As the dawn of a new racing season approaches, American triathlon star Matt Hanson is already deep in preparation, not just physically but strategically. Last year, Matt's season was a rollercoaster that saw him leading the IRONMAN Pro Series for a significant time, thanks to consistent top 10 finishes at major events like the IRONMAN World Championship and IRONMAN Texas, and a victory at IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga. However, despite his efforts, he concluded the year in fifth place in the standings, a respectable finish that still earned him a $50,000 bonus.

Reflecting on the intense competition and his final sprint at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in New Zealand, Matt shared, "Having to sprint for the last paycheck after a grueling season didn't feel great, but it's all part of the game." This experience has only fueled his determination to climb higher in the upcoming season.

For 2025, Matt is not just training harder but also smarter. He's meticulously planning his race calendar, starting with a 'bucket list' race at IRONMAN South Africa on March 30. "South Africa has always been on my list, and although it's a bit early in the season, it's a chance I'm willing to take to gauge where I stand against some of the best in the sport," Matt explained.

Following South Africa, his schedule includes staples like IRONMAN Texas on April 26 and IRONMAN 70.3 St George on May 10. Depending on his performance and points, he might add the Eagleman triathlon to his roster before reassessing his strategy for the rest of the season.

In the world of professional sports, criticism and unsolicited advice are plentiful, often overshadowing constructive support. Matt, however, chooses to stay above the fray. "Last year, not many would have predicted my successes. This year, I'm focused on my own goals, not the noise from the sidelines," he stated confidently.

This mindset is crucial as he faces stiff competition from notable athletes like Kristian Blummenfelt, Gustav Iden, and Magnus Ditlev, who have shown strong performances in recent IRONMAN World Championships.

Matt's training sessions are intense and purpose-driven, a glimpse of which can be seen in his latest training video. These sessions are not just about building endurance and speed but also about strategizing for each race's unique challenges.

As Matt Hanson gears up for another demanding year, his journey remains a testament to the resilience and dedication required in professional triathlon. Whether it's tackling the hills of Texas or the fierce competition in South Africa, Matt's approach reminds us that in triathlon, as in life, the best plan involves adapting to challenges and focusing on one's own race, rather than the expectations set by others.

With the IRONMAN Pro Series 2025 on the horizon, all eyes will be on Matt as he strives to not just meet but exceed the benchmarks he has set for himself. It's more than just about points or podiums; it's about personal bests and proving that last year's successes were no fluke.