Matt C Smith is a 34-year-old South African cross-country skier who recently qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Just two years ago, he was a complete beginner. What started as a way to stay fit through the brutal Norwegian winters quickly turned into something much bigger—a dream to represent South Africa on the world’s biggest stage.
Since then, Matt has almost self-funded every step of the journey. Balancing life as a part-time venture capitalist and public speaker, he’s carved out a path that lets him train full-time and chase a goal most would call impossible.
In this episode, we dive into what it means to play the hand you’re dealt, why being unexpected can be your biggest strength, and how to walk the tightrope between seriousness and joy in sport.
For anyone who's an amateur in sport but dares to dream unreasonably, this one’s for you.
-
More about Matt here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattcsmith_/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesnowbok
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattcsmith
-
More about emulation:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emulation__/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emulation_lab
Join our Strava Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/1255518
Email: contact.emulation@gmail.com
-
Sponsors: none... yet.
