When Ironman Coeur d’Alene came to Derek’s hometown in 2003, triathlon was the furthest thing from his mind. After watching the race, Derek got the crazy idea that he could finish one, even though he had never ran more than 3 miles and didn’t know how to swim! After a few years as an age grouper, Derek took the leap to turn professional. He had a very successful 12 year professional career competing all over the world. Despite battling testicular cancer and many other setbacks the endurance world changed his life. Now retired Derek has a successful coaching business. Over 5,000 people have learned how to swim under his guidance in open water and pool swimming. And over 1000 successful Ironman finishes by his athletes from first timers to professionals. Derek also coaches ultra marathoners, corporate fitness teams, and has a wide range of fitness programs for employers providing nutritional and fitness programs for their employees.

Derek knows that without the amazing support of mentors, teachers, friends, and the amazing triathlon community, he could not be where he is today. He has 3 beautiful boys, and resides Coeur d’Alene Idaho, but you will most likely find him exploring the great outdoors in the Pacific Northwest chasing his athletes and his boys.