Go Matt! Hauser’s hometown fans gather to watch local triathlete at Tokyo

Family, friends and local fans of superstar triathlete Matt Hauser gathered in his hometown of Hervey Bay Bay to cheer him on in the men’s tri. See the photos here.

He might not have made it on the podium but superstar triathlete Matt Hauser still did his hometown of Hervey Bay proud on Monday.

Olympics. Olympics triathlon team member – Matt Hauser. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Family, friends and local fans gathered at the Beach House Hotel to watch the morning event which got off to a dramatic start where Australian triathlete Jake Birtwhistle was kicked in the face in a chaotic false start and raced the entire triathlon with a broken nose.

PROUD PARENTS: Matt Hauser's mum and dad Darren and Vicki.

Hauser’s proud parents Vicki and Darren told the Chronicle they were relieved he had made it through his first Olympics and through a gruelling and hot event.

“We’re just so proud that he made it through to the finish line and standing up, so that’s good,” Vicki said.

“It’s been a very long journey as any elite athlete would tell you, we’re just so thankful for the support of the local triathlon club and all of the local business that have supported Matt as well.”

Vicki said she was thankful to have the support of the crowd during her son’s event.

She said she wouldn’t put into words how hard Hauser had worked to get to the Olympics.

“It has been a very long journey,” Vicki said.

“With elite sport, people only see the top of the iceberg, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes.

“He’s had accidents and injuries, some really low points, some really high points, winning the World Junior Championships.

“We’re just grateful that he made it to the starting line of his first Olympics.”

Their last minute advice for the son ahead of the race?

“Enjoy every minute,” Vicki said.

Darren said his son had put in all the hard work and training to get there, so it was all about enjoying the Olympic experience.

Hauser’s parents are now looking forward to seeing him compete in the mixed relay event later this week.

Also in the crowd were members of the Hervey Bay Triathlon Club and his former coach Brian Harrington.

He said he had enjoyed cheering Hauser on, adding that he was very proud of the Hervey Bay competitor.

Matt Hauser's former coach Brian Harrington with wife Penny and daughter Ellie.

The impact on the next generation was also clear with students from Kawungan State School penning a special card to Matt’s parents.

Simon and Dawn Boss-Walker cheering Matt Hauser on.

Hauser’s grandfather, Syd Dart, wouldn’t have missed the event. An athlete himself in his younger days, he said Hauser had his sporting gene.

In the end, Hauser placed 24th.

Matt Hauser's granddad Syd Dart with family friend Natalie Fraser.

Gold went to Norway’s Kristian Blummenfelt.

Great Britain’s Alex Yee takes silver and New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde has taken bronze.

Birtwhistle finished 16th.

You can follow rolling Olympics coverage here.

Originally published as Go Matt! Hauser’s hometown fans gather to watch local triathlete at Tokyo