By Rosy Banks
Assistant Living Editor
Perfecting his potential Olympic-level athletic performance, freshman Justin Womack is living proof that bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. Womack has the bone age of a 14-year-old, a result of harsh physical training in high school.
To spur his development, Womack takes growth hormones, but the experience fuels his passion to assist others in improving their health and well-being. Pursuing a double major, running for student senator and initiating a new club on campus, Womack aims to drastically change the world around him.
Currently immersed in triathlon training, Womack qualified for the Triathlon Nationals and has been noticed by Olympic coach Ean Murray as an Olympic hopeful. Womack has been managing school and grueling training since high school. But the challenge of balancing high school water polo, wrestling and swimming all four years took its toll, and Womack said he was driven to dangerous extremes by overbearing coaches.
Told in wrestling he had to be a lightweight, Womack went on drastic protein and crash diets to keeps up his performance while keeping his weight down. A lack of balanced hormones and nutrition stunted Womack’s growth and he currently must take hormones and testosterone. But hardships motivate him to focus on helping teens with eating disorders.
“Sophomore year I started getting sick from managing my wrestling weight,” Womack said. “The coach told me to eat only protein. I can relate to kids with the whole over-exercise and weight obsession.”
Featured on NBC News, Fox 11 News and the Rob Nelson Show, Womack has also worked with famous dieticians such as Evelyn Tribole of Intuitive Eating to learn about nutrition and living in balance. He has spoken publicly about eating disorders and volunteers at the Discovery Victorian House as a counselor for teenagers with eating disorders.
“I want to combine a medical degree from Stanford and a registered dietitian’s license to motivate people and help them get in better shape while eating well,” Womack said.
Attempting to start a swim/run club on campus, Womack often spends his time at the pool or running his training routes. He has no intention of slowing down anytime soon and said he hopes his energy rubs off so others will join him along the way.
What is your favorite sport and why?
I love triathlons because of their variety. Sometimes I don’t feel like running but I feel like biking. There are so many aspects to the sport. It’s more like learning a lifestyle and how to balance your time. Plus you meet a network of people. I feel like I am a part of something. I am training for an important event with people across the nation.
What other activities are you involved in?
I’m currently enrolled in 18 units and am working in sports medical research at Pepperdine. I volunteer at Webster Elementary where I do yard duty — playing sports with the kids.
What do most people at Pepperdine not know about you?
I used to do small commercials when I was younger. When I was 5 I did one for Carl’s Jr., and when I was in the sixth grade I did one for Wild Berry Pop Tarts.
What is your pet peeve?
I am annoyed when people are overtly loud and obnoxious. I’m a very blunt person. I don’t believe people should hold stuff in, so I’m usually the first to say “enough.”
What are your quirky habits?
I love singing in the shower. I forget about my roommates sometimes and sing depending on my mood. Rock ‘n’ roll, worship and Britney Spears. Or I’ll belt out country when I’m in a goofy mood.
What is one accomplishment you are proud of?
Direction in my life. Realizing I can still be open to change and listen to what God has in store for my life.
Who is your role model?
My grandfather, Henry Van Engelen. He was a champion boxer in the 1920s and now he’s 86 years old and still always active. He owns two snowmobiles, a boat and lives a simple life out in the wilderness with his own garden. His life is so respected — tough, balanced and resilient. Two years ago he got thrown from a car in an accident and ended up shattering his hip bone, but he’s recovered amazingly.
September 11, 2003