Tom Mezger is a former medical student-turned-model, living in Sydney, Australia. In his spare time, he enjoys being active outdoors. His favorite hobbies include hiking and traveling and while checking out the sights, he is always on the lookout for a local gym and a court he can shoot hoops on. That’s because for Tom, fitness is not just for the cameras, it is a way of life that happens to benefit his work in front of the lens. His most recent shoot was for Teamm8’s new Icon brief collection, where we caught up with him.
Have you always been so athletic?
I was born an athlete. I have been playing sports all of my life. I love basketball, swimming, soccer, rugby… the sky is the limit, really. I find my body is able to move with ease without having to think about it and I recover from pain very quickly. My parents joke that I’m a constant tank of energy.
What’s your favorite sport?
Basketball is my favorite, and my hero is Michael Jordan.
Why Michael Jordan?
He is a relentless, hard-working, and competitive. He is only satisfied with perfection.
Are you the same?
(Laughing) I tend to get very competitive when I am up against friends or most anybody, really. But if I’m playing with smaller or younger people who are simply playing to have a good time, I can turn off the switch and enjoy the moment.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Sydney but I spent most of my childhood and teenage years living an expat life in Asia around Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan.
That’s amazing!
It’s helped me to be able to adapt to most situations and become friends with a wide range of people.
Did you go to college?
I went to college to study medicine, and I was even offered a sports scholarship, but I decided to put my degree on hold and pursue a modeling career.
Was modeling something you always want to do?
Yes, it looked like a fun way to make money, meet new people, and enjoy exciting experiences.
How did you break into the business?
I was at a bar in Paris one night and a stranger, who happened to be a designer for a major French brand, asked if I was a model and the next, I knew, I was doing a Paris fashion runway show in the middle of my vacation. Since then, I’ve worked with Calvin Klein, Zegna, Givenchy, and now, Teamm8.
What is the best part of modeling underwear and swimwear?
Meeting new people and the exciting travel destinations.
Worst part?
Outdoor shoots in the middle of winter! Especially when I’m wearing next to nothing or sometimes, nothing at all.
Are you confident about your body? I mean, you must be, right?
I’m very comfortable and confident with my body. I’ve done the hard hours in the gym. I don’t mind showing off the results. In the fashion industry, you hear about people shredding for shoots. I don’t do that. I prefer to be shredded for life and so I am working on myself all of the time.
Is there anything you dislike about your appearance?
No, I like every inch. The truth is, except for my weight and build, I can’t control what I look like. None of us can. I am grateful for what I have and that it has led me to a successful career. When it comes down to it, though, my real strength, over my looks, is my personality.
Where do you see your modeling career going from here? What is left to accomplish?
I’d love to be the face of a sports brand like Teamm8. I would also like to shoot in the USA more, with some of the big high fashion brands.
Do you have a secret talent?
Besides English, I speak three languages: Chinese, German, and French.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Perfect happiness is a journey, not a destination. I enjoy every moment of life, the good, the bad and ugly. I don’t worry too much over anything because, at the end of the day, I trust everything will be okay. Tomorrow will always be a new day.
You must be afraid of something!
I’m from Australia. We have deadly spiders, crocodiles and many dangerous things that fly. They don’t scare me. My greatest fear is time. Have I done enough in this life?
What is your most treasured possession?
My grandmother, bless her soul, was my greatest possession. She’s no longer with us, sadly. She showed me the true meaning to life. Her love and acts of generosity had no limits. She was a true inspiration. Without her, I would not be half the man I am today.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
The instability and corruption in the world, and all the needless strife. People of the world need to get along and support each other. We’re all in this together. We cannot repeat history’s mistakes.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Hypocrisy, especially people who lie and pretend to be somebody they are not. I often find myself listening to others speak their lies when I know the truth, and it leaves me standing with a loss for words.
If you could have any magic power, what would it be?
Invisibility. It would be great to do a Houdini when I’m stuck in an awkward situation and I need to get out quickly.
Tom Mezger wears Teamm8’s Icon briefs, available @ https://www.teamm8.com/collections/mens-underwear-icon
