“Wing One” Airman prepares for Military World Games

  • Published
  • By Devin Doskey
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
Finishing second place overall and first among Air Force athletes, with a time of 1:54:59 at the Armed Forces Triathlon Championship, Capt. Joel Bischoff, 341st Security Forces Squadron operations director, earned one of four qualifying slots to represent Team USA at the 2019 Military World Games held in Wuhan, China Oct. 14-28.

Over 100 Armed Forces representatives compete in the Military World Games every four years, one year before the Olympic Games are held. 

Bischoff has competed in over 30 triathlons since 2013 and has been a member of the Air Force triathlon team since 2016.

“Being a member of the U.S. Air Force triathlon team has been one of my proudest moments in my Air Force career,” said Bischoff. “I appreciate the opportunity to represent the U.S. professionally on and off duty.

“Triathlons are an endurance sport and progress takes time,” he continued. “It took me three years of steady training before I was able to compete at the Air Force level.”

Maintaining a rigorous training routine and balancing work life is key to his accomplishments, according to Bischoff.

“It can be difficult, but I am always looking to optimize my schedule,” said Bischoff. “I normally adjust my schedule to make sure I have a balanced training week.”

On a good training week he swims seven miles, bikes 100 miles and runs 25 miles.

“My training incorporates a morning and lunch time routine, if my work schedule allows it,” said Bischoff. “I am continually balancing the swim, bike and run, along with active recovery and high intensity sessions to optimize my time.”

Even with his recent success at the Armed Forces Triathlon, he knows competing at the Military World Games will be challenging.

“The number of competitors in the event will almost triple at the World Games and the competition will be very stiff with several prior-Olympic athletes participating,” said Bischoff.

“Earning a spot on the team for the Military World Games has been a goal of mine for the last five years.” said Bischoff. “I am excited to represent my service branch and compete on the same stage with Olympians.”

Bischoff credits his passion and motivation for triathlon competitions to his family.

“My father passed away from cancer back in 2015 but he helped kick-start my triathlon endeavors,” said Bischoff. “Racing in his memory and continuing his legacy with my family keeps my competitive drive alive.

“I am thrilled that the hard work paid off and incredibly thankful to my family and leadership who have supported me along the way,” Bischoff concluded.