Matthew Rando

Sport: Running and Triathlon
Events: X-country and middle distance track running
Club: Gosford Athletics
Date of birth: 20 January 1988
Height: 170cm
Age: 16 years

Sporting bio and Achievements:
Matthew has been training for the past 18 months with coach Kevin Wills.

Recent achievements include:
2003 National U16 X-Country Champion
2003 2nd National Mountain Running Champion
2003 NSW State U16 1500m Champion
2003 NSW State U16 3000m Champion
2003 1st in the 'Look' triathlon 16-19 yrs
2003 3rd at the Nationals U16 track 1500m
2003 State Relay Champion in X-Country

Tamara Tomato was particularly excited to be interviewing Matthew as he has done so well at such a young age. Here’s what they talked about...

Tamara Tomato:
Hi Matthew, its fantastic to meet you – I know that with school and training you’re a pretty busy guy. Athletics and triathalon are pretty competitive sports – is there anyone who sticks out in your mind as a particularly tough opponent?
Matthew Rando:
Hi Tamara, I’d have to say that my toughest opponents are my training partner Ben and also the Victorian runners

Tamara Tomato:
Well I guess they would make you train even harder then. So what do you think has been your biggest achievement in sport so far?
Matthew Rando:
Winning the All Schools National X-Country U!6 in Melbourne

Tamara Tomato:
That’s a pretty big deal – congratulations!! You’ve done pretty well so far in your sport - have you ever had any losing streaks or injury?
Matthew Rando:
No not really.

Tamara Tomato:
Wow that’s amazing – why do you think that is?
Matthew Rando:
By being really strict with my diet and increasing my fruit and vegetable intake

Tamara Tomato:
We all know that eating lots of fresh fruits and vegies are not only good for us but can also give us lots of energy. So what are your favourite fruits?
Matthew Rando:
Mangoes and bananas, also I love kiwifruit and pineapples

Tamara Tomato:
Yum – they’re all favourite’s of mine too. How about your favourite vegetables?
Matthew Rando:
I enjoy all vegetables as it’s a strict part of my training, but I favour pumpkin.

Tamara Tomato:
What is your favourite food in general?
Matthew Rando:
Homemade pizza

Tamara Tomato:
Sounds great – I love to make pizza too! If you weren’t so focussed on athletics and triathlon, what do you think you would do?
Matthew Rando:
I’m not too sure, probably soccer or something to do with sport.

Tamara Tomato:
Sounds as though you love to move – I love rollerblading and I can go pretty fast – actually we should race one day!!! What do you like to do in your spare time?
Matthew Rando:
Bodyboarding and surfing.

Tamara Tomato:
Sounds like a great idea. Do you have any heroes or anyone who inspires you to keep training hard?
Matthew Rando:
Sebastian Coe

Tamara Tomato:
Wow good choice, Sebastian Coe was an awesome runner who won two Olympic medals and had eight world records. Do you have any nicknames?
Matthew Rando:
Whippet

Tamara Tomato:
I’m imaging they call you Whippet because you run so fast. What do you think is the best thing about playing sport?
Matthew Rando:
Travelling, meeting people and also winning.

Tamara Tomato:
They are all really good reasons to play sport. How about we finish up with your favourite motto!
Matthew Rando:
Believe it. Achieve it.

Tamara Tomato:
That’s a great motto to live by. Thanks Matthew for answering all my questions and for spending time with us today. On behalf of the "F & V Gang" I would like to wish you the very best and I have no doubt you will continue to do really well. Good luck!!