"Words aren't enough to describe the overwhelming emotions this nomination fills me with," said Cabraja in an Instagram post last night. "It has been a long road with many exhilarating moments of success but also countless setbacks that have tested me as a person and shaped who I am today."
Cabraja lost his sight at the age of nine, after unsuccessful surgery to correct a detached retina and cataracts rendered him completely blind. His visual impairment places him in the S11 class of para-swimmers in competition.
"This is a great achievement for Matt as he has worked hard to attain this goal," said Varsity Blues head coach Byron MacDonald. "He felt the move to U of T was the right one for him and he was right."
A first-year math and physical science major out of New College, Cabraja joined the Blues in the fall of 2020, training at Varsity Pool until lockdown ensued.
"Due to the lockdown of the campus, Matt did return to his home club in Brampton (COBRA) in late November and they were able to gain permission to have him train and drive this great result," added MacDonald. "We look forward to seeing Matt back on campus after the Paralympics this fall."
Internationally, Cabraja has represented Canada at the 2019 world para swimming championships in London, while also earning two medals at the 2018 Pan Pacific para swimming championships in Cairns. He most recently claimed a pair of multi-class medals, including silver in the 100 freestyle and bronze in the 50 freestyle at the 2019 Canadian Swimming Trials in Toronto.