About us
My name is Matt Hickman, and I am the founder and CEO of Rival Sports Fuel, a company dedicated to promoting optimal hydration for enhanced performance and overall well-being. I started this journey in 2012, driven by a deep passion for understanding how hydration can significantly impact the human body.
Throughout my years as a self-identified “pretend” triathlete, I became increasingly aware of the critical role electrolytes play, not just during athletic training but in daily life as well. Hydration is often overlooked, yet it is fundamental for maintaining energy levels, mental clarity, and overall health. My personal experiences have shown me just how vital it is to pay attention to our bodies’ hydration needs.
For many years, I battled with brain fog, a condition that can leave you feeling mentally drained and sluggish. If you’ve experienced it, you know the sensation: it feels like the world is dimming, and the pressure in your head makes it hard to focus. This experience was frustrating, particularly since I was trying to balance my athletic pursuits with everyday responsibilities. Initially, I only took electrolytes around my training sessions, believing they were only necessary for physical exertion.
However, as I continued to learn and experiment with my hydration strategy, I began to take electrolytes when I noticed the signs of brain fog creeping in. To my astonishment, I found that within just 10 to 15 minutes of consuming electrolytes, the fog would lift, and my mental clarity would return. This revelation underscored the importance of hydration not only for athletic performance but for cognitive function and daily vitality.
Recognizing this, I committed myself to sharing this knowledge with others. At Rival, we focus on creating high-quality hydration products that are designed to meet the needs of both athletes and everyday individuals BUT keeping it simple. Our goal is to empower people to understand their hydration needs and experience the benefits that come from proper electrolyte balance.
Through my journey, I have seen firsthand how the right hydration can transform not just athletic performance but also overall quality of life. I am passionate about continuing to spread this message and helping others harness the power of hydration for their health and performance.
Also for the record I get asked “what’s your favourite flavour? Well I love all of them but my main go to is our OG unflavoured electrolytes due to its versatility of being able to add to the flavour I want that day. So if I want it in peach I can or just unflavoured giving me a salty taste depending on how much water I add.
Matthew Hickman