Name: Matt Maldonado
Date of birth: September 18, 1990
Hometown: Modesto, California
High School: Modesto High School
College: Long Beach State, 2013
Current residence: Eugene, Oregon
Primary event: 1,500m
Personal best: 3:37.68, 2012

What is the coolest experience you’ve had as a Nike athlete?  I actually had the opportunity to work at the Nike Outpost last year in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Over 100 high schools go there to train and the Nike Outpost was a place for them to come in and meet college level and professional level athletes. We tried to provide an experience only Nike could provide and I feel like we did just that. It was the coolest job experience I have ever had.

What is the most challenging moment you’ve faced as an athlete?  I had an amazing year of track in 2012. I was about two seconds away from the collegiate record in the 1500 and I had another year of eligibility left. I was more than excited to start 2013. I had one of the greatest athlete-coach bonds throughout my collegiate career and in 2013 my old coach left and Long Beach hired a new coach. It was a difficult time for me to fully place my trust in someone I didn't know and I take the blame as the athlete for my failures in 2013. I took 30 days off from the sport and it was a huge physical and mental reset. I'm hungrier than I've ever been to really get after this season - and hungry lions hunt best.

Do you have any superstitions?  I actually will go out of my way not to run under or through triangles. I've done this since high school. Telephone poles attached to the ground with wires are usually just obstacles on my runs.

What are your other favorite sports?  I love watching basketball and football and playing beach volleyball. My girlfriend is a professional volleyball player and it's fun going to the beach for some pick-up games with her.