Track star Matt Hulse ran his way to three medals last weekend, including a gold in the men’s 1,500-metre race at the OUA Track and Field Championship in Toronto. Hulse also won a silver medal in the 1,000-metre race and another silver as a part of the 4×800-metre relay team.
Hulse’s trio of medals set a Queen’s record for most medals won at a single OUA Track and Field Championship.
“It’s pretty cool to have a little place in history, but these things will always change,” he said. “The next athlete might come along and win three gold medals or something.”
Humbled by the feat, the fourth-year student credited his relay teammates Clay Patterson, Joshua Potvin, and Michael Nishiyama for helping him earn his third medal of the competition.
The kinesiology student said he’s been running all his life, but only really started focusing on it seriously in Grade 12.
“I’ve always liked running and running fast and seemed to have a talent for it. I like winning. The best way to express your competitive drive is to win.”
The Hartington, Ont. native said he wants to continue running this summer and for his two remaining years of eligibility, but said the uncertainty of a running career makes it difficult to know how long he will continue running competitively.
“It’s not really something you can say with any certainty that you’re going to build you’re life around. If a national team spot comes up I’d be up for it.”
Hulse said the friendships he’s made competing have been the most memorable part of being a varsity athlete. He also said the student-athlete experience isn’t as hard as it’s sometimes made out to be.
“Often times it’s when you don’t have something to balance time that you get lazy,” he said. “A busy person gets something done, and running is a great way to keep things structured and balanced.”
1. Favourite song?
“Hit ‘Em High” from the Space Jam soundtrack.
2. What reality show do you most want to go on?
Entourage.
3. Team’s favourite movie to watch on the bus?
300.
4. Favourite Vancouver Olympics moment?
[Speed-skater] Charles Hamelin winning gold.
5. UFC or boxing?
Boxing.
6. Favourite comedian?
Ricky Gervais.
7. Best show on TV?
Premier League soccer.
8. Best late-night food spot in Kingston?
Pita Grill.
9. Sport you most want to try?
Short-track speed skating .
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