Mathew Ragg: From Sprinter to Strongman—The Journey of a Champion
"I’ve been using AIRWAAV for just over a year now and I’ve never looked back. It’s a low-risk, high-reward solution for athletes looking to enhance their performance." - Mathew Ragg
Mathew Ragg, a 33-year-old from New Zealand, is a force to be reckoned with in the sport of Strongman. A six-time winner of New Zealand's Strongest Man and a global contender, Ragg has climbed the ranks to become one of the top athletes in the sport, securing 4th place at the 2024 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) competition. His journey, however, started far from the world of heavy lifting—on the track as a sprinter.
From the Track to the Weights: Ragg's Early Beginnings
Ragg’s sporting career initially revolved around sprinting. He competed in cross-country events and sprints (100m, 200m, 400m) during his school years. This athletic background set the foundation for his success in Strongman, as he notes, “I’ve always had a competitive mindset and wanted to excel in sport and pursue a sporting career.”
His transition to weight training was born out of necessity due to a recurring shin injury that ended his sprinting career. However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Weight training became a passion, and Ragg soon tested his strength in powerlifting competitions. “I fell injured and started to lift more weights at the gym,” he recalls. “I wanted to test myself in powerlifting, but that didn’t last long as I came across Strongman and instantly fell in love with the sport.”
In 2013, Ragg entered his first Strongman competition, drawn by the variety and the challenge of the sport. “The variations of different events attracted me. You need to be strong but also move quickly and adapt to different implements,” he explains.
Climbing the Ranks in Strongman
Over the years, Ragg’s dedication to the sport has paid off. His 2023 debut at the World’s Strongest Man competition was a significant learning experience. He made it through to the finals and realized that he had what it took to compete with the best. “The big turning point for me was when I made it to the finals at WSM on my debut year. I knew I could compete against the best in the world,” Ragg shares.
By 2024, Ragg had refined his performance, earning a prestigious 4th place finish at WSM. His experience in 2023 prepared him well: “2023 was a learning process for me. I came into Worlds feeling better, stronger, and faster.”
The Role of AIRWAAV in Ragg’s Performance
An essential part of Ragg’s training routine has been the incorporation of the AIRWAAV mouthpiece, which he has used since 2023. He was initially introduced to the product as part of a sponsorship at WSM but quickly realized its impact. “I’ve been using AIRWAAV for just over a year now, and I’ve never looked back. It’s a low-risk, high-reward solution for athletes looking to enhance their performance,” he says.
Ragg first used AIRWAAV during an overhead log lift event, immediately noticing the stability it provided. “The stability I gained from the mouthpiece was the very first thing I noticed. Not being knocked back off balance was a huge game changer for me,” he recalls. Since then, the AIRWAAV mouthpiece has become a crucial part of his training, particularly in heavy lifts where stability is key. “Definitely the increased stability in all my lifts—this is the most significant improvement I’ve noticed since wearing the AIRWAAV mouthpiece.”
Currently, Ragg uses the PX1 model of the AIRWAAV mouthpiece. He appreciates its compact design, stating, “I like the small design of it. It’s not a bulky mouthpiece and fits nicely for a relaxed fit, which is my preference.”
A Day in the Life of a Strongman
Ragg’s daily routine revolves around intense training, recovery, and nutrition. A typical day involves an 800-1,000 calorie breakfast, followed by multiple meals and a gym session lasting between four and six hours, depending on his training phase. “A typical gym session for me will be between 4-6 hours long,” he explains. “If it’s an events day, it can be on the top end of six hours.”
Recovery is equally important for Ragg, especially during competition season. He incorporates regular physiotherapy, sauna sessions, and cold plunges to stay both physically and mentally relaxed. “When I’m close to competition, I like to spend a lot of time recovering between sessions, not just physically but mentally as well,” he shares.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Mathew Ragg
With his eyes firmly set on winning the World’s Strongest Man title, Ragg is determined to continue improving. “The ultimate goal is winning World’s Strongest Man, and it will always be a goal of mine no matter how far or impossible it seems,” he says. Over the next two to three years, Ragg plans to bring home as many trophies as possible, constantly refining his abilities. “I want to excel to the best of my abilities, improve at each competition, and learn from the best because you can never stop learning.”
Beyond Strongman, Ragg’s competitive mindset keeps him pushing forward, whether in training or on the global stage. His advice to aspiring athletes? “Stay consistent, prioritize technique, nutrition, and recovery, and enjoy the journey.”
Mathew Ragg is a powerful force to watch, with a unique journey that sets him apart. With AIRWAAV as a key part of his performance strategy, there’s no doubt that he’s just getting started in his quest for greatness.
