"ABOUT THE ARTIST STATEMENT:

Hi my name is Shanika Ah Matt-Lovett. I am a proud Ngalakan, Badu and Kubin Islands, and Gunditjmara woman, born and living on Kaurna land. I also live with Kabuki Syndrome, which is part of who I am but never something that has held me back - only something that has made my journey even stronger. 

 

My journey in sport follows a powerful family legacy. My grandfather was the first First Nations athlete to compete at the Olympics in Tokyo 1964 and Mexico City 1968. I'm honoured to follow in his footsteps. 

In 2025, I was part of the first Adaptive Abilities team to represent Australia in both Cheer and Hip Hop. In Hip Hop, we won gold at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships - the first Australian team to ever come first in dance. Being part of that history is something I carry with immense pride (literally I carry my medal and ring with my ALL the time).

I was deeply honoured when I was asked to design the artwork for Team Australia's merchandise.

My design tells a story: countries travelling across the ocean to Orlando, Florida for ICU Worlds at ESPN; footprints representing people coming together from all walks of life; at the base, Australia - home, the place I'm proud to represent; at the top of the artwork, ESPN are dancers which embody the different athletes. 

My beautiful cousin (Rebecca Clayton), Mum (Kirsty), brothers (Malachai and Sonnie), and Uncle Shane, all helped bring this design to life.

In 2026, I will be part of the first ever Special Abilities Australian Cheer Team. To represent my country again AND wear my own artwork while doing it will be absolutely mindblowing. 

"You can do anything you put your mind to"

Shanika"