Born without his left hand, the Michigan native has built a career defined by range, discipline, and steady progression. From NCAA standout to three-time Paralympian and now a professional long-course triathlete, Chris continues to move the boundaries of endurance sport forward.

Building the Foundation

Before entering the Paralympic system, Chris established himself as an elite competitor at Grand Valley State University. He became a four-time NCAA Division II All-American in distance running, developing the endurance and race intelligence that would carry through every phase of his career.

That foundation led to his debut on the Paralympic stage at the 2012 Games in London. Competing in the 1,500m and marathon, he placed 9th and 10th, respectively. Early on, Chris showed an ability to compete across distances that few athletes attempt, much less sustain at an international level.

Finding His Stride in Paratriathlon

After London, Chris pivoted to paratriathlon, a transition that reshaped his competitive path.

He quickly became a consistent presence on the international circuit, with results that reflect both performance and persistence:

• 4th place, Rio 2016 Paralympic Games
• 4th place, Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games
• Multiple top finishes at World Triathlon events and World Championships

Both Paralympic finishes came within reach of the podium. In Rio, he missed by 29 seconds. In Tokyo, the gap narrowed to just six seconds. Those results underscored his ability to compete at the highest level while continuing to refine his approach.

A Breakthrough in Long Course Racing

In 2021, Chris stepped into long-course triathlon at IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta, opening a new chapter in his career.

The result was immediate and decisive:

• 16th overall
• 4:01:44 finish time
• Age group winner
• Finished ahead of multiple professional athletes

That single race reshaped expectations. It proved that Chris could compete beyond classification and hold his own in open fields against seasoned professionals.

Stepping Into the Professional Ranks

Following Augusta, Chris earned his USA Triathlon professional license. In doing so, he became one of the first athletes with a limb difference to compete as a fully licensed professional triathlete in open competition.

His presence in elite IRONMAN 70.3 racing represents more than a personal milestone. It signals a broader shift in how endurance sport defines performance and opportunity.

Extending His Impact Beyond Racing

Alongside his athletic career, Chris has invested in the future of the sport.

In 2018, he began coaching triathlon at Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia. He holds a Level 2 coaching certification and serves on the USA Triathlon National Coaching Committee. His work supports the development of the next generation of athletes while contributing to the sport at a systems level.

Chris also brings a strong academic background to his approach. He holds a master’s degree in sport psychology, as well as an MBA and a PhD in sport psychology. That perspective shapes not only how he trains and competes, but how he guides others through the process.

Redefining the Boundaries

Chris continues to compete across both paratriathlon and professional fields, challenging long-standing assumptions about where adaptive athletes belong.

His career reflects a shift already underway in endurance sport. Ability is no longer defined by category alone. It is measured through performance, preparation, and consistency over time.

Looking Ahead

As Chris continues racing at the highest levels, his presence in professional triathlon offers something tangible for the broader community.

It shows what is possible when access, opportunity, and determination align. It reinforces that adaptive athletes have a place in every arena where performance is measured.

And it continues to open the door for those who will come next.