‘I knew I had it in me’ – Matt Hauser on his incredible journey to the world title

Matt Hauser said he was “overwhelmed with gratitude” as the scale of his achievement in winning a first WTCS title began to sink in.

The Aussie became the first person to enjoy the perfect season in the format – three wins followed by Grand Final success – and even better, it was achieved on home turf in Wollongong.

His whole season had been geared to that finale in New South Wales and if he was feeling the pressure then it didn’t show. He bossed the race right from the start of the swim and had plenty of time to celebrate on the blue carpet.

12-month build

Asked about the weight of expectation, he told World Triathlon’s Doug Gray: “I was tossing and turning with emotion this week.

“It’s obviously been a big build up – it’s been a big last 12 months since Paris and I’ve had my sights set on this ever since I crossed the finish line there.

“And to be able to pull it off is just such a credit to the support team around me, to [coach] Dan Atkins – to everyone.

“I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude – gratitude for my family, my friends, for my girlfriend for all coming out to support. To the Australian public and Wollongong public – this all means so much to me.

“To have a week-long success for our country and the sport – credit to Aus Triathlon for that and getting world-class racing back on our shores.”

‘Overcome with emotion’

Looking back at the race itself, he added: “It was hectic from the start. Obviously it was really choppy which suited my strength and I went out from the gun.

“And I had a bit of work to do on the bike but a gap [from the front group to the chasers] opened up beautifully and we got working through that third and fourth lap and it just started rising – it was just awesome seeing the boys all working together.

“And on the run I really tried to stay composed in the first half as I knew I’d had some cramping issues in Karlovy Vary so I knew I needed to keep it smart. And then I could push it at the backend when I saw the gaps starting to drop from Vasco and the guys.

“But the crowd were fantastic and I’m just overcome with emotion. I couldn’t even hear myself breathe. I was just trying to stay locked in and focussed but it was very hard not to soak it up.

“I actually managed to enjoy the whole run, I loved all of it. It was a bit sketchy when the gaps started to come down but I knew I had it in me, I knew I could negative split if needed.”