Jenna Shoemaker, American triathlete

The Diverse Journey of Jenna Parker: From Elite Triathlete to Actor and Writer

Jenna Shoemaker, born on April 20, 1984, in Concord, Massachusetts, embarked on a remarkable journey that would see her excel as a professional triathlete before transitioning into the creative fields of acting and writing. In 2009, she legally adopted the name Jenna Parker, under which many of her later career achievements and public recognition would be known.

A Distinguished Triathlon Career

Parker's dedication to the sport of triathlon quickly propelled her into the elite ranks. By 2010, she had firmly established herself as a formidable presence on the international stage, securing the 49th position in the highly competitive World Championship Series ranking. Domestically, her prowess was equally evident, earning her a notable 5th place in the USAT (USA Triathlon) ranking, solidifying her status as one of the nation's top female triathletes. The pinnacle of her Olympic-distance aspirations saw her compete at the rigorous USA Triathlon Olympic Trials in San Diego, California, in 2012, a testament to her elite standing and consistent performance in the sport.

Beyond the Race Course: Media and Academics

Beyond the demanding world of professional athletics, Parker demonstrated a keen intellect and a broader range of interests. She holds a psychology degree from the prestigious Harvard University, a testament to her academic prowess that complemented her intense athletic training. Her burgeoning profile also led to media features in 2010, including an appearance in the "XX Factor" section of Outside Magazine's October issue and a segment on NBC's popular late-night show, Last Call with Carson Daly, showcasing her as an inspiring figure in the world of sports.

A Family Legacy of Athletic Excellence

The drive for athletic excellence runs deep in the Parker-Shoemaker family. Her brother, Jarrod Shoemaker, is also a distinguished professional triathlete, holding the impressive title of 2009 Duathlon World Champion and representing the United States as an Olympian in 2008. This shared passion for high-level competition undoubtedly fostered a supportive and understanding environment for both siblings' demanding careers.

Transitioning from Professional Sport

In 2013, Jenna Parker concluded her celebrated professional triathlon career on a high note, leaving the sport after achieving significant victories. She triumphed at the iconic New York City Triathlon and secured an impressive third-place finish at the Beijing International Triathlon, marking a fitting end to a dedicated career. Throughout her professional journey, Parker benefited from the guidance of elite coaches. From September 2008 until April 2010, she was coached by the renowned Darren Smith, a highly respected figure in triathlon. She then worked with another prominent coach, Brett Sutton, from January to June of the 2013 season. A short residency from late 2010 to early 2011 also saw her train with Terrence Mahon and the Mammoth Track Club, refining her skills among other top-tier athletes.

Continued Athletic Pursuits

Post-retirement from the professional triathlon circuit, Parker continued to embrace athletic challenges, particularly in water-based endurance events. In 2015, she was a vital member of the Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol team that clinched a commendable second place at the inaugural Red Bull Surf and Rescue event held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, an experience that was chronicled in a mini-documentary. Her dominance in these demanding competitions is further evident in her unique achievements: she is the only woman to have won the challenging Cape May Women's Point Challenge three times (in 2014, 2016, and 2017). Furthermore, Parker holds the distinction of being the sole female competitor to conquer the LBIBPA "Ironwoman" event twice (in 2016 and 2017), a rigorous multi-disciplinary race introduced in 2016 that combines rowing, running, swimming, and prone paddling, showcasing her exceptional versatility and enduring physical capabilities.

A New Chapter: Acting and Writing

Today, Jenna Parker is channeling her discipline, diverse experiences, and creative energy into a new chapter, cultivating a career as an actor and writer. She currently divides her time between vibrant cultural hubs: Atlanta, Georgia; New York City; and Los Angeles, California, to pursue her artistic endeavors. Her acting pursuits have already yielded notable roles, including playing the lead character "Tracy" in the summer 2016 SyFy feature film, Ice Sharks, produced by The Asylum. Leveraging her deep connection to the athletic world and her comfortable presence in front of a camera, she has also gracefully transitioned into a hosting role, lending her voice and presence to prominent events such as the IMG Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon and the Beijing International Triathlon, both of which have aired on CBS Sports Network in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was Jenna Parker's birth name?
Jenna Parker was born as Jenna Shoemaker.
When did Jenna Parker change her name?
She legally changed her name to Jenna Parker in 2009.
What were Jenna Parker's key achievements in triathlon?
In 2010, she ranked 49th in the World Championship Series and 5th in the USAT ranking. She competed at the USA Triathlon Olympic Trials in 2012. She retired from professional racing in 2013 after winning the New York City Triathlon and finishing third at the Beijing International Triathlon.
Where did Jenna Parker go to college?
Jenna Parker holds a psychology degree from Harvard University.
Is Jenna Parker still involved in sports?
While retired from professional triathlon, she continues to compete in endurance events, notably winning the Cape May Women's Point Challenge three times and the LBIBPA "Ironwoman" event twice.
What is Jenna Parker doing now?
She is currently cultivating a career as an actor and writer, splitting her time between Atlanta, New York City, and Los Angeles. She has starred in films and hosted triathlon events.
Is Jenna Parker related to Jarrod Shoemaker?
Yes, Jarrod Shoemaker is her brother. He is also a professional triathlete, a Duathlon World Champion, and a US Olympian.