Young Gulf Shores triathlete takes top spot in Music City

Young Gulf Shores triathlete takes top spot in Music City
7-year-old Jack Biggs is also a year round swimmer for GSST

Young Jack Biggs did his hometown proud during a recent competition in Nashville, finishing first in his age group and 11th overall at the First Annual Music City Kid’s Triathlon on June 19 at TriStar Centennial Park. Although only seven, Jack swam 100 meters, biked 2.4 miles and ran a half a mile in a winning age group time of 20:14. His time was 11th best overall, and all 10 finishers ahead of Jack were 10-year olds.
Jack, who is homeschooling and entering 2nd grade, has competed in eight triathlons altogether and has placed 1st or 2nd in his last six. He swims year round for the Brook Hopkins coached Gulf Shores Swim Team and holds swimming records at the Bodenhamer Center Pool.
He lives for swimming and triathlon competitions, but he also plays basketball in the winter, according to his mother, Kristy Biggs.
“Neither my husband nor I are swimmers or triathletes,’’ said Kristy. “We had no idea he would be a swimmer until we moved down here and were in a pool almost daily. By age 3, we could tell he loved swimming.’’
The Biggs moved to Gulf Shores from Chattanooga in 2011 when Jack was two. Jack competed in his first triathlon, the Phinman at The Bodenhamer Center, when he was five.
“He loved it, but didn’t place. Last year, he started practicing more and became more competitive,’’ Kristy said. “He looks up to Coach Brook, who is doing her first full IronMan in November.”
“Jack is a phenomenal competitor and an extremely hard worker,’’ Coach Hopkins said. “He has goals like no other 7-year old I know. I am honored to get to have him in my swim group and have my son (Cooper Hopkins) along side him at practice and the triathlons.’’
Coach Hopkins competed in her first 70.3 Ironman last April in New Orleans and completed a second 70.3 in May in Panama City. She just started a 20 week training plan leading up to her first full 140.6 Ironman on Nov. 5 in Panama City.
“I have competed in triathlons myself since the age of 11. It’s an amazing but tough sport,’’ she said.
“We will be going to see her and cheer her on,’’ Kristy said.