‘Hopefully I can go one step better’ – Hauser aims for SLT’s top spot

Matt Hauser is already looking at ways to improve in Super League Triathlon after his second place overall in the 2022 Championship Series.

The Aussie had more than his fair share of bad luck during the five races – an incorrect penalty for a false swim start in London, a crash on the bike in Malibu which led to his early elimination and then another spill in Toulouse when Tyler Mislawchuk went down right in front of him.

But he still managed to claim two victories – in Munich and then the Grand Finale in Neom – as only Hayden Wilde finished ahead of him in the standings.

Working on the ‘one-percenters’

But rather than bemoan his ill fortune, he was instead keen to identify areas to work on as he told us: “You can always say ‘what if’ but I think I just needed to be a bit more diligent.

“I think Hayden was the most prepared guy out there. He was clinical in all five races, basically. It was great to get one over him in Neom, but overall he was unbeatable in the end.  

“So I’ve got a few one-percenters to work on and iron out the kinks for next year and hopefully I can go that one step better.”

Confidence boost

The 24-year-old has moved up a level in 2022 – as well as his SLT heroics, he also landed an individual bronze at the Commonwealth Games.

Asked whether he feels his mindset has changed over the course of the year, he added: “Yes, definitely it gives me a lot of confidence. I’m looking forward to going back home to the Gold Coast now and getting stuck into some training.

“I’ve got three and a bit weeks until Abu Dhabi, so I’ll be looking forward to hopefully finishing off the year strong and I can then celebrate with friends and family.”

And reflecting on his win in Saudi Arabia he was quick to give credit to others, expaining: “I couldn’t be more stoked as I was really in the hurt locker. Jonny [Brownlee] was on another level out there but the Enduro is probably the only format that I haven’t had any mishaps on this year.

“A lot of credit goes to Jamie [Riddle] as he got me the short chute. And my Eagles teammates, it’s been a great ride and Tim Don has been the best manager for us to have with all the inside knowledge and the wealth of experience that he has.”