Triathlon Star Matt Hauser Takes on Oceania Cup with Sights Set on Paris 2024 Olympics

Why it matters: 25-year-old Matt Hauser, fresh from a silver medal victory at WTCS Yokohama, is gearing up to participate in the 2023 Oceania Triathlon Cup and Championship this weekend, setting sights on Paris 2024 Olympics.

Setting the pace: Hauser pulled off an exceptional performance in Yokohama, landing second only to New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde. His coach, Dan Atkins, insists that the strategy for the upcoming race will focus on long-term objectives, particularly the Olympics in Paris 2024.

What they are saying:

• Dan Atkins, Hauser's coach: “Matt doesn’t really need to prove anything here this weekend...we have to plan to be there at the end and we have to give him every chance to be ready to run their legs off in Paris in August.”
• Atkins, on the upcoming race: “Our camp has all been about a Team Australia focus...That Juniors can mix in with our very best. It’s not every day you get to race a Jake Birtwhistle, a Tayler Reid, a Matt Hauser, a Jaz Hedgeland or a Charlotte McShane and Nicole Van Der Kaay.”

By the numbers:

• 1: The number of silver medals Hauser recently won at WTCS Yokohama.
• 2: The number of weeks since the WTCS Yokohama, where Hauser is recovering and training.
• 18: The date in August when the Olympic Test Event is taking place.

Between transition: With a powerful lineup of competitors, including Jake Birtwhistle, Luke Willian, Tayler Reid, and Dylan McCulloch, the Oceania Triathlon is set to be a fierce competition. The women’s race is also anticipated to be equally challenging with strong contenders such as Jaz Hedgeland and Charlotte McShane.

Through Time: Hauser’s performance in Yokohama solidified his position as a strong contender for the Paris 2024 Olympics. His previous performances, along with the training he received at the Team Australia Performance Camp, will undoubtedly influence his performance at the Oceania Triathlon and beyond.

The bottom line: Hauser’s participation in the Oceania Triathlon is more about strategy and long-term vision than immediate victory. As he paces himself towards the Paris 2024 Olympics, this event is an opportunity to further hone his skills and gain valuable experience.