Q&A with Paul Matthews

GU ATHLETE: Paul Matthews
NICKNAME: Barny, Spongey
BIRTHDATE: 4/7/83
ADDRESS: Murwillumbah (Gods country), Australia
PHONE NUMBERr: 1-800-BARNY
WEBSITE: www.paulmatthews.com.au
SPORT: Triathlon

Proudest athletic accomplishment? Two Ironman 70.3 victories; winning the first Luke Harrop Memorial Trophy

Funny racing story? An annoying story is that it took me three days to get to Cornerbrook for the Newfoundland 70.3 last year when it was meant to take one. My bike arrived at 9pm the night before the race.

What's the strangest thing a spectator has ever said to you while racing? "You're looking great!" when you're coming dead last!!

What characteristics do you most respect in your competitors? The ones that go hard in all three disciplines. They just don't sit in and wait for the run.

If you were not a pro athlete, what would you do professionally? Professional sports fan couch potato!!

When you were a kid, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up? Professional soccer player for Liverpool.

Song title that best fits your personality/spirit? Don't Hold Back- The Potbelleez

How do you reward yourself when you reach a key goal? Haven't reached my key goals yet. Still plugging away

If you were a contestant on Survivor, what would be your one comfort item from home? My iPod.

What's the most creative way you've ever carried your GU? When I run I keep my gel in my K-Swiss pocket down the front of my pants!

Three things people don't know about you? I'm called "Barny" because I come from a country town where people assume I live in a barn. "Spongey" came from Lucy Alexander (Crowie's 4-yr-old daughter). Why? I don't know - but it stuck! My football team in Australia is the St George Illawarra Dragons. THE best team!