What is your history with sports and athletics?
I was an All-American Punter and Placekicker in Division 2 football at Wingate University. Having played soccer my whole life as goalkeeper I tried a new sport my senior year of high school and it worked out well. I received a college scholarship to kick a football. Still one of my biggest shocks in life.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
The confidence and peace that comes with pushing your body to its limit and beyond. Having spent years as an alcoholic it’s been truly amazing to see my body change as I’ve pushed it well beyond its limits in a positive way.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
Five years ago I was diagnosed with cancer. Not only was this an obstacle in itself, I abused alcohol to cope and that began the biggest downward spiral of my life.
Has your participation in sports helped you overcome any major life obstacles?
Absolutely. Crazy to say that cancer truly saved my life. Triathlon became my addiction, Luckily this addiction is controllable.
What is your “why?”
I have 3 amazing daughters and a wife that should have left me 100 times over. I’m never going back to the life I had before
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
I have to say it’s actually my road bike. I sold a Breitling watch that I had earned at work to buy my Specialized Venge road bike after I was cleared of cancer. That was the first step on my road to recovery and will always be the prized possession that put me on the road to triathlon and sobriety.
Do you have a favorite race or event?
Right now it’s Augusta 70.3 as it’s the farthest distance I’ve completed. After September it will be Ironman Chattanooga.
What’s next?
The Full Distance triathlon. I do also want to see the scale say 200. My heaviest was 270 and I haven’t been under 210 since high school. It’s not that big of a deal but will be fun to see when I get there.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I’m from Greenville, SC and Charlotte, NC. 0-15 years old in Greenville and 15-30 in Charlotte. I just claim the Carolinas as my home town. lol
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Run, Swim and if you don’t have a bike, take a spin class. Get moving. Find someone to do it with. Google clubs in the area. Seek help. Just do something. It’s so cowardly to get lost in a bottle. Still so upset with the amount of life I lost looking for fun at the bottom of the bottle.
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
I’m always open to help out. Message me on Instagram. I’d love to chat.
Congratulations! Keep up the great work!