Starting young with Little Athletics in Bendigo and running cross country with his dad during the winter, he quickly gave up football and other sports due to his profound passion for running (and couldn’t get more than 3 touches). In Grade 6, he met Andy Buchanan, who has been his coach ever since. Through consistent training, Matt has been able to improve year after year.

 

With over nine years of close guidance from Andy, Matt’s knowledge and passion for running has grown immensely. Given his own and his brothers' susceptibility to injuries, he understands the critical importance of remaining injury-free for both physical and mental health.

 

Matt’s PB’s include 10k (28:54), 5000m (13:49), 3000m (8:08), 1500m (3:51).

 

At the age of 22, Matt is excited to see where his running will take him. The relationships that have been made, a sense of purpose and drive, building discipline, achieving goals are just some of the reasons why Matt runs.

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In November 2024, Matt Buckell became the Victorian 5000m Champion.

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In July 2025 at the Gold Coast Marathon Festival, in the 10km Matt had another breakthrough run winning the race in 29:08.

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Matt is an Accredited Level 1 Recreational Running Coach with Athletics Australia & holds a Working With Children Check (WWCC)