Meet John Teofilak, age 61, born and raised in Chester, PA. Became a Wildwood Lifeguard at the age of 15 in 1974 and just fell in love with the town and the Lifeguard Brotherhood. Engaged to Sharon this past February on St. Paul Avenue beach in Wildwood Crest which is where they spend their summers. John works at The Boeing Company as a Contract Negotiator where he negotiates USG and International Contracts for the Ultimate Machine, the Chinook Helicopter. He has traveled the world supporting our USG Warfighter and our International allies.
Each month we highlight a DelMo Athlete. This month, meet John!
1. What are your race goals for the 2020 season?
I was just diagnosed with throat cancer two weeks ago, so my near term race goals may be altered! I love all of the DelMo races, however, and you can bet that I will continue my training and get back in the race this summer!
2. Which DelMo event is your favorite and why?
Tough choice but I have to go with Tri The Wildwoods in North Wildwood. It’s just the atmosphere that Stephen has created, starting with the beautiful sunrise, the national anthem on the beach, the perfect race for first-timers, families, age groupers and the elites. Just a beautiful mix of sun, surf, beach, triathletes and the community. The boardwalk finish after a tough beach run is a feeling that you just have to experience!
3. What is your race mantra?
“I’m not tired, this is what I trained for”
4. What’s your favorite workout song?
Touch of Grey (I will survive). Grateful Dead.
5 What are your hobbies outside of triathlon?
Weightlifting is my happy place which I have to temper somewhat for triathlon. Sharon and I also live on a boat here in Wildwood in the summer and we just love waking up on the water and getting on our stand up paddle boards for our morning workouts. I’m also an avid birdwatcher which would surprise some folks!
6. Tell us three things we should know about you.
- Well first, Sharon is the love of my life and best friend; she absolutely keeps me grounded and makes me a better person. My children, Kimberly and John, also inspire me to be someone that they are proud of.
-I’ve recently swam Alcatraz which was a bucket list swim for me. It was cold, choppy and very challenging. I can’t wait to do it again!
-I became an AMKOR (Tang Soo Do) black belt at the age of 50 and have won several national titles. I credit Master Frederick Scott for teaching me that anything is possible with discipline, hard work and determination.
