Jack and Jeanette Powless are no strangers to the multisport endurance lifestyle. Jeanette, or Jen as she is called by friends, started mostly in track and field; setting 3 world records in 1969, and later competed in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Marathon. Jack has competed in 15 Ironman triathlons including 7 Ironman Triathlon World Championships inKona,Hawaii. Together they have raised two of the top young multisport athletes in the country: Neilson and Shayna.

Asked what keeps her motivated Jen replied: Of course my kids, but not just watching them compete. It’s their sportsmanship and humble positive attitudes that nurture and mentor younger athletes into sports and healthier lifestyles. I am the most inspired when I see them implement their Christian principles by going back and finishing with the last racer, or sacrifice their training to encourage and coach a younger athlete, or working with kids and teens in the pool, or giving their medals to last place finishers. I don’t think they realize their impact, the Lord works in mysterious ways and I am most proud that it comes so naturally to them.

Jack said: What motivates me as an athlete is to stay in shape because I believe our body is a temple and needs to be treated as such. As a father, to lead by example with my kids instilling in them the importance of a healthy lifestyle, enjoying the fruits of their labor and understanding the responsibility they have as a positive role model for others. As a coach, I’m motivated by the success of athletes I work with, not just in their athletic accomplishments but in the positive ways they change their lives, making them happier and more productive people.

About their Training and Racing goals Neilson and Shayna said:

Neilson: Currently a freshman atVictoryChristianHigh School, I am 15 years old and have been racing with TBF since I was 5 years old. Highlights of my racing career have been winning 5 National Triathlon titles. My biggest accomplishment has been qualifying to the World Championship XTERRA inMaui,Hawaiiand racing as the youngest competitor this year. I had the chance to race with Lance Armstrong (the 7 time Tour De France Champion), Comrad Stoltz (the 4 time XTERRA World Champion) and Melanie McQuaid (the 4 time XTERRA World female Champion). After winning Nationals this year, I came in 3rd in the World to older boys from France and Portugel in the 15-19 age group. 

What motivates me for racing to the best of my abilities are striving to be the best, supporting my sponsors Ventana Bike, X-Fusion Shocks and Folsom Bikes for all the help they have given me and having as much fun as I can.

Shayna:  Recently graduated fromRosevilleHigh School. I started racing mt. bikes at age 3 and remember my very first year of TBF Chanoko racing, as well as my first MTB Challenges at age eight. I have loved it ever since. Some of my most memorable racing experiences include competing in my first XTERRA at age eleven in Florida and being the youngest competitor ever, in XTERRA Nationals long course, at age 13. Last year I won my first National Title in the XTERRA 15-19 category as well as winning the NorCal High School Mountain Bike League and Varsity Girls’ State Champion Title for the third year in a row. This year, I was selected to travel to Europe (by myself) for the U.S. Junior National Development Camp withAmerica’s gold medalist , Connie Carpenter and the USA Team coach and doctor, Drew Geer. I raced a World Cup Race inGermanyand Swiss Cup inSwitzerland. It was the best racing experience I’ve ever had and I can’t wait to go again.

In training as well as racing, my motivation comes from me wanting to be the best I can be as a multisport athlete, as well as the encouraging attitudes and support of my family because of everything they have done for me in my racing and career. Because of my love for the sport, I hope to become a professional in both cycling and triathlons.

Jack said about his family’s association with Total Body Fitness: “Racing and working with TBF over the past 10 years has been life changing for all of us in the Powless family. Seems like yesterday, when Neilson was just 5 years old, racing his mountain bike up the center trail hill at Granite Bay/Folsom Lake that many adults were having trouble climbing. We immediately “fell in love” with the organization, motivating family atmosphere and just knew we needed to get more involved. A true blessing, we felt compelled to join forces with Mark and Bill to motivate others and do what we could to help “grow the TBF” family as much as possible. As the years progress, we sometimes find ourselves overstretched with responsibilities and other obligations, but we always feel the most “at home” and comfortable volunteering and recruiting more athletes and volunteers to get involved with our local TBF Family.”

TBF Racing is proud to have supported, watched and admired the multisport careers of two outstanding young athletes: Neilson and Shayna Powless, and extend our thanks to their parents Jack and Jeanette for all of their help and support with our events over the years.