2007 Tinker AFB Male Athlete of the Year: 552nd TRS competitor achieves excellence

  • Published
  • By John E. Banks
  • Tinker Public Affairs
Kyle Jansen said he has learned throughout his short Air Force career to aim high and challenge himself to achieve excellence in all he does. This was evident as he was selected as the 2007 Tinker Male Athlete of the Year.
   Jansen, a second lieutenant with the 552nd Training Squadron, said he was stunned when he received the award from Col. Mark Correll, 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander, during a December 552nd Air Control Wing Commander's Call.
" You know something is up when you are told to be at the Commander's Call," he said. "When I saw Colonel Correll there it alerted me that something was going to be different. It definitely was."
   Jansen said he thought the winner had been announced already and the award had been presented.
   "This was a total shock to me," he said. "I knew my nomination was submitted awhile back, but because I did not hear anything I thought it was over and done with."
   Jansen has been an all-around athlete at Tinker. He participated in intramural golf, soccer and the 5-kilometer run. He also ran several long distance races, as well as triathlons and iron man competitions. 
   " My ultimate goal is to qualify for the All Air Force Triathlon team," Jansen said. "The selections are made in May of each year and my hope is to be ready for that competition."
   Jansen has recently competed in triathlons in Panama City, Fla., and Houston.
   "The experience that I gain from these competitions is awesome," he said. "It definitely prepares me for triathlons and iron men competitions that I will compete in 2008."
   Jansen's training regimen consists of swimming, biking and running. He said he also incorporates cross-training and weight lifting so he can be in the best possible physical condition.
   "The facilities at all the fitness centers on base, as well as the focus on physical fitness, makes it real easy to get motivated to participate and excel at such a high level," he said.