Mathew Myers: (Open Asthma 13 to 18 Years)
Mathew’s asthma was not diagnosed until he was seven years old. Until then he battled recurrent chest infections and breathlessness, made worse by cold temperatures and pollens. Mathew started swimming when his doctor suggested that it was the best sports option. But the pool chemicals and cold temperatures outside would still trigger exacerbations. Mathew’s performance was erratic and coaches would become frustrated with him.
After one particularly bad asthma episode, Mathew’s mum took him to see a respiratory specialist. Things fell into place. The doctor increased his preventer dose, provided an action plan and referred Mathew to learn breathing techniques. He has never looked back, winning gold, silver and bronze medals at national age group swimming meets and being selected to train at the Millennium Institute of Sport and Health. His coaches describe him as an exceptional swimmer with potential to represent New Zealand in the future. Mathew says he just loves being in the water!