Tri Beginner‘s Luck

A near-fatal accident changed Michael “DreamChaser” Smith’s life when he became an above-the-elbow amputee. At this moment, the door to new and different possibilities opened. . Smith was asked to medically retire, but he advocated on his behalf to remain active-duty military. He created a role that allowed him to continue to serve his country and ultimately race with the Army World Class Athlete Program as Para Elite Triathlete.  From there, he secured his role as an elite U.S. paratriathlete when he raced for a spot at the Paralympic Games Paris 2024.  While the dream to participate in Paris is deferred, he’s got his sights on Los Angeles 2028.  

Michael is one of the team captains for the USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador Team.  His story is one that will inspire, encourage, and show the power of overcoming adversity.  Below you will find articles about Michael “Dreamchaser” Smith that share more of his story.  

It’s time to listen and be inspired… Let’s Tri This! 

As always, don’t forget to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

Read more on Michael "DreamChaser" Smith here:

https://www.army.mil/article/238889?fbclid=IwAR1XtjIu4j6No8d9obd_wyGEbF4hgBgsmS9N-Jn74ls12tETa6sWB3E-NRQ

https://www.facebook.com/332173136818342/posts/3423347884367503/?d=n

https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Triathlon/News/Articles-and-Releases/2021/May/10/USA-Triathlon-Announces-Winners-of-2020-Multisport-Awards-Presented-by-Wahoo-Fitness?fbclid=IwAR3ffbltWXAVK86rQLJjvN8-fd7axxVAwlwPpI459py7VOYclYVo3xWeULc

https://www.army.mil/article/209546?dmd

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/342695/suddenly-left-handed-army-soldier-overcomes-above-elbow-amputation-returns-active-duty-joins-world-class-athlete-program

A Blind date brings them together, love keeps them together, and a triathlon keeps it all hopping, challenging them to be better versions of themselves.   This episode features former US Air Force Veterans,  Derrek and Annette Sanks, who have been married for 31 years. 

 Like many of us, Derrek got his start in sport through running. One day his brother challenged him to try a tri.  

Challenged accepted. 

After attending several of Derrek’s events, Annette began her own journey to Tri.  As Tammy Wynette sings,  Annette stands by her Man, Derrek, as he leads the way. We love to see this couple exemplify true partnership as they Tri together.

Ohhhh and just when a couple thinks they know everything… leave it to TBL to uncover more.  

As always, don’t forget to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

It’s time to listen, let’s tri this! 

Courage, according to Merriam-Webster, is the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.  When you decide to try something new, it always takes courage. And, when you tri, you ARE courageous.

In the Fall of 2019, , Hampton University Triathlon became the 19th Varsity Sport to join the campus. Hampton was the sixth NCAA Division 1 program and the 26th school to sponsor the sport. 

This is a big deal on many levels. 

Hampton blazes new ground as the First HBCU to have a triathlon team, and to be an important part of bringing women’s triathlon to NCAA.  They are led by Head Coach Dr. Jodi Jenson and Assistant Coach Mangai Hosang.  They are building memories and creating a legacy for women of color in sport and for triathlon.  They are the REAL H.U. Lady Pirates! 

We get an opportunity to talk with three team members and learn more about their first-year experiences, racing, and what’s on the horizon for the team. 

As always, don’t forget to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

It’s time to listen, let’s tri this!

Courage, according to Merriam-Webster, is the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.  When you decide to try something new, it always takes courage. And, when you tri, you ARE courageous.

This week we talk with a pioneer for Black triathletes, Bernard Lyles, who has competed at every distance, including a finish at the Ironman World Championships.  From his first exposure to the Budlight Triathlon, Bernard had the courage to open doors that he had barely dared to dream about. With those impossible dreams now realized, Bernard has provided a life that enables him to share this sport to others. 

Benard is a true visionary with a courageous and generous heart, giving back and lifting up inner-city youth by empowering them through sport. He has led the  Tri Masters Sports Initiative Program for over 30 years, serving more than 1500 inner-city youth in Chicago. 

Benard can see when a key opportunity opens for him. And, he continues to say “YES I can” to the opportunity to TRI!  

Benard has been running ’em down since 1983 with no signs of stopping soon! This week, we hear his story. 

As always, don’t forget to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

It’s time to listen, let’s tri this! 

Courage, according to Merriam-Webster, is the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.  When trying something new, it always takes courage. When you tri,  you embody courage. 

Welcome to season 3!   

Mr. Triathlon, Tim Yount, drops so much wisdom and knowledge as he graced this episode.  Tim’s love for this sport runs deep ever since he volunteered at a triathlon while attending Kansas State in 1985. Volunteering is one of the best ways to experience a race without racing. If you are teetering the fence,  once you go to a race and experience the electrifying energy,  that is enough to get you hooked.  

