Greg Close
Greg came to multisport events from the world of rowing in which he competed for the Rutgers University and Pennsylvania Athletic Club lightweight squads. While working to win three North American titles, Greg also spent his eight years in rowing coaching athletes of all ages and abilities. After graduating from Rutgers with a B.A. in Political Science and History, Greg went on to coach rowing while getting his M.A. in Political Science from Lehigh University. At Lehigh, Greg began to cross-train with cycling and running, and in 2005 decided to test his fitness in a triathlon for the first time. After medaling in his first event, he was hooked.
Greg has been racing for seven years and has represented the United States at World Championships three times, winning a silver medal in 2007 and a World Title at the 2008 Long Course Duathlon World Championships. He has also won two National Titles in Long Course Duathlon, been named All-American six times, won a Greater Atlantic Multisport Overall Title, and a MidAtlantic Duathlon Regional Championship. Greg races in all distances, though his focus is on Ironman events. 2012 was his first season racing as a professional. His PR for the half is 4:12 and for the full is 9:11. He is a certified USAT Level 1 coach, Level 3 USA Cycling Coach, and a POSE Method of running instructor.
Throughout his personal athletic endeavors, Greg has always had a commitment to coaching. Whether conducting a middle school learn-to-row program or coaching Division I collegiate rowers, teaching a lifelong non-athlete how to conquer her first half-marathon or preparing an experienced runner to break his personal best, Greg's love for athletics is as much about his own athletic achievements as it is about finding and fostering the athlete in others.
