I train because I truly love it. Triathlon has become so much more than just a sport to me—it’s something that challenges and refines me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Every training session feels like an opportunity to grow in discipline, to push past limits, and to learn more about what I’m capable of when I stay consistent and keep showing up, even on the hard days.

What keeps me coming back is the way this sport parallels life—it requires balance, endurance, humility, and resilience. There are moments of exhaustion, breakthrough, and pure joy, and each of those reminds me why I do it. Training has also become a space where I connect deeply with God; it’s where I process, pray, and find perspective.

I’m also motivated by the people around me. I’ve been so inspired by other athletes who pursue excellence with purpose, and I want to be that kind of encouragement to others. Through sharing my training journey—whether it’s early-morning swims, hard bike rides, or lessons learned along the way—I hope to empower others to chase their own goals, take care of their bodies, and believe they’re capable of more than they think.

At the end of the day, I do this because it fills me with life and joy. Triathlon gives me an outlet to grow, to connect, and to use what I love to uplift others.

It all started in the water. When I was eight years old, I began swimming and instantly fell in love with it. I couldn’t get enough. I swam competitively for years, and during that time, some of my teammates introduced me to triathlon. From the moment I learned about it, I was fascinated—not just by the sport itself, but by the athletes who pursued it with such discipline, tenacity, and determination. I loved that it combined three sports into one challenge.

I started cycling during the COVID-19 pandemic with my dad, who was a cyclist. His love for being on the bike was contagious and quickly rubbed off on me.

Running, on the other hand, didn’t come as naturally. I struggled with shin splints and used to think I’d never be able to run more than a few miles. But about two years ago, some friends and I decided to train for a marathon. Through that experience, I learned how to properly care for my body and discovered that I could run long distances pain-free.

A few years back, while driving through Zion National Park, someone asked me, “If you could do anything, what would be your dream?” Without even thinking, I said, “I’d love to be a professional triathlete one day.” I remember being surprised by how quickly and naturally that answer came out—it was like a dream I’d forgotten I had.

Fast forward to October 2024: I signed up for my first triathlon and decided to take on a 70.3 Ironman in Haines City, Florida. I trained for two months, showed up with no expectations, and to my complete surprise, I qualified for the 2025 70.3 Ironman World Championship. I had no idea that was even a possibility!

There’s so much more to the story of how it all began—but that’s the heart of it. It started with a love for the water, grew through family and friendships, and turned into something I never could’ve imagined.

I am grateful to be surrounded by athletes from all kinds of sports and at different stages of life, and I draw a lot of inspiration from them as a whole. Throughout my years of swimming, I looked up to teammates and coaches who pushed me to grow. When I started cycling, I found new role models in that community, and now that I’ve added running, I see how it all comes together. The people, experiences, and stories I’ve encountered across these disciplines have shaped me—and it’s all culminating in my love for triathlon.

One person who especially inspires me is my triathlon coach, Aaron. He’s a former Paralympian who has only 10% of his vision. When I first met him, I asked, out of pure curiosity and amazement, “Aaron, how do you run around setting up this bike clinic and leading it when you’re blind? I’d never even know you were blind.” He smiled and said, “If you live in fear, you’ll walk like you live in fear. If you don’t, then you won’t.” That perspective stuck with me. His determination and refusal to let limitations define him remind me that there’s always a way forward when something has purpose.

I’ve also had incredible swimming coaches who deeply impacted me—both in sport and in life. But lately, I find myself most inspired by my fellow athletes. Triathlon requires discipline and sacrifice, and I watch my training buddies consistently choose focus over distraction and commitment over comfort. It’s a narrow path and demanding sport, but it’s worth it—and being surrounded by people who live that out every day keeps me inspired to do the same.

I’m not a professional athlete, but I’m really proud of the progress I’ve made in less than a year of doing triathlon! It’s been amazing to see how much growth can happen through consistency, discipline, and a lot of heart. I’m excited to keep putting in the work and see where this journey takes me!

My hope for the future is to continue growing in this sport — to gain more experience in the sport and maybe even become a professional one day! I’d love to travel the world, race in new places, and guide athletes who are visually impaired through triathlons. There’s something really special about combining passion, purpose, and people in this journey.