Matthew Forgues of Boothbay has walked further and faster than any person I know!
Since the age of seven, Matt has trained and competed in state, national and international race walking competitions.
His accomplishments are legion and now he has refocused his energy on training and competing for a position on the 2020 U.S. Olympic racing team. He will leave for San Diego, and the Chula Vista Olympic facility, to join fellow athletes and rigorous training within the next two weeks. It's a huge commitment with some side trips along the way.
This past summer Matt managed the ever popular Wannawaf ice cream concession in the Harbor. After the season he has waited tables and substitute taught in local schools.
Since graduating from Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland, Matt has been earning money to afford training with his teammates on the West Coast. During his last two years, however, he helped reduce his college loan debt through a “Teach for America” position and a life altering involvement with the Lakota peoples in South Dakota, part of the Standing Rock reservation, and epicenter of recent and serious conflicts involving a controversial pipeline.
Matthew taught math at McLaughlin Elementary School and coached high school running teams. Through dedication and guidance, many of his students were encouraged to challenge themselves and improve their efforts, while developing deep friendships. Honored by the Lakota, Matthew created strong bonds with his students and families. In the end, their interactions encouraged Matthew and helped him become a more capable person and a better athlete.
Matthew's path will not be easy. He must move to California, find a place to live, and jobs to support himself while he devotes time and energy to training and races. He will visit “Standing Rock” and his friends en route to pursuit of achievements yet to come. We wish him well.