Courtesy of USOC Press Box
Jarrod Shoemaker secured the first men's spot on the U.S. Olympic Triathlon Team by beating out Olympic veterans Hunter Kemper and Andy Potts with an 11th place overall finish at the 2007 ITU Beijing World Cup.
Though he started out as a runner, Shoemaker took to triathlons easily and turned pro in 2004 after just four races.
Shoemaker looks forward to his Olympic debut. Before the Games, Shoemaker took some time out to tell Active.com about life as an Olympian.
What's on your iPod playlist?
- "Shipping up to Boston" by Dropkick Murphys
- "Push Push Lady Lightning" by Bang Camaro
- "Beautiful Girls" by Sean Kingston
- "I Kissed a Girl" by Katie Perry
What helps you unwind after a hard day of practice/training?
Curling up on the couch and eating while watching some great TV (mainly the Discovery Channel and the History Channel)
What's one thing about being an Olympic athlete that would surprise most people?
We are pretty normal people; not much spectacular about us except that we get to train and race for a living.
What's a typical training meal?
Hormel meat (chicken, pork or steak), a big salad with bleu cheese dressing, and fruit along with rice or pasta
What are you most looking forward to at the Games?
The entire experience. I am so excited to represent the country and so excited to meet other amazing athletes. I think the opening and closing
ceremonies will be very special. It is a once in a lifetime experience, and I am going to treat it that way.
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