David Goggins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Goggins
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David Goggins in 2008
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| Born | February 17, 1975 Buffalo, New York, U.S.
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| Known for | Motivational speaking | ||||||||||
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| Military career | |||||||||||
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| Years of service | 1994–1999 (USAF) 2001–2015 (USN) |
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| Rank |  Chief petty officer |
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| Unit | United States Navy SEALs
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| Other work |
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David Goggins (born February 17, 1975) is an amazing American athlete, speaker, and author. He used to be a United States Navy SEAL, which is a very tough special forces unit. Goggins is also known for running super long races called ultramarathons, riding bikes for huge distances, and competing in triathlons.
He has written two popular books about his life. David Goggins was even put into the International Sports Hall of Fame because of his incredible achievements in sports. He also received an award for his service in the United States Armed Forces. His book, Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds, became a New York Times Best Seller.
Contents
David Goggins' Early Life
David Goggins was born on February 17, 1975. He lived in Williamsville, New York, with his parents and brother. His father owned a roller skating rink called Skateland. When David was only six years old, he often worked at the rink at night. He would help organize roller skates for customers.
Later, David's mother left his father. She moved with David to live with his grandparents in Brazil, Indiana. This was a big change for young David.
School Challenges
David started second grade at a small Catholic school. When he was in third grade, doctors found out he had a learning disability. This meant school was harder for him because he hadn't had much schooling before.
David also faced racism at school. At that time, a group called the Ku Klux Klan was active in Brazil, Indiana. Despite these difficulties, David kept going.
Before high school, David went to a special course to learn about becoming a pararescue jumper. His grandfather had been in the Air Force, and he encouraged David to try it.
David Goggins' Career Journey
David Goggins applied to join the United States Air Force Pararescue team. He was accepted for training. During his training, doctors found he had a condition called sickle cell trait. This meant he had to stop training for a while.
Instead, Goggins joined the United States Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP). He worked as a TACP from 1994 to 1999. After that, he left the Air Force.
After leaving the Air Force, Goggins decided he wanted to become a Navy SEAL. He quit his job as an exterminator to pursue this dream. To join the SEALs, he had to meet strict weight requirements. He worked incredibly hard and lost 106 pounds in just three months!
In 2001, Goggins successfully finished the tough BUD/S training. This is the basic training for Navy SEALs. After more training, he officially became a Combatant Swimmer (SEAL) and joined SEAL Team 5.
During his 20 years in the military, Goggins served in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2004, he also graduated from the Army Ranger School. He even won an award for being the "Enlisted Honor Man" there.
Helping Others: Charity Work
In 2005, some of David's military friends died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. This sad event inspired Goggins to help others. He started running long-distance races to raise money for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. This foundation helps children of fallen special operations soldiers by giving them college scholarships.
Through his amazing endurance challenges, Goggins raised over $2 million for the foundation. He even competed in the incredibly difficult Badwater Ultramarathon three times.
David Goggins: An Ultramarathon Runner
David Goggins is famous for his incredible running achievements. An ultramarathon is any race longer than a traditional marathon (26.2 miles). Goggins pushes himself to the extreme in these races.
In 2005, he ran the San Diego One Day, a 24-hour ultramarathon. He also ran the Las Vegas Marathon to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The next year, he competed in the HURT 100 in Hawaii. He was even invited to the 2006 Badwater-135, where he finished 5th.
More Endurance Challenges
Goggins also competed in the Ultraman World Championships Triathlon in Hawaii in 2006. This is a three-day, 320-mile race, and he finished second! He also took part in the Furnace Creek-508 in 2009.
In 2007, Goggins placed third in the Badwater-135. He returned to the race in 2013 and finished 18th.
In 2008, Runner's World magazine called Goggins a "Hero of Running." He continued to win races, like the Infinitus 88k in 2016. That same year, he won the Music City Ultra 50k and the Strolling Jim 40 Miler. In 2020, he ran the Moab 240 ultramarathon, a 241-mile event, and finished second.
His Books and the 40% Rule
David Goggins' first book, Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds, came out in December 2018. In this book, he talks about his "40% Rule." This is his belief that most people only use about 40% of their true abilities, even when they think they're trying their hardest. He believes we can all do much more.
A second book, Never Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within, was published in December 2022. These books inspire many people to push past their limits.
Awards and Recognitions
David Goggins has received many awards for his military service and athletic achievements. Some of these include:
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
- Combat Action Ribbon
- Navy Good Conduct Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Iraq Campaign Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
- Navy and Marine Corps Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
- Rifle Marksmanship Medal with Expert Device
- Pistol Marksmanship Medal with Expert Device
He also earned special badges like the Special Warfare insignia (Navy SEAL Trident), the Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Tab. These show his high level of training and skill in the military.
Images for kids
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Navy SEAL Trident
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Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Badge
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Ranger Tab
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Meritorious Service Medal ribbon
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Navy and Marine Corps Commendation ribbon
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Navy and Marine Corps Achievement ribbon
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Army Achievement Medal ribbon
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Air Force Achievement Medal ribbon
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Combat Action Ribbon
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Navy Good Conduct Medal ribbon
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National Defense Service Medal ribbon
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Iraq Campaign Medal ribbon
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Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary ribbon
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Global War on Terrorism Service ribbon
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Military Outstanding Volunteer Service ribbon
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Navy and Marine Corps Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
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Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon
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Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon
See also
In Spanish: David Goggins para niños
