Speed an asset for Mitchell

Matthew Mitchell is one of the fastest things on two legs at Team New Zealand.

In the team's vigorous fitness tests, expect to see Mitchell up there with the best.

"Oh, don't write about that," he demurs when asked about his blistering pace. "There are plenty who are stronger than me.

"I enjoy the physical training we do, although it is not such a big deal now it is getting closer to the cup."

Like most in the team, Mitchell started sailing when he was "knee-high to a grasshopper."

He graduated to keelboats, then moved into match racing.

His first America's Cup job came in 1993 when he joined One Australia for the 1995 regatta.

"I sort of wanted to sail for Team New Zealand, but they had a small team in 1995 and it was already full. So I did it with One Australia and had an awesome time."

After that campaign, he returned home and got a job with Team New Zealand as a mid bowman.

Despite the long hours and pressure to defend the cup, Mitchell enjoys his job.

"The best thing is being a part of something that is so positive for New Zealand. Not many people can say they do that."

Name: Matthew Mitchell.

Age: 31.

Place of birth: Devonport.

Position on the boat: Mid-bowman.

Nickname: Matty.

Cup experience.-

2000: Team New Zealand bowman. 1995: One Australia reserve bowman.

Career highlights.-

1999: Tour de France a Voile, 2nd. 1997: Steinlager/Line 7 Cup, Australia Cup, international 14ft skiffs, match racing - Croatia. 1996: San Francisco Big Boat series, Sayonara, 1st; Kenwood Cup, White Cloud, 1st in division. 1993: Hamilton Island Race Week, multi-hull division, 3rd; Farr 11.6 nationals, 1st.