May 21, 20182 min read

iON Featured Athlete: Matthew Lumb | Athletics | Pursuing the Greats

Sprinter Matthew Lumb

This week we are excited to feature a great up and coming athlete from the other side of the pond! Mr. Matthew Lumb! An all-around athlete who loves to compete and is determined to follow in the footsteps of elite UK sprinters.

What inspires you?

I am inspired many great thing. People like Richard Kilty and Harry Aikines inspire very much as they are role models and what I aspire to be like when I am older. Richard Kilty also ran for Gateshead harriers as a youngster so my aim is to follow in his footsteps. Other people like my family also inspire me because they have always supported me at my highs and the lows, they have kept me going and that is why I am doing so well at such a young age.

What are your athletic goals for this season?

This season’s goals are to get to the national finals for the 100m or 200m and also get a top 20 ranking in the UK. I am really going to concentrate on speed and power this season to perform better at a higher level. Longer term, I hope to go to the European Championships, World Championships and the Olympics hopefully one day but I know there is a long road ahead and I know it’s not going to be easy but I will put the work in!

What is the most significant challenge you face in achieving your goal?

The most significant challenge I have faced is injuries. I had numerous serious injuries in the last couple of years and the most difficult part I have found is getting back to full fitness. However at the moment I am doing very well with a massive thanks to your recovery products.

What is a technical aspect of your sport you are focusing on or have previously improved?

In athletics, I have over the last year really focused on the psychological aspect of the sport and have learnt from international coaches. The psychology, in athletics, is one of biggest parts and covers nearly every aspect from training to competition. Many athletes have failed through the aspect of psychology and this is where I do not want to go wrong. Leaning about this has been a massive help to get where I am today but there is still a long road ahead with you on board.

What is your approach to Recovery?

I think recovery plays a massive part in the road to success. Recovery not only helps with injuries and creates less chance of muscles injuries, it lets you train harder for longer.

What might you say to inspire other athletes?

The road to athletic greatness is not marked by perfection but the ability to constantly overcome adversity and failure.