“I knew I was going to make the team, Mum. I left my all on that mat.”

Those were the first words 11-year-old Matei Nozic said after winning silver at the Australian National Selection Event on the Gold Coast and earning his place on the Australian National Team. This September, Matei will proudly represent Australia at the World Taekwondo Championships in South Korea - the result of years of discipline, sacrifice, and determination.

What makes Matei special is not only his talent, but his determination and mindset. Since earning his black belt at just 9 years old, he has committed himself wholeheartedly to the sport he loves, balancing elite-level training with responsibilities well beyond his years.

Behind every competition are early mornings, long training sessions, interstate travel, pressure, nerves, setbacks, and moments of triumph - all for the opportunity to step onto the mat and represent his country.

Matei’s recent achievements include:

• Silver medallist at the Australian National Selection Event, ranking second in Australia

• Selection to the Australian National Team

• Winner of the Moomba WT Taekwondo Competition in Melbourne

• Double State Champion

• Winner of the KPNP International Taekwondo Open Championship

• Recognised as Best Junior Poomsae Competitor

• Selection into the Performance Pathway Program, training alongside Australia’s top Poomsae coaches

Beyond sport, Matei is also a Grade 6 student and House Captain at Port Melbourne Primary School, where he is known for his humility, kindness, leadership, and encouragement towards others. Despite the demands of elite-level competition, he continues to approach school, friendships, and responsibilities with the same discipline and determination he brings to the mat.

Matei’s family arrived in Australia as refugees in search of safety and a better future. Through resilience, hard work, and determination, Matei has embraced every opportunity available to him and is now proudly representing the country that gave his family a new beginning.

Like many elite junior sports, the financial demands are significant, including training, competition fees, uniforms, travel, accommodation, and international competition expenses. Despite these challenges, Matei continues to train with unwavering focus and commitment every single week.

Our goal is to raise $5,000 AUD to help support Matei’s journey to the World Taekwondo Championships in South Korea.

The funds raised will help cover:

• $3,000 – Airfares and accommodation

• $1,000 – Competition uniforms and required gear

• $1,000 – Registration and competition fees

While we will continue contributing ourselves, any support from the community will make a meaningful difference in helping Matei proudly represent Australia on the world stage.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will directly support Matei’s training, travel, and opportunity to compete at the highest level possible for his age. Your support will help give a young athlete the opportunity to proudly represent Australia on the world stage.

Thank you for supporting a young athlete with a big dream, an incredible work ethic, and a future full of possibilities.