Ultra Prodigy
MATTHEW HEALY came into the limelight in 2020 when he beat Ryan Sandes' One Day 13 Peaks Record. Then he cemented his place as an ultra running wunderkind when he won his first 100 miler at the 2021 Addo Elephant Trail Run.
Discover how a 25-year-old can develop such an impressive work ethic, who inspires him, and why he doesn't like shaking hands.
In the night, as I was trying to move as quickly as possible, a jackal appeared in my path.
MATTY HEALY is just 25, but is already setting records and winning competitive ultras.
He’s decided that trail running will be his career, and he’s just getting started.
This is Matthew’s journey so far.
Previous life
Before running, I was playing rugby at a serious level. Straight after high school I went to the Sharks Rugby Academy.
I love the sport, but I was a lot heavier. That’s one of the reasons I stopped rugby. I felt like in my time with the Sharks, my body was struggling. I didn't feel great, my back couldn't support my weight. I had to rethink things, and figure out if it was really worth it.
Since starting running I've lost over 20kg, in the form of bulk and muscle mass.
After hanging up my boots at the start of 2016, I got a BComm in Marketing and
