Interview: Matty Koelen is the pride of Canada in the 2024 ‘Mister Universe’ competition

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Matty Koelen
Matty Koelen. Photo Courtesy of JCM Images.

Matty Koelen chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about representing Canada in the 2024 Mister Universe competition. He is the pride of both Ontario and Alberta, Canada, and he can easily pass off as Justin Bieber’s taller doppelgänger.

Mike Tyson once said: “I’m a dreamer. I have to dream and reach for the stars, and if I miss a star then I grab a handful of clouds.” This quote applies to Canadian Matty Koelen.

Repping Canada in the 2024 Mister Universe pageant

On repping Canada, he exclaimed, “Oh my God, it feels amazing. I came from a really small town where I grew up on a farm my whole life, so to be able to completely change my life and now represent my own country is surreal to me. I am beyond excited.”

“I grew up in Ontario my whole life, and I moved to Alberta two years ago,” he noted about his upbringing.

Koelen shared the message that he wants to get across with Mister Universe. “To just keep moving forward. As a kid, I always thought that it is essential to dream big and to shoot for the stars,” he said.

“Also, don’t care what other people think about you, and just keep climbing the ladder and keep moving forward. I grew up as a small farm kid. I would work out every day, I would work out my body, and I would develop my mindset. It is important not to give up,” he elaborated.

“I want to share my story with others and prove to them that they can achieve anything they set their mind to,” he added.

2024 Mister Universe

The Mister Universe Organization (MUO) is a global, inclusive organization that celebrates all cultures, backgrounds and religions. It creates and provides a safe space for men to share their stories and drive impact personally, professionally, and philanthropically. The men who participate in this international platform serve as inspirational leaders and role models to their communities and fans around the world.

The ”Mister Universe” finals will be held at The Biltmore in Los Angeles, California, on September 22 to 29, 2024. “I am going to bring the best physique that I’ve ever brought,” he said. “I am going to show my confidence and everything that I’ve learned over the last couple of years when it comes to the gym and the dancing. I am going to show all of that on stage, and it is just going to be a great time. I hope the fans enjoy it.”

Matty Koelen: The dancer

Koelen revealed that he is also a dancer and performer. “I came from a farm my whole life, and the last two years, I’ve been a ‘Magic Mike’ type of dancer. That is where I gained all my confidence, and I show that by performing on stage. I love to perform on stage.”

“When it comes to dancing, there is a lot of discrimination in that field, where a lot of people do not take me seriously,” he said. “I grew up on a farm my whole life, I have a lot of good values… I have never done any drugs and I’ve never smoked weed. I’m a good kid in a party atmosphere.”

Koelen bears a striking resemblance to Justin Bieber

“When I perform at shows, people tell me all the time that I look like Justin Bieber,” he admitted about his resemblance to “The Biebs.” “They would tell me I’m the taller version of Justin Bieber,” he said.

Daily motivations

On his daily motivations, Koelen shared, “You have one life, so you might as well make that life the best life you can. Don’t dwell on the past, use your time wisely, and be grateful.”

Future plans

Regarding his future plans, he remarked, “I want to get more in the social media and modeling space. I’ve only been in it for two years. I also want to build the best physique possible, in order to inspire other people. I am also into real estate, so I want to keep up with my financial goals.”

“Right now, I am in the ‘Polishing’ stage of my life. I am just focusing on real estate as my property is being built next month.” “I’m single, I am just trying to be a better dancer, keep growing, and spending time with family,” he said.

Superpower

On his superpowers, he said, “My physical superpower would be my ability to do the pec bounce. My other superpower is mentality, dedication, and always being on time.”

Success

Regarding his definition of the word success, “Success is family, a loving wife at the end of the day, some kids, and a good relationship with my parents too and all my siblings. Also, doing what you love to do.”

Message for his fans and supporters

For his fans and supporters, he said, “A lot of people have complimented me, and they have made me feel very comfortable, especially when the naysayers are trying to put me down. Thanks for supporting me; your kind words are always encouraging. I love the engagement and the belief that my fans have. I will keep going and I won’t give up.”

To learn more about Matty Koelen, follow him on Instagram.