Member Spotlights

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon with Tim Price who has given his heart and soul to the TCSD. Tim is our newly elected TCSD Events and Program Director.  We are so lucky to have Tim as he has been a central figure in putting on our very successful club races over the last couple of years.  

Tim Price and his son Oliver before a TCSD Aquathlon

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently of chatting with some of the TCSD members who raced in a variety of World Championship events during 2016.  These include the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Mooloolaba, Australia, the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, the ITU Duathlon World Championships in Aviles, Spain and the ITU Triathlon World Championships in Cozumel, Mexico.  I asked them 3 questions and I thought you’d enjoy the answers of our elite members.

Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Mooloolaba, Australia.  Top Row from left to right:  Ray Stainbeck, Darcy Eaton, Laurie Kearney, Brian Makarowski, Craig Zelent, Randy Schmitz.  Bottom Row from left to right:  Wendy Schmitz, Diana Noble. 

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently of talking to Richard Duquette, Bicycle attorney, triathlete and longtime sponsor, member and supporter of the Triathlon Club of San Diego.  The TCSD and our local community are both really lucky to have Richard on our team.  Just as I did; I know you will enjoy getting to know Richard.

 

"Richard Duquette and his wife, Kim"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I recently had the opportunity to talk triathlon and everything under the sun with TCSD Treasurer Melissa Sosnowski.  I could not be happier for this great lady who has become my friend over the past couple of years.  Read below and you will see how Melissa has used running and triathlon to improve her life.

 

"Melissa and Marc Sosnowski on their wedding day at the 2015 AFC Half Marathon"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon with TCSD member Reg Whatley who will represent us in the Rio Olympic Games.  Reg has paid his dues and been selected to be a Technical Official for men’s triathlon on August 18 and the women’s triathlon on August 20.  Reg is a 5x cancer survivor with a great perspective on life.  I know you will enjoy getting to know Reg.

"Reg Whatley taking a short time out in the Technical Officials Lounge Chicago 2015 WTS Grand Final"

 

At a Glance

Summary: Ironman & USA Triathlon Hall of Famer Bob Babbitt — co-founder of Competitor Magazine and the Challenged Athletes Foundation — shares how a $75 police-auction bike and the 1980 Ironman launched a lifetime of endurance sports, media, and giving back.

Highlights

  • Finished the 1980 Ironman (3rd-ever, on Oahu) on a $75 fire-damaged bike
  • Co-founded Competitor Magazine (1987) and Competitor/Babbittville Radio (1990)
  • Co-founded the Challenged Athletes Foundation (1993), which has raised $70M+ and given 13,000+ grants
  • Created the IronKids and Muddy Buddy event series
  • Member of both the Ironman and USA Triathlon Halls of Fame

Key Takeaways

  • Finishing one hard thing builds confidence you can draw on for life
  • Big things take a village — community and relationships fuel every success
  • Triathlon is a “Fountain of Youth”: you can keep improving in swim and bike as you age
  • An inclusive, welcoming club is what keeps people in the sport for the long haul

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently to talk triathlon with the legendary funky dude, Bob Babbitt.  Bob is a TCSD member as well as a member of the Ironman Hall of Fame and the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame.  It is an honor and a thrill to share Bob’s story.  We are so lucky to have this guy in our club!
 

  "Bob Babbitt in his frog outfit at the Mini Muddy Buddy Austin event with double above knee amputee Cody McCasland"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I recently had the pleasure of talking triathlon with Erin Hunter, who has worn many hats for the Tri Club over the years from Potluck Coordinator to Head Swim Coach.  Please join me in getting to know one of our best volunteers.  And you will see that she is also a pretty accomplished athlete.

 

 "Erin Hunter on her way to a 5th place age group finish at the 2015 Ironman Coeur d'Alene"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

 I was privileged recently to talk triathlon with TCSD volunteer extraordinaire, Alexis Barnes.  Alexis has taken on leadership roles as a TCSD Newsletter Editor and our club’s Coordinator for the USA Triathlon National Challenge Competition.  I know you will enjoy getting to know this lady.

 

 "Alexis Barnes finishing the Nautica NYC Triathlon"

TCSD Conversation by Craig Zelent

I had the pleasure recently of talking triathlon with Brannen Henn who is the TCSD Secretary and finished Ironman Hawaii last October in 11:18.  Brannen does a lot for the TCSD and she is definitely someone you should know. 

 

 "Brannen Henn on the run at the 2015 Ironman Hawaii"

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