Sports
Matheus Diniz: From Marathon Podium to Debut Ironman Floripa
The triathlete reveals details of his preparation, challenges overcome, and his big bet for the season.
Professional triathlete Matheus Diniz shares his journey straight from the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman 70.3 Brasília. He details his unexpected marathon in Croatia, preparation for the Brasília 70.3, and the big news: his debut in the full Ironman Florianópolis. A candid conversation about high performance, challenges, and the emotion of fulfilling a dream.
The Radar Stemma program, with Fabio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura, had the honor of hosting professional triathlete Matheus Diniz for an exclusive interview live from the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman 70.3 Brasília. Matheus shared insights into his season, expectations for the race, and big news that promises to stir up the national triathlon scene.
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A Different Start to the Season: Marathon in Croatia
Matheus Diniz began his season in an unusual way, accompanying his wife, an amateur athlete, in a marathon in Croatia. This was Matheus's first marathon, and he not only completed it but also surprised himself. "I did very well, with no expectations whatsoever," he recounts. The race was extremely challenging, with 600 meters of elevation gain and intense cold, which included a local storm called 'bura'. Despite the adversities, Matheus secured fourth place and even took home prize money in euros, which, he joked, "was enough to pay for a little dinner there."
Post-marathon recovery was a challenge in itself. Matheus revealed he spent an entire day lying down, in intense pain, almost believing he had sustained an injury. However, the experience was "very cool" and served as a learning experience for the remainder of his athletic year.
Focus and Confidence at Ironman 70.3 Brasília
Arriving in Brasília, Matheus Diniz exudes confidence. After the marathon, he resumed triathlon training and feels "very good," with "very good confidence." He has been adjusting important details in his preparation, especially in nutrition, a point where he had been struggling in previous races. "In all races, I had to stop for a bathroom break," he revealed. With the adjustments, the expectation is for a more solid performance.
Matheus aims for a podium finish in a 70.3 this year and says he is increasingly adapted to the distance and his new bike. He notes that the Ironman 70.3 Brasília promises to be a race with a very similar level of athletes, making the competition decisive. Matheus comments on the race dynamic, citing athletes like Taccone (strong on the bike, but not in swimming) and Diogo (a good swimmer), and the influence of media motorcycles, which have altered the initial strategy of some competitors. Despite everything, he is confident in his cycling: "I'm not here to play games."
The Big News: Debut at Ironman Florianópolis
In a first-hand announcement, Matheus Diniz dropped a bombshell: he will compete in the full Ironman Florianópolis this year. "I've actually been training for the Ironman, and that's been helping a lot with this distance," he stated. With a 20-year career as a professional athlete, Matheus is about to achieve a dream that, ironically, will take him longer to realize than many beginners. "It's a cycle, right? People nowadays do triathlon for a year and already want to start an Ironman, right? I've been doing this for 20 years, and I'm about to start my first, my very first Ironman." He is enjoying the higher training volume and doesn't feel it's hindering his 70.3 performance.
For the Florianópolis Ironman, Matheus's approach will be to "get to know it, to have fun, with no pressure at all." It's a time to enjoy the journey and the support, including from his wife, for something that represents "a dream we have, and the time has come to enjoy it."
Race Dynamics and Personal Insights
In the "quick-fire questions" segment with the hosts, Matheus revealed a bit more about his personality:
- Music: Eclectic, listening to everything from Calypso to Rock, with a preference for classics like Guns N' Roses, Bon Jovi, and Iron Maiden.
- Superhero: His father.
- Soccer team: Flamengo, influenced by his father.
- Post-race food: Sushi, or Japanese cuisine in general.
- Longest bike ride: 316 km in one day, from Brasília to Aparecida do Norte, as part of a 1,400 km challenge over three days with Vinicius Canhedo.
- Childhood idol: Gustavo Borges, as he came from swimming and dreamed of being like him.
- Mother: Being the youngest, his mother worries a lot, to the point of not watching his races, but always calls afterward to support him. He expresses his love and her importance in his life.
Matheus Diniz demonstrates a mix of experience, resilience, and passion for triathlon. His journey, from an unexpected marathon podium to meticulous preparation for Ironman 70.3 Brasília and his emotional debut at Ironman Florianópolis, is a testament to dedication. There's strong support for him to achieve his goals and continue inspiring other athletes on their own journeys of overcoming challenges and pursuing dreams.
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