Matthew Beach

Matthew Beach first represented New Zealand in Taekwondo as a 20 year old in 1997 at the Commonwealth Championships where he came away with a Silver Medal. That same year Matthew beat his Taiwanese opponent in the 1st round of the World Championships - a moment he considers his proudest. Since then his career in Taekwondo has progressed strongly with Matthew winning a Bronze medal at the 2006 British Open and Gold at the 2007 Oceania Olympic Selection event.

Matthew is proud to represent New Zealand as a Heavy Weight at Beijing 2008 and will give it his all in China on 23^rd August. Outside Taekwondo Matthew is an immigration officer and enjoys fishing, diving, soccer and travelling.