David Goggins Biography
David Goggins is an American Ultramarathon runner, Ultra-distance cyclist, triathlete, motivational speaker, and author. He is a retired United States Navy SEAL and former United States Air Force Tactical Air control Party member who served in the Iraq War. His self-help memoir, Can’t Hurt Me, was released in 2018.
How old is David Goggins? – Age
The American Ultramarathon runner is 45 years old as of February 2021. He was born on February 17, 1975 in Buffalo, New York in United States.
David Goggins Family
Goggins was born to Trunnis and Jackie Goggins. In 1981, Goggins lived in Williamsville, New York with his parents and brother, Trunnis Jr. The American Ultramarathon runner has been open about experiencing racism during his early life. As a six year old, Goggins worked with his family at his father’s Skateland.
David Goggins Military Career
The American Ultramarathon runner initially applied to join the United States Air Force Pararescue. Goggins failed his ASVAB twice before succeeding and entering into ‘The pipeline’. During training he had been diagnosed with Sickle cell trait and was advised to stay home for a week. When he returned to the doctor after a week, he was told that he could return to training, but the commander said he would have to do it all over again. He then decided not to. He then proceeded to serve as member of the United States Air Force Tactical Air control party also known as TACP after completing successful training. Starting from 1994 Goggins served his time in TACP until 1999 and left the United States Air Force.
After three attempts, Goggins succeeded in graduating from BUD/S training with class 235 in 2001 and was assigned to SEAL Team FIVE. Goggins served in Iraq. In 2004, he graduated from Army Ranger school with the distinction of achieving “Top Honor Man”.
Charity
After several of his friends died in Afghanistan in a helicopter crash in 2005 during Operation Red Wings, Goggins began long-distance running with the aim of raising money for the special operations warrior Foundation. The Foundation gives college scholarships and grants to the children of fallen special operations soldiers. Competing in endurance challenges, including the Badwater Ultramarathon three times, has enabled Goggins to raise more than US$2 million for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
Marathon and Ultramarathon running
The American Ultramarathon runner attempted to enter the BadWater Ultramarathon as a fundraiser, but was told by organizers that he needed to enter another Ultramarathon first; as the Badwater is an invitational event. In 2005, Goggins entered the San Diego one Day, a 24-hour Ultramarathon held at Hospitality point in San Diego.
He was able to run 101 miles in 19 hours and 6 minutes- despite never having attempted to run a marathon previously. He had participated in the Las Vegas Marathon where he placed highly. He also has participated in the Furnace Creek-508, an Ultra-distance invitational cycling Race. Three months after completing his first Badwater Ultramarathon in 2006, he competed in the Ultraman world championships Triathlon in Hawail.
In 2007, Goggins achieved his best finish at the Badwater-135 by placing 3rd overall. In 2008 he was named a “Hero of Running” by Runner’s World. In 2016, Goggins won the Infinitus 88k in 12 hours, almost twenty minutes ahead of the next finisher. In the same year he also won the Music City Ultra 50k, and strolling Jim 40 Miler.
In 2020, Goggins ran the Moab 240 Ultramarathon, placing 2nd in the 241 mile event with a time of 63 hours and 21 minutes, approximately 95 minutes behind race winner Michele Graglia.
David Goggins as Motivational Speaker
Goggins said “motivational speaker” is just his job title. As an inspirational speaker, Goggins travels and speaks to sports teams. He has spoken to athletes from Professsional teams, including the Atlanta Hawks and the Seattle seahawks, as well as collegiate athletes from the Alabama, Tennessee and Michigan University football programs.
Entrepreneur Jesse Itzler, upon seing Goggins perform at a 24-hour Ultramarathon, called and hired Goggins to live with him in his house for a month. Itzler wrote about his experience on a blog and later published the story as the book Living With A SEAL.
His Self-help memoir, can’t Hurt me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds, was released on December 4, 2018. In the book he refers to the 40% rule, his belief that most of us only tap into 40% of our capabilities. The Audible version of this book has sat in the Amazon best sellers list since day 1 with over 15,000 positive reviews.
David Goggins Net worth
The American Ultramathon runner has a estimated net worth of $2.5 million in the year 2020.