XTERRA Wetsuits has announced the signing of professional triathlete Paul Matthews to a multi-year contract. Known as ‘Barny’ in the triathlon community, Matthews is an Australia-native who has been a competing triathlete since the age of 11.
“There’s a clear talent about Paul,” said XTERRA Wetsuits President, Brandon Hearn. “He’s an athlete that has been pushing himself from the beginning. It’s that kind of determination and tenacity that led to this signing.”
Matthews boasts the second fastest debut Ironman-distance time in history. With a finishing time of 8:05:58 at the Asia-Pacific Ironman Championships in Melbourne, he earned a spot in the 2012 Kona Ironman World Championship.
After taking a year off from Ironman racing in 2013, Matthews began training again under the coaching of Ironman World Champion Craig Alexander. Matthews’ debut race with XTERRA Wetsuits will be Ironman 70.3 in St. George, Utah, on Saturday 3 May 2014.
“I’m extremely excited to be part of the XTERRA team for the next three years,” Matthews said. “The XTERRA wetsuit fits like a glove and feels amazing when swimming. I am stoked to be wearing the most popular tri wetsuit brand in the world.”
Matthews, who placed second in the Asia-Pacific Ironman Championships in 2014, joins a growing roster of competitive triathletes with the brand. XTERRA sponsored triathletes include three-time off-road triathlon World Champion Lesley Paterson and three-time Ironman Champion Chris Lieto.
XTERRA Wetsuits Founder and Owner Keith Simmons said, “Paul is in the new wave of pro triathletes who are going to take the sport to the next level. We are honoured to have him as a part of the XTERRA Wetsuits team.”
Guided by a commitment to comfort, speed, buoyancy and value, XTERRA Wetsuits has been producing tri-specific wetsuits since 2001. Most recently, Rafael Goncalves raced to the fastest overall swim time at Kona 2013 in an XTERRA Speedsuit. ‘XTERRA Wetsuits are designed, tested and sold by triathletes, for triathletes in San Diego, the birthplace of triathlon.’
