I’d like to do a feature article for our website about the training of Naval Special Warfare Team members (SEALs) including photos and interviews with SEAL team members who also do triathlons.
I remember a number of SEAL team members have done Hawaii as a public relations effort.
Specifically what I’m looking for are SEALs who have done triathlons and are members of one of the teams. I’d like to photograph them in their military role (training here in the U.S. either in Coronado or on the East Coast) and also in the sport.
Great idea. Unfortunately, the guys that I knew on the teams are now retired. Every base, however, has a public relations officer. I’m pretty sure they would see this as positive press and would be happy to help out. No idea if Coronado or Little Creek would be a better bet.
i might be able to help you out. i went to the naval academy a couple years back and i could ask one of my buds whos at coronado right now for some contacts on the fellows who do triathlons. not sure if any of his friends do but ill see what i can find for ya.
If you go to www.myspace.com/ryanlevinson1 and look at my friends, “MONEY” (photo of a dog) is a local San Diego triathlete (won Clydesdale div at Oceanside 70.3) who is on the teams. You can contact him directly through his profile.
My husband spent 8 years at Team 3, opting to get out to become a gov’t contractor in OEF. He must of competed in a handful of SuperFrog’s and in '04 raced at IMC. He has plenty of plattoon-mates just like him, making triathlon just a part of the workout routine. He never took it that serioulsy, never would call himself a triathlete, it was just one of the things he was good at and enjoyed.
You will likely get two types of responses - or, rather one. The modest team guys who show up day in and day out to do their job, all the while being competitive triathletes with some remarkable stats, are likely not going to be interested in your quest. And that is where the real story may be.
As suggested, Mitch Hall would be a great contact. He has had the opportunity to race competitively (Kona 06) and promote the Teams, only to put it all aside and spend 6 months in the sand box.
BTW - never sell a bike to the navy - the paper work took 20 times longer to complete than it took for mitch to finish kona (but we enjoyed working with such a great customer)
Why limit yourself to SEALS. Plenty of Navy Divers, EOD Techs, Pilots, etc that do triathlons. Lots of Marines too. Also, the US Armed Forces Triathlon Championships are coming up (July 24) at Pt Mogu Naval Air Station. There you will see the faster of the fast, all branches battling for the individual and TEAM trophy. Male and female. A great race to watch. ITU rules. Also, from this race, the top 5 men and women and old dudes (over 40) will go on to compete in the World Armed Forces Triathlon in India.
If you need info, PM me and I will send you the POC for this race!
Brandon Secrest and Chris Grillo. Both USNA grads, members of the USNA Tri team, and Brandon was a member of the US Nat Team. I have the contacts for both these guys and can PM them to you if ya want. Brandon starts BUDS very soon, Chris is toward the end of his training.
Just a side note that I’m USNA '05 and a former member of the tri team, so I have most the contact (or can get a hold of relatively quickly) of most of the grads over the past 5-6 years. Just Lemme know.
I don’t know anything about what you are asking, but as always you are welcome to crash at my place, 4th bedroom, and about 50 minute drive from Coronado if you need to fly out for your piece.
I noticed that Superfrog had some informal affiliation with the SEAL training center in Coronado. The event itself is very interesting for that reason. Thanks for the hook-up.
Boom. Struck Gold. Perfect. Thank you very much. I recently spoke with a fellow who had done a 7 day cruise as a freelance writer on a naval vessel and it was arranged through a similar liason. This is very valuable and I thank you for it.
Don’t forget Brian Robinson. The two are side-kicks. Brian and Chris were both captains of the team and are going through the same BUDS class together.
(but we enjoyed working with such a great customer)