Sports & Activities
Real Athlete: Triathlete Drew Jemilo
By Gay Games VII Staff
Real Athlete is an ongoing series of interviews with inspirational, out gay athletes from around the world. Are you a Real Athlete? Take our Real Athlete Survey.
Drew Jemilo is one lucky athlete. Why? Well, not just because he has a partner who is also an athlete and a love for athletics that has led him to train hard for triathlons and form a LGBT triathlon training group in his city. We think Jemilo is particularly lucky because he already lives in Chicago, so participating in the triathlon at this year's Gay Games in Chicago won't be much of a commute for him. We got this interview with Jemilo courtesy of the Gay Games VII organizers. For more information about this year's Gay Games and how you can participate, visit www.chicagogaygames.org.
What is your goal for Gay Games Chicago 2006? Going for the gold?
Triathletes tend to set their only goals to reach their personal best. I am in the same boat. I turn 40 years old this year, and my goal is to far surpass my previous fastest time of 2:33.
How long have you been playing your sport?
I have been a runner since age 11, when running was a recreational activity for my family (I ran with my parents). I did my first triathlon in 2003, and my first half ironman in 2004.
What role has sports played in your life? How much time per week do you spend training?
Training has become a part of most days. I don't wake up and decide whether or not I'm going to brush my teeth—it's the same thing with my workouts. I have also become a spin (stationary bicycle) fitness instructor to share my intensity with others.
What do you consider your main achievements or accomplishments, whether in your sport or otherwise?
I have participated in two Chicago Triathlons (international distance), the Harbor Lights Triathlon (sprint distance), and the Spirit of Racine Triathlon (half Ironman). In 2003, I won second place in my age group for the Chicago Proud to Run 10k race, and in 2005, I won first place in my age group for the 5k race.
Has someone served as an inspiration or as a mentor to you? If so, who?
Yes, a few people; my parents for raising me with the idea that running was fun; my partner for inspiring me to do my first triathlon; and my best friend for being my first triathlon training partner.
What other sports have you've played or play? How did you chose the sport you will compete in at Gay Games VII.
I chose the triathlon because of the discipline and focus it requires. For example, after transition [number] two of my half Ironman in 2004, the first thing that ran through my mind was, "Oh thank God I only have a half marathon left to run!"
What is your highest level of competitive sport in which you took part?
I ran track in high school, but really consider my "later years" as my best. I now compete with my friends, and only against myself.
Have you been out in your sport?
Yes. I put together a gay training group with a presence at the Chicago Triathlon in 2003 and 2004. I was inspired by a guy I heard about in New York named Rob, who started the New York Tritons. Rob has since moved to Chicago and become one of my training buddies.
What prompted you to come out of the closet?
Gradually, it has just seemed easier to be out than in. My family is supportive, my partner's family is supportive, my friends are supportive, and my work environment is supportive. I am even now just starting a formal LGBT group at work... the process never really ends!
Will you be coming to Gay Games with a friend, partner, or family member?
My partner and I will be competing. I will also be competing with many friends and training partners.
My greatest bonding has been while running with friends. The most sharing happens after mile seven!
Drew Jemilo is one lucky athlete. Why? Well, not just because he has a partner who is also an athlete and a love for athletics that has led him to train hard for triathlons and form a LGBT triathlon training group in his city. We think Jemilo is particularly lucky because he already lives in Chicago, so participating in the triathlon at this year's Gay Games in Chicago won't be much of a commute for him. We got this interview with Jemilo courtesy of the Gay Games VII organizers. For more information about this year's Gay Games and how you can participate, visit www.chicagogaygames.org.
What is your goal for Gay Games Chicago 2006? Going for the gold?
Triathletes tend to set their only goals to reach their personal best. I am in the same boat. I turn 40 years old this year, and my goal is to far surpass my previous fastest time of 2:33.
How long have you been playing your sport?
I have been a runner since age 11, when running was a recreational activity for my family (I ran with my parents). I did my first triathlon in 2003, and my first half ironman in 2004.
What role has sports played in your life? How much time per week do you spend training?
Training has become a part of most days. I don't wake up and decide whether or not I'm going to brush my teeth—it's the same thing with my workouts. I have also become a spin (stationary bicycle) fitness instructor to share my intensity with others.
What do you consider your main achievements or accomplishments, whether in your sport or otherwise?
I have participated in two Chicago Triathlons (international distance), the Harbor Lights Triathlon (sprint distance), and the Spirit of Racine Triathlon (half Ironman). In 2003, I won second place in my age group for the Chicago Proud to Run 10k race, and in 2005, I won first place in my age group for the 5k race.
Has someone served as an inspiration or as a mentor to you? If so, who?
Yes, a few people; my parents for raising me with the idea that running was fun; my partner for inspiring me to do my first triathlon; and my best friend for being my first triathlon training partner.
What other sports have you've played or play? How did you chose the sport you will compete in at Gay Games VII.
I chose the triathlon because of the discipline and focus it requires. For example, after transition [number] two of my half Ironman in 2004, the first thing that ran through my mind was, "Oh thank God I only have a half marathon left to run!"
What is your highest level of competitive sport in which you took part?
I ran track in high school, but really consider my "later years" as my best. I now compete with my friends, and only against myself.
Have you been out in your sport?
Yes. I put together a gay training group with a presence at the Chicago Triathlon in 2003 and 2004. I was inspired by a guy I heard about in New York named Rob, who started the New York Tritons. Rob has since moved to Chicago and become one of my training buddies.
What prompted you to come out of the closet?
Gradually, it has just seemed easier to be out than in. My family is supportive, my partner's family is supportive, my friends are supportive, and my work environment is supportive. I am even now just starting a formal LGBT group at work... the process never really ends!
Will you be coming to Gay Games with a friend, partner, or family member?
My partner and I will be competing. I will also be competing with many friends and training partners.
My greatest bonding has been while running with friends. The most sharing happens after mile seven!
