02/27/2026
So much to be proud of and still so many wonderful things to come as the incredible Paratriathlete Melissa Stockwell retires from competing and shifts gears to coaching and other life adventures.
When I started in the sport of Paratriathlon in 2010 I had no idea the places it would bring me. Sixteen years of swimming, biking, and running have taken me around the world, introducing me to incredible people and moments I’ll never forget.
I trained for years at the Paralympic and Olympic Training Center with the best athletes in the world and learned what a true team can be.
I’ve had the honor of competing in 4 Paralympic Games; Swimming in Beijing 2008 and then triathlon in Rio, Tokyo and Paris. A highlight of my life will be standing on the podium with a bronze medal in Rio as part of a USA sweep on Sep 11, 2016.
So many hours have been put into a dream of being the best I can be and the sport has taught me how to do that both on and off the race course.
After years of living the life of an elite Paratriathlete, I’m ready to officially retire from racing at the highest level and step into the next chapter.
Sports will forever be a part of my life and my love for competing won’t end here. I am looking forward to pushing myself on more running courses, dabbling in crossfit and climbing up a rock wall to name a few things. And other areas of my life that were untouched before; trying a stand up comedy class, being a substitute teacher, the school PTO, more hikes with my family... there is so much out there!
I will continue to be involved in the sport of Paratriathlon as the head coach of the Veterans2victory program where I’ll coach other Veterans in triathlon. Using the lessons I’ve learned over the years to show others what they can do and how much potential they have. I’m sure I will join them on the race course every so often as triathlon will always be a part of who I am.
I never could have gotten this far on my own. The support from my husband, kids, parents and all of you fueled me every day on this journey. Thank you for always believing in me.
So here’s to the next chapter, my story is far from over. 🥂 💫