“I’m not trained to be an athlete. I’m trained to be something more.” This wraps up the opening video in the US Navy’s official website dedicated to Navy athletes.
Truly, David Goggins, Paul Tharp, Damon Dixon and Kristin Barnes, the Navy personnel featured in the site, are great athletes who have competed in several triathlons and other events. However, more than being great athletes, they are also our country’s heroes.
Petty Officer First Class David Goggins is a member of the US Navy SEALS, having finished the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in 2000. Aside from the BUD/S, he also completed training with the US Army Rangers and the Air Force’s Tactical Control – the first in the US Military to do that.
Considered as a living legend in endurance sports, Goggins has a resting heart rate of 30 beats per minute. This shows how tough an athlete he is. More than his ability to run 203.5 miles without stopping and do 106 crunches in a minute, what most people admire about this man is the greatness of his heart. He races not for himself, but for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. He races to provide for the education of the children of fallen soldiers.
Master Chief Petty Officer Paul Tharp is also a member of the US Navy SEALs. He is presently serving as the Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Special Warfare Preparatory School, which is designed to prepare SEAL candidates for the physical and mental demands of the BUD/S.
Lieutenant Commander Damon Dixon serves as an Oceanography Officer in the US Navy. He graduated from the US Naval Academy and has been a member of its varsity football team (Go Navy! Beat the Army!).
Commander Kristin Barnes is also a graduate of the US Naval Academy. She is the Officer-in-Charge of Afloat Planning System of the Pacific Operation Support Division.
Goggins, Dixon and Barnes joined and successfully completed this year’s Ironman Triathlon held last October 11. Aside from competing in different events, these 4 Navy athletes are busy protecting our country.
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