Ben,
Thanks for the heads up, but I will be honest with you. I actually don’t read any forums. If Jim hadn’t forwarded me the email he sent you guys, I would have never even known that anything negative had ever been said about me on your site. I felt like you were very respectful and professional toward me when we interviewed and if you feel like covering my next Ironman when there won’t be any cameras and hoopla, I’d be glad to talk with you.
I’ve been in the public eye for many years now and have learned that no matter the success or the failure, there will be people jumping on the opportunity to bash a perfect stranger. I did the best I could that day and that is all I can do. At the end of the day, the only people I am worried about impressing are God, my family, and my friends. When it’s all said and done, whether I crossed the line at 16:59:59 or at 17:03, they all still love me and that is what is truly important to me.
This year people will be negative toward me and next year those same ignorant people will do it to someone else and no one will be sitting around talking about my performance this year. The cool thing is that the people I met while I was here, amateurs and pros alike were all so nice to me and that is what I am going to take away from this experience. The people screaming for me when I crossed that line, the strangers that ran alongside me down Alii Dr. and the 2 little boys yelling that I could still do it even though time was way past the cut-off. Those are memories that will be with me the rest of my life and as I said to you during our interview, I will never feel bad or apologize for making the most of an opportunity.
I was inspired that day, by the athletes that passed by me, by a stranger that I will never see again with one leg and one arm who was still going at the energy lab even though neither of us were going to be “official” Ironmen, by the people at the aid stations who never let on that I may not even get the opportunity to cross the line, by thousands of strangers screaming as I made the turn toward the finish, and most of all by my coaches, friends, and family who let me beleive I could actually do this and were still proud when I didn’t.
I didn’t do this Ironman to prove to some stranger wrong or right, I did it to prove to myself and others that we can do anything we set our minds to. For all of the negative statements, there are positives. For all of those feeling uninspired by my performance, there are those who will be. I am proud to think that whether I am a real Ironman or not, (I will be when I cross the line under the cut-off at my next one) there may be at least one person who chooses to chase what may seem to be an impossible goal and not quit until they get to the finish line.
Thanks for letting me know, but I am not going to waste a moment of my time trying to change the opinions of others toward me. Triathlon has been a gift in my life as well as my family and we are going to do our best to promote it and all it has to offer in the best light we can for as long as we can. The athletes that are already involved in this sport should welcome all people into the tri-life whether they are fat, skinny, tall, short, fast or slow. You never know, this sport just may be a new lease on life for someone.
Not crossing the finish line under the cut-off in Kona would be far less embarrasing than knowing I turned even one person off to this amazing sport because of my attitude toward them or their appearance. As I said in one of my interviews last week. “You can only make a first impression of someone by their appearance. You can never judge their heart and mind until you give them a chance.”
I firmly beleive that all of us in this great sport should give everybody who wants to, the chance to experience their own victory in our sport.
Have a great day!
Matt Hoover (Almost an Ironman this time!)
Matt Hoover
www.Matt-Hoover.com
www.BodyEvolution.com
Author: Matt Hoover’s Guide to Life, Love, and Losing Weight
#1 by Johanna J - October 17th, 2009 at 22:19
Matt –
Stay positive and I will remain a fan of yours regardless of the time or the nonsense criticism you receive!
What an amazing response! I am one of your fans! You are an amazing man who has inspired so many! You realize the critics will always have something bad to say about something or someone. Until they look in the mirror and decide if they could walk a mile in your shoes I think they need to pay attention to what you have accomplished and what you are doing!
From an interview in your words – “You can only make a first impression of someone by their appearance. You can never judge their heart and mind until you give them a chance.” I truly wish that people would remember this. However, you and I both know that first impressions are often skewed by their mis-perception! I am a morbidly obese female and absolutely support you in whatever you do! You continue to inspire many. Never, ever give up! You and Suzy are such wonderful and amazing people! Thanks Matt for sharing this open letter! Remember critics will always be critics…The thing that critics forget is that they need to look in the mirror prior to making judgments about others! Best wishes to you and Suzy!
#2 by Jennifer Griola - October 17th, 2009 at 22:30
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!
Matt, you rock! That person you inspire–is ME!
Two weeks ago I competed in my first triathlon–a sprint. I was last–dead last! I wanted my husband to grab our kids, pick me up on the run and not have to go back and see anyone. I cried. It was not as much physical, as it was psychological/emotional–my greatest fear was finishing last. But I finished & was accepted and supported by these super-fit athletes. I find inspiration in your story! It’s hard to compete and wonder if people are looking at you and wondering what you’re doing there…I’ve lost almost 100 lbs, but have quite a bit more to lose–I don’t look nearly as ‘in shape’ as the other athletes. But you know what, as my friend told me–I wasn’t last–the people sitting on their butts on the couch, recovering from their hangovers, they were last. In order to inspire people to work toward better health we need people like you and me out there showing that fitness comes in all shapes and sizes. Thanks for continuing to inspire us!!!!
