Ian Matos is a 27 year old professional diver who competed in the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil and has been diving since he was 11 years old. Get to know him a little better in the interview below.
You had a competition today. How did it go?
My competition today was not what I was expecting, my partner was not in a good day and did a terrible mistake in our second dive, it destabilized him. After this mistake we couldn’t compete against the others.
Oh, I’m sorry, Ian! That sucks! Do you want to compete in another Olympics?
For sure, I will try Tokyo too.
How long have you been diving? What do you like about it?
I am 27 and I have been diving since I was 11 years old. The best thing about diving is that we aways have to improve, we chase perfection and have to work really hard everyday.
What is your training like to prepare for this?
I train Monday through Saturday, morning and afternoon. I go to the gym three times at week.
That’s a lot of training! What muscle groups do you like to work out the most and why?
We do a lot of leg and abs training, I like most the abs training because it doesn’t hurt so much.
Have you always wanted to compete in the Olympics?
Being in an Olympic Games is a dream come true.
Do you remember how old you where when you decided being in the Olympics was a goal?
It was when I saw the Olympics in 2004, I was 15 years old.
How long have you been competing?
I’ve been competing for the last 14 years.
You came out in 2014. How has that impacted your career?
After I came out absolutely nothing change in my career or personal life.
That’s great! You should be very proud of yourself. Is your family supportive?
Yes, they aways support me!
I read a friend advised you not to come out until after the 2016 Olympic games. Are you still friends? Are you glad you came out when you did?
We are still friends, I am sure it happened at the right time.
How does it feel, coming out, competing in the Olympics, and remaining true to who you are?
It is a feeling of been true, transparent and free.
What do you like to do for fun when you’re not training or competing?
I like to go to the beach, hike, movie theaters, photography.
Are you single?
Yes, I am single.
Well, thanks for your time! Good luck in Tokyo!
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