Matthew "Matt" Lind, who was born February 24, 1983, began in-line skating in 1994 and tried his hand at ice skating for the first time not long afterward. He showed talent from the start, learning many skills before he he’d ever taken a single lesson, and he had soon started on the competitive road that would eventually lead to success at the elite level. Often one of the tallest competitors in any given event at 6’1”, Lind has avoided the awkward style that plagues many long-limbed skaters and instead has achieved unusually elegant line and presentation. He has faced the hurdle of financial troubles that have led to his training for long periods of time without a coach, making his technical and artistic advancements even more impressive.

Despite a disappointing finish at the 2002 Eastern sectionals, where he finished just one spot shy of a trip to nationals in his first season at the senior level, Lind is committed to his future in skating. He enjoys theatre, the music of the Goo Goo Dolls and Lifehouse, and watching Saturday Night Live, and is a longtime close friend of world-class competitor Jennifer Kirk. His dedication to skating in the face of his difficulties has made Lind one of the most interesting up-and-coming competitors in U.S. skating today.

Competitive Record 2003 Eastern Sectional – 5th 2002 Finlandia Trophy – 11th 2002 Gardena Spring Trophy-Junior - 5th 2002 U.S. Championships-Junior – 4th 2002 Eastern Sectional-Junior - 2nd 2001 North American Challenge (Vancouver)-Junior – 1st 2001 Triglav Trophy-Junior– 5th 2001 U.S. Championships-Novice – 1st 2001 Eastern Sectional-Novice-1st 2001 New England Regional-Novice - 3rd 2000 Eastern Sectional-Novice – 8th 1999 Junior Olympics-Intermediate – 3rd 1999 Eastern Sectional-Intermediate – 6th

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Biography written by April (with additional source material from the Matt Lind Online); April 2003. Photograph courtesy Matt Lind Online.
Skate photograph copyright © Dave Amorde. Unless otherwise noted, all content Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.