It is a highlight to an extraordinary career and a wonderful way to pay homage to the sacrifice and dedication that drove Michael to the top of his sport.

He is understandably elated about the OAM.

“Its a great honour to have received an OAM in recognition of services to Australian sport. Swimming has been such a huge part of my life, and in a sport that requires a huge amount of time and energy for very little reward, its a great feeling to know that its not all for nothing,” Michael told the Courier-Sun.

“Many thanks to my family who have given me the opportunity to follow my dreams.”

Michael’s first foray into international competition was in Melbourne at the Deaf Olympics in 2005, aged just 16.

This meet would prove to be invaluable in terms of experience and set the stage for him to compete in the 2006 World Championship.

Since then, Michael has raced in the World Championships most years, along with other international competitions such as the European Championships.

Highlights have been the 2008 Beijing Paralympics (silver in the 100m back) and the 2012 London Paralympics (gold in the 4x100m free relay and bronze in the 4x100m free relay).

Over the years Michael has broken eight world records and was first to crack the one-minute mark for the 100m back (short course).

And there have been a host of records smashed like guitars, coming in all strokes, in Australian for both S15 (deaf) and S10 (physical disability).

The intense training and international sports schedule has meant Michael has made many sacrifices, from studying a Pathways course in Year 12 to a lengthy study period at Griffith University.

“My studies have continued over seven years and I have three subjects to go. It is slow progress, but I have plugged away at Business Management (Sports),” he said.

As with all disability athletes who compete at high levels, Michael has made an enormous sacrifice to continue his swimming career and represent Australia.

“I am continually broke and have limited time to work in a paid job. I train at least five hours a day, five days a week, plus about three hours on a Saturday, leaving Sunday for the body to rest and recuperate,” he said.

For all that he still finds time to coach a few hours a week, speak at local schools and is a volunteer talent selector for the Queensland Paralympic Education Program.

Michael’s mother, Jill, while indeed the epitome of a proud parent, also laments her son’s tight and relentless schedule. 

“He rarely gets to visit home (Repton) due to training commitments and competitions,” she said.

The challenge for Michael remains honed.

“I hope to compete against and beat my nemesis and good friend, Justin Zook (from the USA),” he said.

Zook beat Michael in both the 2008 and 2012 Paralympics. But it’s an ongoing race with no finish line in sight.

And, of course, there’s that uni degree to complete. Few would gamble against the driven lad from Repton one day ticking both these boxes. At the very least it won’t be for want of trying.