The Ali on the Run Show
Episode 13
Guest: Chris Mosier, Transgender Athlete and Advocate
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On this episode, I’m talking to my dear friend Chris Mosier. Chris is a Hall of Fame triathlete and duathlete, and was called “The Man Who Changed the Olympics” by The BBC and New York Magazine (same, totally). He’s a barrier-breaking Nike-sponsored athlete, who you may have seen in Nike’s commercials during the 2016 Rio Olympics. He’s a three-time Ironman, and was named Best Personal Trainer in the Northeast by Competitor Magazine in 2014.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gq8PO9XK2Y
Chris was the first transgender athlete to be featured in the ESPN Magazine Body Issue, and was named Person of the Year by Outsports. In 2015, he became the first openly transgender man to make a men’s U.S. National Team when he qualified for the sprint duathlon team. He was also a catalyst for change in the International Olympic Committee Policy on transgender athletes. He’s also the vice president of program development and community relations for You Can Play and is an online coach for Daily Burn.
Chris was — to my knowledge — the first transgender person I met and really got to know. I’ll be honest, this episode got me out of my comfort zone a little. Even though I’ve known Chris for years and consider him a very close friend, I asked a lot of the questions I’ve always had about what it means to be transgender, and he was kind (and patient) enough to answer all of them. I’m normally super outspoken and comfortable chatting with pretty much anyone, but I found myself being afraid of saying something that could be taken offensively or might be construed in the wrong way. (So there are a few more “ums” and pauses in this one than usual, but by halfway through, we were rocking and rolling.) Chris was never uncomfortable, though, and reassured me, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” There’s so much good stuff in this episode, and I learned so much during my conversation with Chris.
Throughout the episode, we talk about Chris’s transition, what it was like for his family and his wife, and how it affected his sports performance and racing goals. We also talk about his job, what it was like being in a Nike commercial, and what he wishes more people understood about being transgender.
Stuff We Mention on the Show:
New York Times story on Chris competing at the New York City Triathlon
2016 “Unlimited Courage” Nike Commercial
Chris Mosier on Making History as First Trans Member of Team USA
Chris Mosier in ESPN’s Body Issue
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8 Responses
Love the episode. I learned a lot. Thank you Chris for being so open.
This was so good. I learned so much.
Ali, I just listened to this episode and had to compliment both you and Chris as a new listener to your podcast. I’ve enjoyed all of your podcasts but this one was so uplifting. Chris is so cool and has such a great attitude and sense of humor, and he is sure to make a big difference for other transgender athletes with his advocacy.. I wish both of you great success with your running.
Such a great episode! I loved it when he said, “The thing is that a lot of people worry about other people more than they need to.” He’s such a wise, gracious human.
I listen a lot but never comment, but I just listened to this episode and it was so amazing — thank you for doing such great work, Ali, I’m loving this podcast and all of the wonderful guests and conversations you’ve had on it!
Sounds like a really interesting and inspiring episode- will definitely be checking it out on my commute home today!
Can’t wait to listen to this epidsode! Chris sounds like an incredible athlete and role model.