He was a four-year letter winner on the Badger swim team and earned a degree in political science and international relations. His goal after graduation was to find a job that would allow him to see the world, but on “someone else’s ticket.” Who could have known he would do this by becoming an elite triathlete?

“Out of college, I immediately felt the pressure to find a job and begin a ‘normal’ career,” he explained. “It wasn’t until I really started having success in triathlons that I realized I could actually make a living doing just that.”

He has now traveled virtually around the world in competitions.

“I think the only places I really haven’t been are Russia and Africa. Triathlons are unique because they can be held anywhere that has a body of water and land conducive to biking and running.”

Umphenour had been in his hometown of Bellevue, Wash. working as an REI sales associate and competing in amateur triathlons for eight years, when in February 2001, he was invited to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. By April that year, Umphenour was a resident athlete and began training full time.

Since his arrival in Colorado, he has climbed the rankings of elite triathletes and is currently second in the United States and 31st in the world. Just one month ago, Umphenour took fifth place overall and was the first American finisher at the World Cup in Gamagori, Japan.

“Being here at the Olympic Training Center has definitely made a difference for me. Working out with and being surrounded by the best triathletes around has raised both my expectations and my training intensity,” he said.

Intensity and energy have always been evident in this 34-year-old. His enthusiastic and energetic attitude is perfect for the rigorous training he endures. The Olympic triathlon consists of a 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run, all of which Umphenour completes in less than two hours.

Qualification for the Olympics in the sport of triathlon is based on a point system that spans over the four years leading into the Games. Based on his performances thus far, he should have no problem getting in.

Umphenour has experienced Olympic fever. In 2002, he carried the Olympic torch through Colorado Springs on its way to Salt Lake City for the Winter Games. Now he has his sights set on Athens in 2004, and looks well on his way to being a member of the three-person U.S. men’s triathlon team.