VALE MATT BARBER
Published Tue 13 Oct 2020
It is with much sadness that Athletics West records the passing of Matt Barber.
Matt represented Australia at the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games in Shot Put where he placed 6th with a best throw of 15.33m. Beginning in the late ’70s, Matt was a constant fixture at the Australian Track and Field Championships where he medalled in the Men’s Shot Put consistently from 1977 to 1985. Barber was crowned National Champion twice, winning the title at the 79/80 and 81/82 Championships. He was a founder and stalwart of the Curtin Athletic Club. Barber held the WA Shot Put record for 38 years, with his throw of 18.40m in 1981 going unmatched until he coached Courtney Heinze to better it in 2019 by 1cm. As a Coach, Matt added track into the mix, working with professional and amateur runners at a range of events. Matt's talents extended to being a national powerlifting champion and a strength and conditioning coach.
We offer our sympathies to Matt's family and many friends.
Photo Credit: Kiara Reddingius