Being born with congenital myopathy and a love of sport has never stopped Matthew Britz following his dreams.
Despite the genetic condition causing him to have impaired muscle power, leg length difference and a short stature, he's fulfilled his dream of representing New Zealand.
"I always wanted to be an All Black, not exactly the same sport but made a little adjustment we're making it happen," says Britz.
Yesterday the 20-year-old was named in the Paris Paralympic team, New Zealand's first Para table tennis participant since the 1976 Toronto games.
"To represent New Zealand in Paris is a dream come true."
"I just wanted to play table tennis I never expected to make history especially this early, I'm not even in Paris yet it's pretty amazing and hope it can inspire other kids," says Britz.
The New Plymouth native's rise has been steady since picking up the sport as an eight-year-old.
Disappointed he couldn't participate playing team sports with his school friends, Matthew's mum took him to a table tennis club nearby.
The rest was history according to dad Anthony Britz.
"He just wouldn't leave it was 9, 10 o'clock at night and the club is closing and it's like you need to leave buddy this place is closing down!"
"He's like nope that's it, I am playing table tennis!"
"Table tennis helped me be happy and comfortable with myself as a person," says the soon to be Paralympian. Fortunately table tennis is that route for me where I could look at my opponents and say I'm equally matched".
Britz moved to the US with his family in 2019 and while he admits times were tough during the Covid pandemic, his determination to succeed in the sport never wavered.
Those closest to him say that's his greatest asset, an unwavering amount of composure and focus.
"Matt has always been a player that's been completely focused in perfecting himself," says coach John Tuki.
"There's a reason we nicknamed Matthew the Silent Assassin because he shows no emotion, nothing phases him."
"His mindset and mentality is completely different compared to other players that I've seen."
While the pair have had to manage training from a distance with Britz currently based in North Carolina it's already brought success.
Last year the kiwi was crowned Oceania champion in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
But Tuki believes Britz is capable of higher honours.
"Put it this way, two years ago Matthew wasn't even world ranked, now two years on he's 56 in the world."
"Anything is possible with this young man."
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