Meet our newest HANAH Hero: JJ Thomas
At 19 years old, and just one year out from competing in the very first snowboarding competition at the 2002 Olympic games, JJ was suddenly fired by his sponsor. No longer deemed a viable contender, it seemed as if his Olympic dream was shattered. Whereas many might have accepted defeat or been overcome with discouragement, JJ did the opposite. Unbeknownst to anyone, he secured a support team of his own and not only qualified for the 2002 games, but won the Olympic Bronze Medal in the Halfpipe competition.
The "come back kid" became a recurring theme throughout his career as a professional snowboarder. Set-backs and injuries that came his way were fuel for his fire to succeed, and this level of commitment and perseverance did not go unnoticed. JJ went on to become the personal coach to 3x Olympic Gold Medalist, Shaun White, playing a role in White becoming one of the most successful extreme sports athletes of all time.
Nutrition and physical fitness have been an important factor in JJ’s ability to overcome challenges in the pro snowboarding circuit. When he was fired right before the 2002 Olympic games, he immediately secured a trainer and nutritionist to help him get back on track. JJ also credits his fitness and nutrition routines for his ability to recover from the multiple injuries that are typical of any extreme athlete. His focus and reliance on health, nutrition and recovery is also why he chooses HANAH when it comes to supplements.
“I don’t plan on growing up and stopping the sports that keep me ticking. As you age, it’s essential to align yourself with the right fuel sources. HANAH products are with me wherever I go in the world. They keep me moving and also help keep my immune system up, which we all know is everything. Without our health we have nothing.”
Currently, JJ is the US snowboarding team coach, and at the time of writing this, is leading his team at the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing. Join us in welcoming JJ to our team of HANAH Heroes!
