Edward:  Welcome to Connex247 family.  Connex247 readers have been waiting for this moment for a long time!! It´s really nice to have you with us. Tell us about yourself.

Matus: Hello everyone, my name is Matus Valent I am 25 years old, coming from a small but beautiful country Slovakia. Now living in California. I was born in the capital city, Bratislava a popular destination for tourists from all around the world. I came to USA 4 years ago after I finished my education and earned a Master's degree in Physical education and Sport with Management.

Edward:  How did you decide to become a model? What do you think about modeling world?

Matus: I did a bit of modeling back in Slovakia, some TV commercials and runway shows, cause people were often complimenting my look so I decide I'll give it a try. Here I would love to continue to work as a runway model (although lots of people or agencies think I'm too big for that, because usually they prefer the 40R guys ). But I still believe for underwear or suits I can be the right one. If not than hopefully succeed in commercial, print or maybe even some movie industry.

I never experienced the real high-end modeling world, but from my castings or auditions memories everyone pretends to be friendly, although it's basically never true cause the competition, especially in LA/Hollywood is enormous and people try to get the one ' dream ' spot at whatever gig is the audition for.

Edward: As a model do you think you have already achieved your main purposes in the modeling market?  If not, which modeling agencies, fashion campaigns and designers would you like to work for?

Matus:  I would love to get on the cover of Fitness RX, but as a real dream or goal is to work for the Top designers like Dolce& Gabbana, Versace, Calvin Klein. and maybe be with Ford agency ( although I'm not really their size type of model ).  But most important is to get a great exposure and of course interesting compensation, doesn't matter for who it is.

Edward: I´m sure you might have some interesting/unusual/funny backstages stories to share with us?

Matus: I don't really have many interesting stories, but usually there is a lot of fun backstage at my Fitness model competition which I'm doing for 2 years now. There is always a lot of good looking, ready-to-win guys and it's funny to watch them before the stage entry. I remember last year in Miami one of the guys had like a little bottle of Vodka before the event, cause it is a diurretic and he wanted to be as lean as possible.  So it was kinda funny for me.

Edward: You have an incredible look. I am sure you are asked all the time, but how do you stay in such great shape? And what´s the part of your body you like most and why?

Matus: Thank you for the compliments, Yes I try to be in shape as much as possible, I work out mostly 5 times a week for around 2.5 hrs a day. But maybe 3 times a year I take 3 weeks off to give my body a rest and clean my system from all of my supplements I take.

I'm very happy I have a great metabolism so I don't basically do any cardio ( maybe in bedroom, but that doesn't count ), so I can focus better on my lifting ! The best body part I'm most proud of are my pecs followed by abs !!! I work-out my chest 2x a week for about 30 sets each time and tring to get pretty heavy ! With my abs..I do it every day ( 5x a week ).

Edward:  How do you rate beauty and elegance in your life? Do you think these attributes really help a person to be well succeded a career?

Matus: Looks play an important role in my life but without great personality noone would care. That's why I try to be as friendly and nice as possible and thanks to the education my parents and schools in Slovakia gave me I think I'm pretty successful with that. And the same is when I choose my partner. It's again not only about the package but mostly what is inside..and once you have a combination of both of these elements you can be successful.

Edward: What are the great influences on your life?

Matus: I think being raised in Slovakia helped me to appreciate things a bit differently and I'm very happy for that, to have a wider view about the world. And my top influence is my dad, who is my hero, and who showed me everything about bodybuilding and nutrition and who is the most supportive and trustful person I have.

Edward: Now we have some quick questions that Connex readers would like to know about you. Please, answer them and tell us why.

Eating: Fish or meat?
Meat for sure ( no seafood ) !!!
Vacation: Beach or the mountains?
Beach
Fashion campaign: clothed or underwear?
the one who pays more, but underwear sounds good for me
Movies: Action film or romantic ones?
action and even more action
Dating: Ask or get asked?
get asked
Place to make love: at home, in the middle of a crowd, in a party or in a paradisiac island?
home, island, party.....and maybe in movie theatre watching a boring romantic movie :)
Sports: Group or individual ones?
group..I played soccer and volleyball for many years
Music: Rock or classical?
what about classical rock ? for me I like the 80's, 90's and dance
Politics: republicans or democrats
I don't care much but probably democrats
Way of travel: by train, plane, ship or bike?
travel where ??? I like all a lot....but ship ( I feel sick ) maybe love boat one day
Best season: spring, summer , autumm or winter
summer

Edward: thanks for sharing this moment with us. Please, leave a message for Connex readers around the world and tell to fashion designers, photographers managers why u are the best option for their next fashion campaigns

Matus: It was my pleasure to share my little story with you Connex readers, I appreciate all your support and for all the people in the industry..what to tell you, I think I have the right body and look to make your product successful and my November'06 victory at Model America-world championship in Hollywood just proves it !!! Thank you!  I would like to thank my sponsor VINCE ( Nutrition Zone, Anaheim Hills ) for his support and faith.

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Also
official web page : http://www.matusvalent.com
fan page : http://matus.yuku.com
Model Mayhem page : http://www.modelmayhem.com/member.php?id=19680