Army Olympian motivates participants at Army-sponsored Seattle Tough Mudder

SEATTLE- Army Olympian Spc. Daniel Lowe, from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU), interacted with thousands of participants during the Tough Mudder challenge here, Sept. 24.

"Just a couple of weeks ago, I was at Rio de Janeiro competing in the Olympics, in the sport of shooting," the Olympia, Washington native said during his remarks at the start line of the challenge. "It was an immense honor to represent the U.S. Army, the State of Washington and the United States of America at the world's largest athletic stage."

Lowe debuted in Rio when he competed in the 10 Meter Air Rifle shooting event, Aug. 8. He also competed in the Three-Position Rifle event on the last day of Olympic shooting, Aug. 14.

"There is no doubt that being a Soldier and being an Olympic athlete both require discipline, mental agility and teamwork," Lowe said. "But I am not the only one with those attributes here today. All of you also clearly show your resilience and determination with your willingness to participate in an event such as the Tough Mudder."

This was Lowe's first visit to his home state after his performance at Rio.

"Everything that I learned in the Army helped me during my first Olympics. The training, the values and the dedication that I learned in the Army, not only make me a better shooter, but a better person," said Lowe in a previous interview during the Olympics.

The Soldier's presence and motivational words were well received by the Tough Mudder participants.

"I believe it is great to learn we have Olympians serving in the Army and to realize Lowe is from the State of Washington is pretty cool. The emotion is contagious," said Maria Díaz, a first-time Tough Mudder participant from Snohomish, Washington.

Others were inspired by Lowe's Olympic background.

"My utmost respect to the Army always. Having an Olympian here gives me that extra push to run the course," said Steven Sanders, from Portland, Oregon.

During his participation in the Tough Mudder event, Lowe also answered many questions from the public about the Army and the Olympics.

"It is great to be back home in the great State of Washington. It feels awesome to be among so many motivated people."

Tough Mudder is a 10-12 mile mud and obstacle course that encourages its participants to strive for the best, push the limits, and be relentless in the pursuit of success. Like the Army, Tough Mudder challenges participants to overcome fears and work as a team to accomplish a common mission.

The Army has sponsored Tough Mudder since 2013 in support of the Army Reserve recruiting mission.