SOUTHWEST ASIA — An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician from Panama City took part in a triathlon last month while deployed to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.
Tech. Sgt. Ryan Oliver, a member of the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, completed a 500 meter swim, 20 kilometer bike ride and a 5k run with a time of 1:04:33. Oliver placed first in the 30 to 39 age division and second overall out of 61 competitors.
“Seeing my name at the top of the leader board is a great feeling,” Oliver said. “I have been fortunate that my home station, as well as my flight leadership here, have been supportive of me.”
New candidates training into EOD must successfully complete a physical ability and stamina test to attend school. As an EOD technician, being physically fit can mean the difference between being an asset or a liability to a unit, Oliver said.
Oliver is deployed from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., and trains six to seven days a week for an average of 10 workouts a week. Whether going out for a jog, adding miles to his bicycle or going to the pool for a swim, the duration of his workout depends on the type of race he is training for, he said.
“Staying focused on competing in triathlons is a challenge while being deployed,” Oliver said.
With the encouragement of his peers, he remains committed and continues to train. The Panama City native has competed in more than 80 races and participated in two local races during his deployment here, a triathlon series sprint and the Super Sprint.
Competing in triathlons has transitioned into Oliver’s Air Force career. On his last official Air Force physical fitness test Oliver passed with excellence and scored 100 percent.
“Participating in triathlons adds an element of fun to staying fit to fight,” Oliver said.