#TEAMJRFATHLETE: Redefining Excellence
What does it mean to be a #TEAMJRFATHLETE? It's about more than just physical prowess or competing in sports. It's about setting yourself apart from the crowd. Our athletes are committed to constant self-improvement, embodying the highest standards in both action and attitude. They're proactive problem solvers and eager learners, and they know what it takes to succeed.
More importantly, a #TEAMJRFATHLETE does the right thing, even when no one is watching—whether on the field, in the gym, or in daily life. Are you ready to push your limits and showcase your dedication? We're looking for individuals who are not just part of a team but who lead by example. Do you have what it takes? Show us your fire!
EMANUEL “MANNY” THOMPSON INSTAGRAM @nastyninjablack
Emanuel Thompson practiced Taekwondo since nine years old, and continued throughout grade school. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy in 2010. Following getting accustomed to military life, he began competing in martial arts in 2014, practicing Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu jujutsu, Boxing, and Kickboxing.
He traveled the world and during that time, he fought competitively in Muay Thai and Kickboxing, both domestically and in Europe. He recently delved into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) following his return to the United States from Germany. He currently trains at Capital MMA and Elite Fitness, with fighting being both his passion and hobby.
What motivates him mostly is the constant test and discipline competing gives, alongside the sheer rush of feeling like he is fighting for survival. His biggest achievement currently is obtaining a main event title match on 16NOV19. At this time, he doesn’t have an end goal and is enjoying the journey.
RAMON NAZARIO INSTAGRAM @ren_fitlife
I’m from San Juan, Puerto Rico, I grew up playing volleyball, eventually becoming a volleyball trainer. Joined the military in 2010 and that’s when I fell in love with the barbell.
My Motto:
“Get better everyday “
HOBBIES
Going to the Gym and playing volleyball
WHAT MOTIVATES ME:
Pushing myself and others to reach their goals.
You Can Have Everything in Life You Want, If You Will Just Help Enough Other People Get What They Want.
~ Zig Ziglar
BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT-
Winning a volleyball tournament in Chicago representing a club from Puerto Rico with an undersized and underrated team. Showing people that if you put in the hard work there’s nothing you can’t do.
END GOAL:
Become physique champion and motivate others to be better!
BOBBY LARSEN
Fitness has always been a part of my life. I grew up playing every sport under the sun culminating with college football.
Having served careers in law enforcement and the military, maintaining my body as a functional, resilient machine has been a priority. I always worked hard, but only recently under JRF have I unlocked the nutritional aspect of physical fitness.
At 35 years old and having recovered from a few job-related injuries, I find maintaining a lean body and staying active keeps me feeling good. I enjoy the gym, yoga, and outdoor activities. I look forward to seeing what my body and mind can accomplish.
LEANNE HARDIN INSTAGRAM: @leehardinthepaint
Growing up, I was a huge tomboy, playing every sport available, setting myself apart from my peers at a very young age. It started at age 8 when I played tackle football. I was MVP my last year at 12. Through football, I began to develop a stronger upper body from doing pushups, up-downs, and bear crawls. From then on, I stayed consistent, playing numerous sports from Softball, Boxing, Spartan races, and eventually the Lingerie Football League and Rugby for the USAF/Armed forces in my 20s.
As I entered my 30s, I have remained humble and have shifted my focus from sports to bodybuilding. I started sculpting my childhood foundation to what it is today. I am constantly challenging myself to do things that further set myself apart from the rest of the girls in the gym, even some of the guys. #fuckaverage
TARA SCHNEIDER INSTAGRAM: @Tara.jordan00
I’m Tara Schneider, a 29-year-old currently serving in the USAF as a Pavement and Heavy Equipment Operator. Though this wasn't my first choice of career, it quickly grew on me. Being one of the few women in my field, I take pride in outworking most of my peers. My fitness journey began during my 2019 deployment. At the time, I weighed 225 pounds, felt depressed, and knew I needed a change. I had always wanted to get into the gym, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.
A friend introduced me to powerlifting, and I immediately fell in love with it. The challenge of learning to lift, pushing my body to the limit, and achieving personal records was exhilarating. During that deployment, I lost 40 pounds and continued improving my lifts, reaching 345 pounds on squats, 185 pounds on bench, and 320 pounds on deadlifts. Unfortunately, I later started experiencing lower back issues, which hindered my powerlifting progress. Determined not to give up on lifting, I sought a new challenge.
In 2022, during another deployment, I decided to explore bodybuilding, thanks to persistent encouragement from friends. I contacted Jeremy for coaching, and a whole new journey began. In 2023, I competed in my first two competitions in the wellness division. Now, I am more excited than ever to continue pushing myself and growing as a strong competitor in the wellness division. Follow my journey on Instagram @Tara.jordan00 for updates and insights into my progress. #makingamonster
JOSE BENITEZ INSTAGRAM: @Jose_Btez7
BIO:
Dimeloooo! I am Jose A. Benitez Rivera. I am a 30-year-old hailing from Fajardo, Puerto Rico. My journey began with a passion for baseball, which I pursued all the way through college. It was during this time that I first delved into the world of weightlifting. After graduating in 2016, I embarked on a new chapter by joining the US Army. Driven by a desire for self-improvement and competitiveness, I sought ways to elevate myself further.
However, it wasn’t until I crossed paths with Jeremy (“Big Sarge” or “Coach”) that my fitness journey truly took shape. Without hesitation, I embraced the program he offered, and I haven’t looked back since. Fitness and bodybuilding have become my sources of inspiration, propelling me toward continuous growth in every aspect of life.
Bodybuilding, in particular, resonates with me. It’s a sport that lays bare the results of hard work, discipline, and unwavering consistency. Each day, I push my limits, knowing that there’s no room to hide. Beyond personal gains, bodybuilding serves as a powerful tool for connecting with others who seek positive transformations but lack guidance—a lesson I learned firsthand from Coach.
Mottos:
“Make Every Day Great”
Quote:
“Don’t allow anybody or anything to take your joy out of your life.”
