Recovering My Own Way - Short Film
Matt McElroy is known by many titles: surfer, father, scooter cruiser, and professional triathlete…
Matt McElroy's journey is a tale of resilience and unyielding dedication that has led him to new heights in the realm of athletics. From his beginnings as a driven competitor to his triumphant position as an olympic hopeful, Matt's narrative speaks volumes about the strength of the human spirit and the possibilities that emerge when unconventional training methods are embraced.
After I started to probe into his early years as a competitive athlete, Matt shared with a humble smile, "I guess it really started to click for me when I placed second at Footlocker Nationals," he responded as he settled into a slightly awkwardly positioned hotel chair, which I had meticulously arranged for our video interview. "I guess that made me the second fastest high schooler in America."
Early Athletic Roots and Milestone
Earning recognition for his track prowess, Matt garnered the attention of renowned Division 1 colleges across the United States. His eventual choice of Northern Arizona University (NAU) was rooted in their illustrious history of producing world-class runners. "NAU has been dominant in the collegiate running scene for the past 25 years ," he explained, "This was a place I could really start to get to hone my fitness and hone my skills as an athlete."
A Crossroads of Injuries and Adaptation
Despite his remarkable talents, a series of stress-induced injuries stemming from his demanding running routine forced Matt to reconsider his training approach. Looking back on his formative years, he mused, "Growing up, I participated in a variety of activities—surfing, biking, swimming, and running. I think my diverse exercises in high school helped me avoid injuries and attain a high level of fitness. So, I reverted to what had worked before and started cross-training."
This revised strategy breathed new vitality into Matt's career, resulting in impressive accomplishments: a 4:22 mile time, an 8:11 mark in the 3,000 meters, and a notable 28:36 for the 10k. These achievements secured his place among the top 10 athletes in numerous races and earned him gold in several more.
The Path to Olympic Glory
With his skills and fitness flourishing, Matt transitioned to the world of triathlons, drawing upon the confidence gained from his accomplishments in swimming and cycling. Recounting his post-college years, he chuckled, “After college, I lived in a sort of frat house in Southern California with three other athletes. Both of them went on to become Olympians, and I thought to myself, 'Well, I can probably do that, too!’”
However, it's vital to acknowledge that Matt's success was not instantaneous. Now in his early thirties, he is attempting a monumental milestone— secure a coveted spot on Team USA for the 2024 Olympics in France. Backed by nearly a decade of victories as a professional triathlete, it's evident that his unswerving dedication and methodical approach have paved the way for this exceptional accomplishment.
"One of my biggest goals is to focus on the next workout, to keep improving on that next workout. I’m always chasing improvement…"
Lessons in Perseverance and Innovative Training
For an intimate exploration of Matt's extraordinary journey, I encourage you to check out the video I did for KT Tape in his hometown of Flagstaff, Arizona. The video, conveniently linked at the beginning of this articles, encapsulates the essence of the story you've absorbed here.
Matt McElroy's narrative stands as a testament to the strength of perseverance, the gratification derived from pursuing diverse passions, and the rewards that unfold when embracing an innovative training approach. His journey, adorned with challenges and victories, serves as a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit and the remarkable heights it can achieve through unwavering commitment and resolute diligence.
For a deeper dive into Matt's tale, explore the video I've crafted with him for KT Tape in Flagstaff, conveniently linked at the pinnacle of this piece. Every word, image, and video was created by me :)
Want to Work Together?
Roo is a commercial/documentary filmmaker and photographer based in Boulder, Colorado but travels all around the world for his filmmaking career. He has produced films for Outside Magazine in Ireland, camera operated for Netflix in the Rocky Mountain West, photographed among indigenous communities in Peru and Ecuador, directed videos with professional climbers in Mexico and has received notable recognition in his hometown of Orcas Island in Washington State for his work telling uplifting stories in the outdoor space.
Let’s chat - reach out and I’ll respond in the next 24-48 hours!