"I was the California Model Champion of 2005, 2006 and Model America Winner 2006, the big show held in Hollywood. I appeared in over 25 magazines and I'm very proud what I achieved in such a short time..."
 

"My father is really super-special in my life. He gave me the first introduction to bodybuilding and I still use his life time experienced advice. He is my #1!!!..."

 
                               Interview by Edo Q. for CoverMen Mag! © 2007

- Hi Matus, I have been looking forward to having a chat with you. Please tell me something about your background.

Hi Edo! Thanx for choosing me for your interview! Well I am from Slovakia, born in the capital city, Bratislava, very nice place with beautiful people around. I'm 26 years old, have a master's degree in Physical Education and Sport with Management, I am the only child with amazing parents.


- From Eastern Europe to conquer America! How did it happen?

Well after I got my University degree I flew right away with one bag and few hundred dollars to L.A. and tried to establish myself as soon as possible. First two years I worked very hard as a painter, I didn’t work-out at all. After I saved some money I signed for LA Fitness and start to lift some serious weights :),  two years later I was the California Model Champion of 2005, 2006 and Model America Winner 2006 the big show held in Hollywood. I appeared in over 25 magazines and I'm very proud what I achieved in such a short time.


- What are your personal and professional interests?

When I prepare for my competitions I really focus on my work-out plans and my meals in between, plus the right supplementation. I don't have much time for other stuff, since I need to work as well so that only weekends are a bit free for me when I like to hang out with my buddies and have some beers.


- Who is really special in your life?

My father is really super-special in my life. He gave me the first introduction to bodybuilding and I still use his life time experienced advice. He is my #1!!!


- When and why have you decided to be a model? Do you think it’s a tough market?  What kind of sacrifices this career demands?

I never decided to be a model it's still only a side activity for me, my major income is from my day job as a massage therapist. Modeling is a very though market and often is not about the looks but people you know, that’s why it matters big times how you behave and interact with people, good first impression is the key. Sacrifices??... When preparing for my contest I eat very healthy, plus the last few weeks the diet is very intense..and it's not always fun!!!


- Do you consider yourself attractive?  Do you think that may help to succeed as a model?

Yeah I think I am attractive. I hear compliments about my physique every day which only help to strengthen myself-confidence. But people usually like me because of my friendly personality :)....and sure it helps when you look good in the modeling industry. As someone said radio is for the ugly people :)


- You have become a very successful fitness model  but do you consider yourself a fashion model too?

Yeah I can pull a suit or fashion runways or photo shoots as well, but since the industry people like or prefer the 40r chest size guys, they have always the advantage. Fitness models have higher chance in underwear campaigns.


- How was the first part of 2007 for you and what are your expectations for the second part? What  projects are you working on right now?

First half of '07 was pretty good nothing major happened. Just got back from my Model Universe Competition in Miami where I finished 8th out of 70 guys (my worst result in 2 years). Lately I appeared in many magazines, currently I am in 4 you can find in newsstands now. I did a music video for famous dance diva Kristine W and looks fantastic!!!


- What are your personal and professional goals? Do you have any other plans besides modeling?

My goals are usually hidden in my brain and I don't like to share them with anyone...it worked for me better this way in the past. I wanna continue in my massage job, build a strong clientele and also get further in my modeling and acting Hollywood  persuasion, hopefully with a positive result :). I’m gonna take off my gym visits till the end off the summer, recover myself and then return better than ever in end of fall!!!


- Thanks Matus for sharing your story with us! Would you like to leave a message to your fans around the world and maybe some advice to young aspiring models?

First I want to thank my great friend Warren Coulter (iconmen.com)  for his faith and unlimited help to achieve my goals and also my sponsor Vince Romero (owner of Nutrition Zone - supplement store in Anaheim Hills, Ca) whose support helps me to get as ready as possible for my competitions and photo shoots. Advice for young models..just follow your dreams and stay focused to get closer to your goals. Glad to answer you these questions, it's my honour to be one of the top models being featured on your amazing web-site. All the luck and success to you!

Matus


CREDITS: All the photos above were posted with Matus' permission, the first and second photo are by Mark Wangerin, the third photo is by Max Prado, the last photo by Tom Cullis