Matthew Britz is a trailblazer in Para table tennis. Hailing from New Plymouth, Matthew’s journey into the sport began in his childhood. As a naturally sporty kid, he explored various athletic pursuits including basketball, rugby, cricket, badminton, and wheelchair basketball. However, it was the rhythmic thrill of table tennis that captured his heart.
At the age of 8, Matthew embarked on his table tennis journey at a local club. Little did he know that this would mark the beginning of an extraordinary chapter in his life. It wasn’t until he turned 13 that he ventured into the realm of Para table tennis, discovering a profound sense of purpose and fulfilment in the sport.
“Table tennis has impacted my life in many ways,” reflects Matthew. “It taught me to be comfortable in accepting who I am and what my body can and cannot do. I carry this mindset in both my sport and my life.”
Matt Britz qualified for Paris 2024 by virtue of his win through the 2023 Oceania Championships in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The first Para table tennis player from New Zealand in 48 years to grace the Paralympic Games, Matt was eliminated in his round of 16 in the Men’s Singles Class 7 event. Putting on an excellent show on his Paralympic debut he was narrowly defeated 3-2 against a much higher ranked opponent – Charlermpong Punpoo of Thailand. His relentless dedication, coupled with his skill, has set him apart as an ambassador for New Zealand and table tennis.
