Jarrod Shoemaker - Triathlete

When first meeting Shoemaker off the competition or training fields, it’s the smile that hooks you. Then you see him move—whether he is training or competing, he is committed to doing his best and to always improving. That’s when you understand why he finished number 18 in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Shoemaker is also committed to helping kids get off the couch and get active and plans to be a teacher and coach when he ends his professional triathlete career.

Shoemaker’s dreams have always revolved around sports; first, as a pro baseball player, then as a runner and now as a triathlete. As a professional triathlete, he is living his dream. His first triathlon was the 2003 Boston Triathlon and by 2004, he was ranking as an Elite Triathlete, working to earn an opportunity to compete in the 2012 Olympics. When Jarrod finished as the top American at the 2007 ITU Beijing World Cup, he became the first qualifier for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and accelerated his goals.

Shoemaker’s Elite Triathlon Career includes 18th overall at the 2008 Beijing Olympics; in 2008, top American (11th overall) at the ITU Beijing World Cup, sixth place finish at the Pan Americans Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, first place at the ITU Drummondville Pan American Cup, and eighth place at the Hy-Vee Triathlon ITU Des Moines World Cup in 2007; in 2006, USAT Haul to the Great Wall Series Champion and first world cup podium finish with second at Edmonton in 2006; in 2005, ITU Under 23 World Champion, ITU New York City Continental Cup winner and Tiszajvarous ITU World Cup 7th place; and began in 2004 Under 23 National Champion.