#3 by William Haynes - October 18th, 2009 at 07:06
Matt,
I was praying for you during the event and following your times on the website. What you attempted was an amazing feat and I was cheering you on and continue to. I lost 100 lbs inspired by you and Suzy and finished my first 1/2 Ironman a few weeks ago. Yesterday I finished a Sprint in 3rd place in my division, which I NEVER thought would happen. You’ll find the Ironman experience will translate into some amazing areas of your life, especially with the way you’ve processed your time there. For each person that’s excited about the positive changes I’ve made in life, there always seems to be someone else waiting expectantly for me to fall. As for me, I’d much rather cheer others on! Congrats on your swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles and running a MARATHON in 17:03! You’ve accomplished what very few will attempt. Blessings – William
#4 by candle - October 18th, 2009 at 15:03
Matt, just to let you know what an inspiration you are to the family! It was amazing to watch you in the Ironman, and to see that what you put your mind to do you do it! I luv your heart! your mother in law!
#5 by Lisa - October 18th, 2009 at 16:13
You’re awesome and you inspired me!! Take care and continue to enjoy triathlon, it’s an amazing sport!!!
~L
#6 by Darren - October 20th, 2009 at 10:11
Be proud Matt. 17:03 may not make you an “official” ironman, but you proved you could go the distance (something many others can say they haven’t been able to do). I’m sure you learned alot about yourself during the race, and hopefully will attempt another Ironman one day to claim that title. I’m impressed that you took on the challenge in the first place. Most individuals thinking of tackling an ironman already have a strong running or cycling background, and have been doing triathlons for years prior. I had 3 years of triathlon experience, before I signed up for my first Ironman (a full year ahead of the race). Triathlon is a lifestyle as much as it is a sport. It can be very addictive and hopefully one you stick with(plus it’s a great way to keep the pounds off). And though we’ve never met, our paths are not that different (see website) and I will be routing for you at your next Ironman.
Congrats Matt
#7 by Carol Myers - October 23rd, 2009 at 09:18
Matt–you are fantastic. I had no idea you were competing in Ironman until I checked out their website and saw a wrap-up with your name on it. You are an Ironman.
I, too, struggle with weight and have my entire life. I am so proud to see your success. Ironman!?!?!?!? Do you believe it? I don’t what you are reading/hearing, but whatever the sources, rip them up and turn them off. Be proud. Those critics have never even TRIED. Good luck to you, Suzi and your family. I love the Biggest Loser and will always remember you both. Can you believe that? You have both made a difference in so many lives…Stay strong, keep competing and keep trying new things. It keeps us all going!
Carol
#8 by Kevin Barr - October 27th, 2009 at 22:22
Matt – I raced Kona this year as a lottery winne and as my first ironman too. You are completely right, it isnt about anyone else, except your true friends, your wife and kids and the people that surround you that love and support you. It was an extremely difficult day in Kona and the only people that will ever be able to relate in your life were those that were on the course with you that day. I was written up in the papers and some mags and had some hatters too, we are always going to have to deal with that. However, at the end of the day, You are an Ironman brother. That will never be taken away from you.
Kevin Barr
#9 by Susan - November 14th, 2009 at 18:37
Matt,
your response is filled with love and grace. I am inspired by just the response alone. You and Suzy helped inspire me to do the 3 day Breast cancer walk here in Seattle. I have so far done it 2 times,once in 06 and again in 08. My next goal is to start running 5 and 10 k’s . One day i want to try a tri too. Not bad for a 48yr old soon to be grandma. Thanks for being there for the real people who want to change their lives,not to impress anyone but to live a life of quality.
#10 by Crazymrsnancy - November 19th, 2009 at 14:25
Matt Hoover, you are SUCH a huge inspiration. You and Suzy are amazing.
#11 by Terry - December 26th, 2009 at 15:01
Hi Matt,
This may sound odd (or not) but I want to thank you for completing the Kona Ironman.
Watching Tara Costa run set a flame within me to run again, even short distance that would seem like a miracle. Then she started talking about Ironman. Well, I didn’t know what the Ironman was about until you explained it on the “Where Are They Now?” show. Then sat in jaw-dropping awe as you completed it.
Here’s the deal. At this time, walking around the block is a struggle. I have my goals for weight loss that I’m currently working on. But none of the reasons or goals have me on fire like the new goal that’s burning in me now. That’s to RUN again. Not just to run but to complete a Marathon!
Now I’m off my butt, doing some leg therapy to prep for the Couch-to-5K, and will go from there. Will I complete a marathon? I don’t know but by God, I’m going to give in the ol’ New York-try!
So thank you for being a complete inspiration to me! And for this website that is full of wisdom. God has blessed you with many talents. May He continue to bless you, Susie and your family. I’ll be watching for you in the next Ironman.