Athletes

Chris Lieto

Chris Lieto is the fastest American Ironman and one of the top triathletes in the world. His 15 triathlon victories include three Ironman wins, a U.S. Ironman championship, and three top-10 finishes at the World Championship in Hawaii, highlighted by a second-place finish in 2009.

Chris’s commitment extends beyond his sport. Husband to Karis and father to two young children, Chris is a devoted family man with a strong faith. He is also a motivated entrepreneur and founder of BASE Performance.

With a reputation as the fastest cyclist in the sport, Chris has challenged many of his fellow athletes to improve their performance. This year, Chris is spearheading More Than Sport and challenging them to compete for a cause.

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More Than Sport Ambassadors

Justin A Green

Justin is a former elite cyclist and collegiate cycling champion who has raced against the best in the world. After his post high school racing career he went to school at the University of Kansas, and later moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. San Francisco being a haven for triathlon, Justin quickly became interested. Justin is the father of a beautiful daughter, and a devoted family man. Justin came to us wanting to use the gifts he has been given to make a difference in the lives of others. Justin is focusing on 70.3 and Ironman distance races, and races for the Forward Motion Elite Team in Danville, California. You can follow his racing at http://justingreen-triathlete.blogspot.com/.

Dan Benjamin

I hit an all time peak for weight in January 2009 where I weighed in at 273 pounds. That is where I made a profound change, and triathlon was a big part of that. After dropping a good deal of weight training, I completed my first sprint triathlon later that year; I immediately knew that competing in triathlon was what I wanted to for the long haul. In August of 2010, I completed the Lake Stevens Ironman 70.3, and I will be competing in the 2011 Vineman 70.3 in July. I am excited to be a part of the “More Than Sport” movement as I have had a heart for kids in West Africa since traveling to Sierra Leone in 1994.

Charles Poole

Charles Poole is a relative newcomer to the sport of triathlon. He had completed several marathon races and was looking for a new physical and mental challenge. Three years ago following a recommendation from his wife, he decided to give triathlons a try. The spark of interest caught fire after watching the Ironman World Championships on television and he’s been hooked ever since. He completed the Ironman Florida 70.3 in 2008, Ironman California 70.3 in 2009, Ironman St. George in May 2010 and the High Desert 50K Ultramarathon in December 2010. Charles was introduced to More Than Sport while in Kona this past October. “Giving back is something that I feel very sincerely. Christ commanded us to love our neighbors and More Than Sport is a tangible way for us to show God’s love.” Charles and his family decided to sponsor a child named Evans from Kenya and has committed himself to complete the Leona Divide 50 mile ultra marathon in April 2011 on his behalf. “It is my goal to have 50 children sponsored for this race. Changing the life of a child through sponsorship is an amazing gift, but changing the life of 50 children in a community, changes the future.”

Jeremy Koziol

A school teacher by profession, but a Soul-dier of the LORD by confession, Jeremy Koziol did his first triathlon, Ironman Boise 70.3 in 2009, because tri’s capture a physical representation of a spiritual truth: whether it’s for sport or for spirit, endurance and fortitude are essential elements to racing well. “Simply put, triathlons are hard. But so is life. Jesus, the ultimate Ironman, was in great shape, walking from town to town to do ministry in a mountainous, arid climate. Jesus had great endurance and fortitude, as seen in His enduring the cross, which ultimately resulted in God’s glory, His joy, and our good. It is my goal to follow in His footsteps and have great endurance and fortitude, like Jesus, for God’s glory, my joy, and other peoples’ good. Help me to follow in His footsteps as I endure through Ironman Coeur d’Alene in June 2011 by supporting the mission of More Than Sport for God’s glory, your joy, and their good :o) I cannot do this alone; I need your help. Go Team Jesus! Amen!”

Kristin Andrews

I love training and racing and got into triathlons after running Cross Country and Track at Dartmouth College. In 2009 I had amateur wins at Aflac Columbia IronGirl and Austin Ironman 70.3 triathlons and was 9th Amateur at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships. In 2010, I was 4th Female at the National Half Marathon and won the Amateur division of the Columbia Triathlon (4th Female overall). I was the first female amateur at Ironman Lake Placid and broke the amateur course record by 10 minutes. Next up: Ironman World Championships.

I chose More Than Sport because they combine several things I love: running and triathlon, serving God and meeting and training with other athletes that have similar goals.

Goals for 2010: Qualify for & compete in the Ironman World Championships, turn pro at end of season, and encourage as many as possible to partner with More Than Sport in changing lives!

My traditional pre-race food (day before the race) is sushi :-)

Andrew Stearns

Since 2006 Andy has lost 35 pounds, run his first (and second) marathon, completed his first (second and third) olympic triathlon, and is completing his first half ironman at the Syracuse 70.3! Andy has completed each race for Thabang, his sponsored child in South Africa. This year he and his wife sponsored a child in Haiti named MyLove through More Than Sport and he will be completing the 70.3 with her in mind – bringing her a reason for her to dream.

Ralph Renz

Ralph completed his first triathlon in 2009 in Washington DC. Ralph has been to Rwanda several times to build houses and learn about the community. He also proposed to his wife on a trip in Rwanda! This year he is completing his first half ironman, the Syracuse 70.3, in September and is also excited to change lives through partnering with More Than Sport.

Talaya Frazier

Talaya Frazier competed in the World Championship Half- Ironman in Australia last year and is completing the Chicago Marathon for More Than Sport this year. Talaya is excited about partnering with More Than Sport and is sharing with everyone from her neighbors to her favorite triathlon store!

David Martinelli

A former ice hockey player and accomplished marathoner, David Martinelli is preparing for his first Ironman this fall. When not competing or training, David works as a strategy consultant for troubled school districts. He credits his successes, which include numerous half marathons and mid-distance triathlons as well as overcoming asthma, to faithful supporters like his mom. Competing for More Than Sport is helping David channel a passion for giving back. “I’ve been given [the opportunity] to profoundly impact the lives of others with our team,” he says.

Shawn Van Horn

A father of two, Shawn is a committed follower of Christ as well as a devoted family man and athlete. “I am passionate about God’s heart for the forgotten poor of the world,” he says. Shawn and his wife spent two years in West Africa doing hands-on missions work; now, he is excited for the opportunity to connect his passion for missions with his love of sport by competing for More Than Sport. Shawn is training for his first Ironman, which will take place in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho this June. His goal is to finish the event in 11 hours.