The driving force behind the Australian junior triathlon scene is spearheaded by only few athletes at this present time, I was lucky enough to catch the half man half beast from the central coast in the make up of Matty Baker while he was attending a pre Youth Olympics camp in Wollongong.
The world of Triathlon and Matt were introduced to each other through two thirds of the sports triangle; swimming and running at the age of 12, like most juniors Matt was encouraged by his coach to participate in the All Schools Triathlon through the state Schooling system finding a love and passion for the sport right away and has continued to chip away at it since then. Finding himself in the sport today at the very top tier of the sport in Australia, the commander of junior racing, a double Australian champion and an imensely respected athlete from not just younger but older peers infact.
Something that blew me away was Matt's responses to questions, indicating his dedication to wanting to reach the top level, answering the questions with lengthy detail and pure professionalism. Maturity in saying that he is honoured to have the younger talent looking to him for inspiration and advice making him appreciative of everything this sport has given him in return for the hours of hard work.
Again, maturity shining through when asked if there was anyone he would like to attack with a vengence through this question he kind heartedly proceeded with the answer that people have in the past doubted his form but he is using such words as fuel for the fire in which he will use to take on the Australian National Series and Youth olympics as preparation to really shut down the negitive comments and onlookers by qualifying for Worlds later on this year.
Matts approach to racing will carry him on to make a huge impact in the world of Triathlon and be successful in many years to come.
Matt would like to give a huge shout out his parents for showing him financial support and believing in him and his goals. Coach Keiran Barry, for the dedication and support in steering him in the right direction to hitting top form, Nicole Hackett for mental conditioning and insight into being a professional athlete, Kim Taylor swim coach for working around other commitments and anyone else in the development of Matt's career.
thanks,
Cain
