From sprint champion to an accomplished official, Matthew Webster’s willingness as a volunteer has seen him travel the world and rub shoulders with Usain Bolt, extending his involvement in athletics long beyond his competitive years.
Speaking in National Volunteer Week, Webster is one of many Australian Athletics officials who contribute greatly to the sport at all levels, still entrenched in the sport over 30 years since his last competitive appearance as an athlete.
“The sport of athletics was good to me over the years, and I wanted to put something back into it,” Webster said.
The former sprinter competed for Williamstown Amateur Athletics Club before turning professional due to family links in 1976, still proudly recounting his triumphs which included two Bendigo Gifts and one Wangaratta Gift amongst a host of wins from 70m-200m.
“If you were to put that into perspective like horse racing, Stawell is your Melbourne Cup, Bendigo is your Caulfield Cup and Wangaratta is your Oaks. So I won two Caulfield Cups and an Oaks!” Webster said.
His sprinting retirement in 1992 ensued a brief stint on the sidelines, but Webster was quickly back involved as the President of the Victorian Athletic League for four years, before 2004 would bring about his officiating debut at the Commonwealth Youth Games followed by the 2005 Deaflympics.
“I volunteered to help out there and was thrown into the technical department, it was a great experience. Two of the officials at that meet were Tony Williams [Rocket] and Kevin Wigmore [Wiggy] from Collingwood, which was the club that I was aligned with,” Webster said.
“I didn’t expect anything from it really, but it has been a really enjoyable road. I crossed between both codes and the friendships that I have been able to make have been incredible.”
Having progressed to be a starter’s assistant at the 2006 and 2018 Commonwealth Games, and officiate at the 2011 IPC World Championships, Webster has recently upskilled to become a World Athletics Bronze Starter – still a regular in his 22nd year of volunteering.
“It’s great to be involved with all the events. You have younger officials coming through and I love to pass on my experience to those guys coming up the ranks, because looking towards 2032, it’s important to impart that knowledge,” Webster said.
“Once your athletic career is over or if you want to do both at the same time, don’t limit yourself. It’s quite rewarding with the friendships you make and the travel you do, there are opportunities everywhere.”
Even a series of health scares at unfortunate times have been unable to deter Webster from his passion, bouncing back from a heart attack and ruptured bowel with little fuss – his only regret missing out of a photo with the fastest man in history.
“Just over 12 months ago I suffered a heart attack. I had to go back in for a triple bypass, but I have a clean bill of health and it hasn’t stopped me from getting back into what I love doing, which is officiating,” Webster said.
“At the Nitro Athletics, I didn’t have my phone in my pocket. I was with Usain Bolt having the best time but I never got a photo with him. I teed it up with Maurie Plant that I needed a photo when I was coming back on the Thursday, but on Thursday morning I collapsed with a ruptured bowel and spent some time in hospital.”
On both occasions, Webster was buoyed by the support of the athletics community, crediting their well wishes in assisting his recovery.
By Lachlan Moorhouse, Australian Athletics
Posted 22/5/2025
