Air Force Triathlon Team standout--Leader on and off the course

Published Aug. 28, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Brandon Shapiro
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- "More than anything, a healthy mindset, progressive thinking, and the thought of continual self-improvement are what always keep me going. I'm continuously eager to learn and I'm yearning to set new standards."

These are well-anchored, self-driven thoughts motivating one of MacDill's finest--Staff Sgt. Nicholas Chase, 6th Communications Squadron assistant NCO in charge of MILSTAR.

In early 2012 and again in 2013, Chase was selected as one of only 10 members to represent the U.S. Air Force's highly competitive traveling triathlon team--a feat that he had only previously dreamed of.

"The hundreds of hours of training, day in and day out finally paid off," commented Chase. "I already knew the Air Force opened endless opportunities, but in this regard, I get to work and train with exceptionally talented individuals that share a similar passion."

When Chase is not training 14 to 22 hours a week and racing in more than 20 annual races, he spends his time as a certified professional trainer and a mentor to his fellow military members.

"I'm continuously reaching out to those who are struggling with diet and physical training scores, and as a professional coach I'm currently mentoring eight athletes on a daily basis," commented Chase. "I write their training plans and suggest nutritional strategies to attain their goals."

And as a professional coach, Chase once again ceases to fail...

"One of my greatest accomplishments came when an athlete I coach dual qualified for the Ironman World Championship and for the half Ironman World Championship--I'm very excited about that," exclaimed Chase.

Most recently, Chase's trained athlete Capt. Hila Levy, from the 35th Operations Squadon, Misawa, Japan took first place in her age group during the 70.3-mile Ironman in Tokoname, Japan, which guaranteed her one of 30 qualification slots for the 2013 Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii--an arduous 140.6-mile trek that hosts roughly 1800 of the world's greatest athletes.

As Chase's athletic accolades pile up, he continues to pad his résumé by working on his fourth degree (micro-biology), to go along with his International Sports Sciences Association Master Trainer and USA Triathlon Level 1 Coaching certifications.

"Top-level athletes and military professionals focus on their weaknesses, work on them and never making excuses," commented Chase. "I plan to use this mind-set on each of my endeavors, as to become a ranked professional triathlete and to inspire others to take charge of their life and become the best version of themselves as humanly possible."

Chase sums up his motivation and goals quite well, stating--"I live for fitness and health, and I love to help others meet their goals. I feel tremendously fortunate to have the support of my leadership and friends as I graciously represent our great nation."

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Chase's next U.S. Air Force sponsored race will be Sept. 15, 2013 at the Olympic Distance World Championships in London, England.