The Unbreakable Spirit: Matt Hauser Overcoming Adversity on the Road to Paris
Despite a setback at the World Triathlon Cup Wollongong, Australian triathlete Matt Hauser remains focused on his Olympic dream.
The life of a professional athlete is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, wins and setbacks. For Aussie triathlete Matt Hauser, the World Triathlon Cup Wollongong was meant to be a high point - a chance to shine in front of a home crowd, including his close family, and build momentum towards his ultimate goal, the Paris Olympics. But sometimes, life has other plans.
Just days before the race, Matt found himself in a battle with his own body. Food poisoning, an athlete's dreaded nemesis, had struck at the worst possible time. As the symptoms persisted, Matt's hopes of competing began to fade. "I probably could do the race tomorrow, and I probably could do okay. But just the confidence wasn't there," he recalled. "I think without having that belief behind me, I didn't really want to give an average effort and potentially do some further damage."
The decision to withdraw was a heartbreaking one, not just for Matt, but for his entire support system. His grandad and dad had driven 14 hours to watch him race, a testament to the unwavering support that has fueled Matt's journey. But even in disappointment, Matt found a way to connect with the triathlon community, hosting a run club and handing out custom water bottles to young athletes.
For many, such a setback could be demoralising. But Matt is not built like most. Instead of dwelling on the disappointment, he channeled his energy into recovery and refocusing on his long-term goals. Working closely with his team, Matt has been hitting his stride in training, particularly on the bike. The early selection for the Paris Olympics has given him the freedom to train with a singular focus, undistracted by the pressure of immediate results.
Watching from the sidelines in Wollongong, Matt found inspiration in the performances of his fellow Australian athletes. The success of Luke Willian, Charlotte, Brad, Brandon and up-and-comer Ellie served as a reminder of the depth and strength of Australian triathlon. "It was really positive to see," Matt remarked. "Hopefully, we continue to keep improving and keep knocking off a few of the other countries on the world stage."
But for Matt, the true test still lies ahead. The World Triathlon Championship Series Yokohama and the Paris Olympics are the stages where he hopes to make his mark. The road to get there is not an easy one but it's a challenge that Matt embraces. His mental resilience, forged through years of competition and the inevitable setbacks that come with it, is perhaps his greatest strength.
Shawn Smith
As he looks ahead to next year's World Triathlon Championship Finals in Wollongong, Matt is fueled by the memory of his junior race on the same course in 2016, where he beat Olympian Aaron Royal. The prospect of racing in front of a home crowd, on a course rich with personal history, is a powerful motivator.
But beyond personal ambitions, Matt recognises the importance of events like the World Triathlon Cup Wollongong for the growth and future of Australian triathlon. "It's super important for us to try to keep pushing to have events here and here in New Zealand collectively," he stressed. "To bring world-class athletes to the Southern hemisphere is super important."
The setback in Wollongong was a challenge, but for Matt, it's just another chapter in a story still being written. With unwavering determination and the support of a nation behind him, he continues his pursuit of excellence, one stride at a time. The road to Paris is long, but Matt is ready for the journey.
