When Bling was just Michael!

A long time ago!

From Classroom to Green Jersey: The Unbelievable Journey of Michael Matthews

It’s hard to believe that 13 years ago, Michael Matthews—now a Green Jersey winner at the Tour de France—was just a student of mine, searching for a sport to excel in. His incredible journey from high school student to world-class cyclist is nothing short of inspiring, and it’s a story that holds a special place in my heart.

Back in 2005, Michael was in Year 9 and playing basketball for our school team. It didn’t take long for me to notice something unique about him. While most of his peers were content running up and down the court, Michael had a natural hunger for the game. He was always quick to steal the ball and dash toward the basket for a layup. If we had a star player, I’d just tell him, “Michael, follow that player everywhere.” His energy and drive stood out even then.

But it wasn’t just basketball where Michael shined. At the school cross-country carnival, while most students jogged or walked, Michael was always at the front, pushing himself to the limit. At the 100-meter event, he was hands down the fastest in the school. His potential was undeniable. In April of 2005, his mother, Donna, came to a parent-teacher evening, and I told her that Michael had a gift. I believed he should undergo TID testing (Talent Identification), and she was all for it.

At the time, I didn’t know much about athletics programs that could help him, and I worried about the lack of exposure for the sport. But then, I thought of cycling. Cycling was growing rapidly in popularity, and my own son was involved in junior cycling races around Canberra. That’s when I remembered hearing about the ACTAS junior TID program coached by Glen Donney. I decided to approach him at a local race to inquire about the program, though my son was too young to participate. During our conversation, I mentioned Michael, saying he could be something special. Glen asked me how old Michael was, and I replied, “He’s 15.” Glen’s response was simple: “The kids have to want to be involved.”

At the time, I didn’t act on it, but that conversation stuck with me. As the school year went on, I still hadn’t done anything about Michael’s potential, and he was without a sport that truly fit him. Then, on a warm November afternoon, everything changed.

I saw Michael on the school oval during lunch, and out of the blue, he asked me, “Mr. Proctor, when am I going to get tested?”

It was one of those moments when everything aligns. Just the previous weekend, I had read in the newspaper about upcoming TID testing for rowing and cycling at a local school. I immediately told Michael he needed to attend, and I called his mother, Donna, to let her know. I also encouraged Josh Hart and his younger brother, Nathan (who would later go on to compete at the RIO Olympics), to join in on the testing as well.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Michael’s dedication to cycling paid off, and he went on to achieve remarkable success. In 2015, I had the incredible experience of hearing from him after he placed 2nd at the World Championships in Richmond, Virginia, my hometown. It was amazing to catch up with him after his victory, and he’s always acknowledged me for encouraging him to take that first step into the sport. His gratitude has always meant so much to me.

As teachers, we sometimes see great potential in the students we teach. It’s a privilege to have played a small role in Michael’s journey, from that curious Year 9 student looking for a sport to a world-renowned cyclist wearing the Green Jersey at the Tour de France. Watching his journey unfold has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and it’s a reminder that sometimes, the right push at the right time can make all the difference.

I’m incredibly proud of Michael and all he’s accomplished. His story is a testament to the power of determination, talent, and the belief that, sometimes, all it takes is someone to see your potential and give you the chance to prove it.