Matt has been a professional triathlete since 2011 and is now one of the top American athletes at the full distance.
In 2017, Russell was struck by a van while racing IRONMAN Kona (World Championships) and suffered life-threatening injuries. Despite this near-fatal collision, Russell returned to racing in 2018 and achieved podium success.
Since joining the A2 team 3 years ago, Russell has achieved multiple top finishes and fastest bike splits, including at IRONMAN Texas and Mont Tremblant in 2022.
A2 will be cheering Matt on as he begins his 2023 season at IRONMAN Texas.
JesseVondracek has been racing at the pro level for 15 years and has multiple long course top 10s including a win at PTO-sponsored DeuceMan in 2021. From Vondracek on his goals for 2023 - "I have won many smaller races, but the races I am most proud of are my 7th place at Ironman Arizona against a strong field with a sub 3 hour marathon and my 11th at Challenge Roth. Going 11th on my first attempt at such an iconic race gives me hope that I can get in the top 10 this season!" He recently relocated with his family (wife and 5 year old) to Aesch, Switzerland in order to enjoy some of the best training and racing that Europe has to offer.
Aside from racing, Vondracek is also the head coach at Top Step Training (alongside owner Ben Hoffman) with a team of about 30 members racing around the world. We're looking forward to supporting Jesse in his 2023 season!
Matthew Morabito grew up running in Massachusetts and completed his first triathlon after a few friends (wrestlers - actually!) convinced him to race with them. In 2015, Morabito found himself "in a really dark place" and says he used triathlon not only to train through personalchallenges -- which he now admits may have not been his healthiest strategy -- but to eventually teach him to recover from these challenges. As he puts it, "I discovered that I get to train and race." He is now celebrating over 7 years sober.
While the road hasn't been easy (Morabito was also hit by a car in 2018 and sustained severed quad tendons and a shattered patella), Morabito has been committed to his path as a professional triathlete and his path as a supporter for others who are experiencing their own struggles. Outside of triathlon, Morabito works in the substance abuse/addiction field and also coaches both collegiate triathletes and private clients.
We're excited to work with Matt as he chases more World Championship start lines in 2023!