more than 15 years’ experience presenting and reporting from some of the world’s biggest sporting events including multiple Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
Born and raised in Sydney, Shirvo was known always the competitive one in his family! He smashed countless schoolboy athletics records and competed in his first Commonwealth Games as a teenager.
He first gained prominence in the athletics world for his speed in the 100m, 200m and 4 x 100m relay races.
Of the events, Shirvo was a standout in the 100m – going on to become the country’s third-greatest sprinter of all time.
He competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games in 1998 and 2006 and seven world championships.
Alongside his success on the track, Shirvo has showcased his on-screen talents as a sports commentator and reporter including for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics and the Commonwealth Games.
He and his wife, Jessica have three children Sienna, Winter and Lincoln. Despite the many accolades to his name, Matt says his most rewarding role is helping his kids discover their potential and find their passions in life.
“As a dad, I was first drawn to Starlight because of their focus on the power of positivity to support health and wellbeing. Fun, play and happiness are such important parts of a child’s development and that’s what Starlight delivers to sick kids in spades,” he said.
“I’m now honoured to come on board as a Starlight Ambassador.”
Shirvo recently visited a Starlight Express Room to help them host their own ‘Starlight Olympics’ creating fun challenges and activities for kids and their families in hospital.
“To see how the Captain Starlights empower kids and build their resilience and confidence through fun and play is incredible,” he said.
Alongside his Channel 7 colleagues, Shirvo will be throwing his support behind the annual WA 7 Telethon event to support sick kids at Perth Children’s Hospital.
From his own career, Shirvo knows the importance of developing resilience and the right mindset to help overcome challenges.
He said he’s looking forward to getting involved with Starlight’s community fundraising fitness events and may even share some training tips!
“I’ve seen first-hand the impact Starlight has on the wellbeing of seriously ill children going through tough times, and it’s a privilege to play a part in helping kids re-frame their hospital experience.”
We are so thankful for Shirvo’s energy (speed!) and support because like us, he believes happiness in childhood truly matters.