Tim has held almost every job at USA Triathlon and is the longest-tenured employee. He is instrumental in spearheading several key initiatives that athletes today enjoy, i.e., athlete rankings, developing the elite program, and coaching certification, to name a few. His fingerprint is also stamped into leading the efforts for Team USA Triathlon debut in the 2000 Olympic Summer games in Sydney, Australia.

As always, don’t forget to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

It’s time to listen, let’s tri this!

This season is about overcoming, and let’s be real; you learn to overcome whenever you tri. 

In this episode, Salim Martin and his wife Melissa Thoen share how they partner to make their Tri lifestyle work.  We learn it takes teamwork, skillful scheduling, and a masterful mindset! 

Can you imagine being Coached by your partner? It takes some careful negotiation for sure! Melissa shares how she instituted some ground rules for her husband/coach Salim, owner of Onyx Multisport, in order to make the process work.  We also learn how they balance parenting their firstborn without neglecting their own self-care. 

Happy Holidays and New Year to you all!!! 

As always,don’t forget to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

Oh, and  If you are looking to jump-start your fitness, join the team’s resolution challenge!  For more information, click here!

Let’s Tri this! 

This season is about overcoming, and let’s be real; you learn to overcome whenever you tri. 

In this episode, mother Anne Marie and daughter Eshe love everything about doing triathlons together: training, competing, and of course, the celebratory meals. 

Anne Marie said yes to tri after a challenge to do her first triathlon. She didn’t know how to swim freestyle, but she wasn’t letting that stop her. Thank goodness for breaststroke!  She introduced the sport to young Eshe, not realizing the competitive force she was creating. 

Their story is one of authentic and natural love as they create sweet memories while they learn to communicate and grow with each other.   Eshe’s essence and natural athleticism will be a force as she grows in sport! 

As always, don’t forget to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

Oh, and  If you are looking to jump-start your fitness, join the team’s resolution challenge!  For more information, click here!

Let’s Tri this! 

This season is about overcoming, and let’s be real; you learn to overcome whenever you tri. 

In this episode,  we have a father and daughter duo who have been together every step of their Tri journey.  This year, they completed their first Olympic Triathlon.  Oh, the twist and turns of that race! You won’t want to miss this story of overcoming!

Christopher “Pops” Dighton was always active, especially playing adult league lacrosse. But one day, he realized, “Hey, I can’t do this forever.”  So he took up spinning and saw a sign that led him to triathlons.  We know it’s always better when you tri with others, so he mentioned the idea to his daughter, Hannah, who also was an avid lacrosse player. She accepted the challenge. The rest is Tristory!. 

As always,don’t forget to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

Oh, and  If you are looking to jump-start your fitness, join the team’s resolution challenge!  For more information, click here!

Let’s Tri this! 

This season is about overcoming, and let’s be real; you learn to overcome whenever you tri.  

Tri Beginner’s Luck welcomes back Olympic Gold Medalist and USA Triathlon Hall of Famer, Gwen Jorgensen, along with her Mom, Nancy, and sister, Elizabeth.  

What is it like when your daughter or sister is an Olympic Gold Medalist?  Turns out, it’s full of all the same fun family antics as many families enjoy. And we know the saying: It takes a village to raise a child, which is true, and it definitely takes a supportive family to raise a Gold Medalist. 

The beauty of this interview is hearing the Jorgensen’s tell their stories and learning how the three authors delegated, collaborated, and played to their strengths to write: “  Gwen Jorgensen: USA's First Olympic Gold Medal Triathlete A story of risks and goals, disappointment and rewards.” While writing a book is hard work, they still smile today as they share their story. 

Here is the book on Amazon: Gwen Jorgensen: USA's First Olympic Gold Medal Triathlete 

Here is a link to purchase signed copies: https://www.booksco.com/signed-copy-gwen-jorgensen

Free educator guide: https://download.m-m-sports.com/extras/GwenJorgensen/Teacher_Guide.pdf 

For author visits, email [email protected] or [email protected]  

Also,  If you are looking to jump-start your fitness, join the No Limit Resolution challenge!  For more information, click here!

As always, don’t forget to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

This season is about overcoming, and let’s be real; you learn to overcome whenever you tri. 

In this episode,  we talk to a panel of No Limits Endurance Team members who were brave enough to Tri Beginner’s Luck across the multisport spectrum.  From first-time Ironman to multistage run events and everything in between. 

Vince Finore, Griff Griffin, Clarissa Ramos, John Manzione, Amy Loeb, Natalie Kelly, and Megan Bell share their stories of overcoming and pushing limits to reach their goals. They also discuss the importance of failure on the way to success. This team lives their mission to embrace endurance sports to improve their lives and the lives of others. 

 If you are looking to jump-start your fitness, join the team’s resolution challenge!  For more information, click here!

As always, don’t forget to leave a review, share it with your friends, and follow Tri Beginner's luck on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  And send any questions or feedback you have to  [email protected].  

Let’s Tri this!