Athlete Profile: Ari Epstein

Age: 24

Hometown: Long Grove, IL

Years racing: 5

Favorite Food: Cheerios, absolutely Cheerios

Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones
Most exotic place traveled: Shell, Wyoming
Special Pre-Race/Pump up song: Versus Tour de France theme, lol
Favorite Sport/Team: Chicago Blackhawks

How did you get involved in triathlons? 

After swimming through high school, I first picked up cycling because a close friend and teammate's dad was a former professional cyclist in Europe. Cycling was a nice way to beat the cabin fever from swimming indoors year-round, but I didn't start racing until college. Because I loved both sports equally, I decided to just do both.  Running and I have a complicated relationship, though. 

What are you most looking forward to at the games this summer? I have never raced in a national, let alone international, event, so I am beyond honored to represent my country and community. Beyond the few events I'm fortunate enough to race, I've always admired how the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, etc. have [with a few notable exceptions] managed to create goodwill and fraternity between nations through sport. I look forward to being part of that celebration this July. 

Role Model/someone you look up to and why? 

Without question, my parents made difficult decisions and sacrifices to give me opportunities in school, sport, and any other interest I ever had. I am forever indebted to them. I've also been lucky enough to volunteer for the last two years as a guide for paraplegic triathletes and as a coach for paraplegic sled hockey players in Chicago. These athletes and their advocates have fought for their own niche in adaptive sports and defy their limitations with strength, passion, and grit. They inspire me to be a better person. 

If you would like to sponsor Ari, feel free to go to his individual fundraising page by clicking here