While many of us are quite familiar with Chris Lieto, his brother Matt might not be as well known...yet! Matt's story is fascinating in that he's gone from being a college kid who would breathe hard walking to class a few years ago to a professional triathlete today. We chatted with Matt about how he made that transition, what it's like being brothers with Chris, and what's ahead for the future...

First off congratulations on your race at the Ironman World Championships this year. How do you feel your race went and were you pleased with your results?

Thanks. Yes, all in all I was pleased with my race in Hawaii. My true goal was to go there and just finish and learn some things along the way for future races on the Island. I did that and I am pleased. On the competitive side of things I felt as if I had a pretty bad day out there. I lost concentration and as a result lost feet on the swim, tried to play catch up on the bike which resulted in a textbook blowing to smithereens back from Hawi, and an absolute survival of a run. I know that I can do a ton better on a decent day, so I am happy with my placing considering the kind of day I had.

Do you have any other races planned for this season?

Nope that is all she wrote for me, I have been taking it pretty easy since Hawaii, just focusing on recovering for a good next year. I ended my season with 2 IM’s in 7 weeks with a few races with Aaron Steadies mixed in between, and for this mortal, that is more than enough!!

Any big changes in store for next season?

Yes, actually. Next year is the year I hope to switch from what I like to call “poorfessional” to a professional athlete. I have always had a job while racing, and now realize to continue to compete against the best in the world, I need to have the recovery to balance the training. It is going to take some hard work this off-season to try and find some additional sponsorship “partners” to help me make this happen, but that is my focus for next year.

I also plan to get out there a bit more to share my story, hopefully visiting schools and talking to kids about fitness and how being active can change their lives.

In a recent article posted on Xtri, From Fat to Fit, you wrote an inspirational story of how you struggled with your weight and transformed yourself into a professional triathlete. Do you ever take a step back and think just how amazing your story is?

Yes, and no. There are times when I realize how far I have come and it does get emotional. If you saw any pictures from Hawaii finish line, I was crying like a baby. As I ran down Alii, it just all came back- the first time I walked down that street I was close to 250 lbs. Now I am finishing it as a competitive pro? Pretty cool. On the other hand, I don’t really see it as amazing. Amazing puts it on a level that makes it seem out of reach. My change wasn’t easy, but I feel on some level in everyone’s life, a similar change can be achieved. The human will is an amazing thing, and with passion, effort and well-aimed goals, anyone can achieve anything. Amazing- no, Fun- absolutely.

In your article you wrote that you now find yourself eating Harvest Bars instead of pizza. Have you completely taken away all “junk food” from your diet?

Your timing is awesome for this question. It is off-season, I just finished a weekend cycling camp with Purple Patch Fitness in Napa, where the wine and the food was plentiful and indulgent, and Thanksgiving had its perks as well ;) Pumpkin Pie is GOOD!! But, it is all about balance, in the season I eat a Gluten free and dairy free diet as I think it helps me to perform to the best of my abilities. I pretty much stay away from things that offer no nutritional gain and substitute with things that taste good and are good for you. Instead of ice cream or a brownie I usually get some good fruit or some yummy cereal. I do feel you have to let yourself eat some of the sinful stuff in moderation, or else a falling of the truck is bound to happen. So, I WILL be having some cake and ice-cream at Christmas- just one or two pieces, not seven ;)

Do you attribute some of your ability to continue to eat healthy to the fact that you participate in a sport in which your performance hinges on your nutrition?

It definitely helps that weight and health are so important to my sport. I keep an eye on my body composition a bit more than I would if I wasn’t in an endurance sport, so that probably keeps me a little more honest. The skimpy little outfits are a good motivator too. I don’t want my little belly hanging out of my kit in the finish line photos ;)

Many people who struggle with their weight may not be as athletically gifted as you are. Do you have any words of advice for people who may start to get into triathlons as a way to lose weight, and may be struggling?

I love when people ask this question. Here is the first thing, when I was 240 and sweating walking to class, people didn’t say “look at that guy, he has good genes” or “I wish I was as athletically gifted as he is”. Yes, I understand both of these things may be true, but it takes a ton of hard work, and a belief in oneself to find one’s true potential. I think there are a lot of “gifted athletes” hanging out in a “fat suit” just like I was. All they have to do is find a way to get it off. The key is to find something you love to do. If that is triathlon great, if it is hiking awesome, it may even be skateboarding like it was for me. The main thing is you should wake up wanting to go do whatever it is, and not feel forced. Second, diets are crap. You have to change the way you eat, and your lifestyle before you will drop the pant sizes. It has to be a commitment to change, not a shot in the dark. Make a routine and stick to it, and make it as social and fun as you can. This sport is great and is full of inspiring and fun people- take advantage of it. You can do it- just stay strong!!

You got into the sport after watching your brother compete in the Ironman World Championships. How much inspiration has he given you, and do you train with him at all?

As you would think, Chris has given me a ton of inspiration in the sport. From the initial inspiration after watching that first race that ended up changing my life. To the fact that watching the kid who grew up down the hall turn into one of the best athletes in the world makes me think I have it in me too. Chris has been and will always be a huge part in my career, he has given me encouragement and advice from the beginning and I realize I wouldn’t be here without him. Unfortunately, we haven’t trained much together the last few years as I am living up in Bend, OR, and he is in Danville, Ca. When I was getting started we trained together daily and was probably a big reason in my growth as an athlete. We usually train together the last couple weeks before Kona, which is always something I really look forward to. Next year I plan to get down and train with him a bit this winter when the weather is a bit harsh up here in Bend.

How special was it for your family to watch you and Chris compete in Hawaii this year?

It was pretty cool, everyone was out to watch and was there when we both crossed the finish line. I hoped to be around him a bit more in the race for some photo ops, but at least we matched in our sweet K-Swiss kits for post race pics!! It was a great family vacation, and was fun for all of us to see things come full circle.

Where do you see your triathlon career going in the future?

I am going to do what I always have- doing my best in the sport that I love. As always focusing on sharing my story and showing everyone that “anyone can do anything”!! That being said, I am VERY focused on taking my racing to the next level, and will be putting a lot of effort into becoming a world class athlete. I plan on racing 2 IM’s next year and 5 or 6 70.3’s. I hope to have some good finishes next year, but am focused on the future. My goal is to hopefully sign off an Xtri interview in the next few years- Ironman Champion, Matt Lieto

Thanks for the time, until then, enjoy the day- Matt