TRI STAR’S CIRCUS ACT
MATT Hauser says triathlon is a circus and he is happy to be the ringleader. It’s a glimpse into the mind of the rising star who has launched himself into his first Commonwealth Games on the back of his love for the chaos of racing in a sport boasting three disciplines. Hauser, who turned 20 yesterday, is the first to admit he is a far better racer than he is trainer. But what he does have is a thirst to compete that he believes few rivals can match when it really matters on the big stage. “It’s a matter of training smart and racing hard,” said Hauser, whose event is tomorrow.
“If you leave a little bit tucked away in the mind, a little bit of extra motivation that will give you that push to the finish it certainly helps on race day,” he said. “I train day in and day out as hard as I can but to know I have got that mental edge is really encouraging.
“It’s something I have been able to do for the last few years.
“You just go into a hole, dig deep and find something. You feed off other people’s energy, you feed off the crowd’s energy, the competition’s weaknesses and your strengths.
“It’s all a massive circus out there but if you can refine your skills and keep your sights locked on the finish line – to be able to step it up on race day is very important.
“You have got to be the ringleader. You have to create opportunities for yourself rather than wait for them.”
Hauser credited his mindset for his ability to come from the shadows to announce himself to the triathlon world in 2017.
The Mermaid Waters resident won a fourth straight OUT Oceania junior title.