FAST Running is excited to welcome Matt van der Lugt as our new FAST for Sport Lead, working alongside FAST Performance Director Steve Dodt.
Matt’s journey into this role is unique – and that’s exactly why he’s the perfect fit. His background isn’t in traditional athletics, but in a lifetime of sport, strength, and international experience that brings a fresh perspective to FAST for Sport.
From the Netherlands to Canberra
Growing up in the Netherlands, Matt immersed himself in a wide variety of sports. He played korfbal – a hugely popular hybrid of basketball and netball played in mixed teams – alongside judo, karate, and plenty of running. He also took on the challenge of mountain climbing, with adventures in Switzerland and even a summit of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania just before moving to Australia.
Once here, Matt balanced the demands of work and family with his passion for fitness. In Geelong, he spent countless hours in the gym, sharing training sessions with AFL players from the Geelong Cats, and later earned his Hardstyle Kettlebell Certification (HKC) in 2010. Over the years, he has trained across strength, hypertrophy, kettlebells, and conditioning, always staying committed to building both body and mind.
Global Experiences
Matt’s sporting journey also extends beyond the field and gym. In 2010, he took leave from work to volunteer in Tanzania, where he managed a local football team, organising matches, securing sponsorships, and even leading the team into the district league. It’s this kind of real-world, people-focused experience that makes Matt’s approach to sport so valuable.
The Sprint Connection
Though strength training has been a constant, Matt only began sprinting in 2024 – and quickly fell in love with the speed, intensity, and technical challenge. “I should have started sprinting earlier,” he jokes, “if I could do it all again, I’d probably skip the bodybuilding.” In 2025, he even added boxing classes to his training, continuing to push his boundaries and explore new ways to stay fit, fast, and strong.
Why FAST?
Matt has been a long-time member of FAST Running and values the family connection that makes the squad unique. As FAST for Sport Lead, he’s passionate about passing that sense of community on to others – while also sharing his diverse sporting background and international experiences to help athletes from all sports find their edge.
“FAST is more than just training – it’s about belonging, learning, and striving for excellence together. I’m excited to give back to the community that has given me so much.” – Matt
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