We couldn’t think of a more deserving, hard-working, team-playing athlete to have as our TA Ambassador for 2022. So now it’s time for everyone else to get to know a little more about Matty…
How and when did you become part of the TA Family?
It all started back in 2018, I was a part of Try the Tri #4. I had previously been a part of the events team working on the events when it was the Gatorade Triathlon series in 2013 and since then I had always wanted to complete one. I joined Try the Tri program to be ‘one and done’ but then I enjoyed the people and the sport too much to leave it all behind. It’s been one of the best choices I have made and is the club and sport that has now become such a big part of my life!
Tell us about your triathlon racing history? Are you short or long course (or both!)? What races have you done?
Officially, I am a short course athlete but I do some training with the long course crew, so I would say I am both as both crews are as amazing as each other. I started off by completing 2 Fun Tris in 2018 in my first season. The following season I was able to complete the full series; which consisted of 5 sprint races and 1 Olympic – which to date has been my biggest race/achievement in the sport and is my ultimate goal. I would love to get back and complete a full season with another one or two Olympic distance races.
Can you share your goals/plans for the coming season with us?
Well, unfortunately due to a few niggling injuries I haven’t been able to race so if I can get one race in this season, I will be happy. For the 2022/23 season I’ll be hoping to get the full 2XU race series back into my plans.
What do you do when you’re not swimming, riding and running?
Sport has been a massive part of my life from the get-go, I am always watching it if I am not playing it. I also play basketball and I am a soccer goal keeper in open age men’s teams.
Tell us something we don’t know about you!
Prior to COVID overtaking the world, travelling was a very big part of my life. My wife and I made a decision that every year we would visit a new country. To date, I’ve travelled to 18 different countries. I also have OCD and am very particular.
Do you have any advice for your fellow triathletes, new or seasoned?
Be consistent and find what works for you as an athlete; whether that’s 3 sessions a week or 9. Stick with that plan and your mind and body will adapt with you, making things much easier.
