Interview

Warm greetings, Marcel! From your current professional endeavours in Luxembourg, we extend heartfelt salutations. It is an honour to have you join us on our online platform for this exclusive interview featured in our esteemed publication, "Run and Smile." Your illustrious journey as a marathon runner has captured the hearts of many, earning you recognition for your unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries and epitomizing the true spirit of sportsmanship. Today, we have the privilege of delving into the depths of your remarkable career and gaining insights into the guiding principles that have fuelled your extraordinary success. Without further ado, let us embark on this enlightening journey with our first question

Marcel, let me start by asking how you perceive your active sports career?

Well, I must say, I perceive it quite positively. I have been a multiple-time Slovakian champion, participated in world championships, European championships, and Olympic Games, which I consider my most significant achievements. Therefore, when I reflect on it, I definitely see my active sports career in a very positive light.

1. What was it like at the 2004 Olympics?

Yeah, I still get goose bumps just thinking about it. It was not easy. I had stomach issues, and things did not go as smoothly as I had envisioned or trained for.

However, I coped with all those obstacles and managed to overtake many people who were struggling even more. As I later found out, everyone I passed eventually dropped out. Yes, the applause at the finish line was incredible. I did not realize I was finishing last, but the spectators did, and perhaps that is why they cheered so enthusiastically for me.

Stefano Baldini still jokes when we meet, saying that I achieved far greater success than he did, even though he won the Olympic marathon. Maybe he is right. The Olympics itself cannot be compared to anything else. Although I have participated in much larger and more prestigious events with more participants, such as the New York Marathon, the Olympics are the Olympics, and nothing else can compare.

2. Why did you establish Marcel Matanín's Running Academy?

At that time, there was nothing like it in Ivanka, the village on the outskirts of Bratislava, where I currently reside. My goal was to concentrate my efforts on promoting physical activity among children in the area. My daughter showed an interest in sports, initially following in her father's footsteps (I mean mine), although certainly also influenced by her mother. Her desire to train sparked a chain reaction – first, a couple of her friends joined in, then a few more, until our group grew in numbers. It was like a natural progression, akin to a flowing stream, prompting us to conceive the idea of establishing a sports academy. While running serves as the cornerstone of our activities, our program encompasses a broader spectrum, including overall physical preparation, jumping, and a javelin-like throwing exercise.

3. Where do you believe the essence of inclusion through sports resides?

Sport transcends mere physical activity; it instils vital values such as self-discipline, respect, and camaraderie. Take, for example, the enduring friendships formed over three decades with fellow marathoners like Robert Štefko, Miroslav Vanko or Vladislav Lipovský. These enduring bonds exemplify the profound impact of sports in my life, fostering connections that endure through time. While performance and training are crucial components, the true essence of sports lies in its multifaceted offerings, which I have come to appreciate more deeply over time.

4. What is it like to have a Marathon Major? Which races are included in this category?

The Marathon Majors represent the pinnacle of achievement in the running world, encompassing six prestigious marathons across the globe. My journey with these iconic races began in Berlin in 2014, a moment that ignited my passion for long-distance running. Initially, I had not set out to conquer all six majors, but after experiencing the electrifying atmosphere of the New York City Marathon in 2016, I found myself eager to pursue further challenges.

Chicago in 2018 and London in 2019 provided exhilarating tests of endurance, each race adding layers to my love for the sport. The anticipation for Boston in 2020 was palpable, yet the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic forced a postponement, extending my wait until 2022. Despite the delay, the resilience of the running community prevailed, and I eagerly awaited my chance to tackle the historic Boston course.

Completing the Marathon Majors collection became a personal milestone, culminating with the Tokyo Marathon in 2023. What brought me immense satisfaction was not just the completion of these races but the fact that I qualified for five out of six marathons with the required time limit. Even for the sixth one, with a time limit of 2:44, I knew that with further dedication and training, I could meet the challenge, having previously surpassed a limit of 2:49 in Kosice.

However, for my final marathon, I made a conscious decision to run for a greater purpose, dedicating my race to support a foundation for children battling cancer. While it required financial investment on my part, the opportunity to contribute to such a noble cause far outweighed any monetary considerations. I have no regrets for this choice, as it enriched my marathon experience with a deeper sense of fulfilment and meaning beyond personal achievement.

5. What achievements do you value most?

When reflecting on my most valued achievements, participating in the Olympics stands out as a pinnacle moment in my athletic journey. Alongside this prestigious accomplishment, I cherish the memories of earning medals in mountain running as part of a team, as well as clinching two individual titles and securing silver medals in Masters mountain running events.

Another source of pride stems from my dominance in cross country running, clinching the national championship title an impressive nine times consecutively. This consistency is a testament to my dedication and perseverance in the sport, a feat not easily achieved by many.

One particularly memorable highlight occurred during the 2003 Košice Marathon, the oldest in Europe and second oldest globally. Despite it being my first-ever marathon, I stunned myself with a fourth-place finish, clocking an impressive time of 2:17:55, thus meeting the B standard for the Olympics. Marián Šimo, a renowned Slovak sports journalist, reached out to deliver the staggering news. I was in disbelief – I had not dared to dream of such an outcome, nor had I tailored my training specifically for this achievement. This unexpected achievement reshaped my goals, leading to further successes, including confirming my qualification for the Olympic Games with a time of 2:17:22 in Zurich.

Following this significant milestone, I embarked on a natural progression in life, completing my university studies in May 2004 before representing my country on the grand stage of the Olympics in Athens, marking the culmination of my competitive career.

6. When it comes to present challenges, Marcel, are there any new athletic goals you are pursuing?

In terms of my current challenges, I am focused on maintaining a balanced approach to my athletic endeavours, ensuring that I prioritize both physical health and enjoyment. As for my future aspirations, I am keen on exploring different avenues within sports, whether it is trying out new activities or honing my skills in familiar ones. Ultimately, I aim to continue deriving fulfilment from my sporting pursuits while embracing whatever opportunities come my way.

7. Is there anything I have not asked you about that you would like to share with us in this interview?

I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to my coaches, whose guidance and support have played an instrumental role in shaping me into the runner I am today. I owe a significant debt of gratitude to two remarkable individuals in particular - Pavol Madár and Miroslav Okáľ. Their unwavering dedication, expertise, and belief in my potential have been invaluable throughout my athletic journey. Their mentorship not only honed my physical abilities but also instilled in me the resilience, determination, and passion necessary to overcome challenges and achieve my goals. I am truly fortunate to have had the privilege of learning from such exceptional coaches, and I will forever be grateful for their invaluable contributions to my development as an athlete.