Ambassador Spotlight: Gregory Hemelt

Through his career as a Navy Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesist (CRNA) to his love of long-distance triathlons, Ambassador Gregory Hemelt’s story is packed with grit, adventure, and plenty of finish lines.

Greg first discovered Athletic Brewing at a triathlon and became instantly hooked after his first taste of Free Wave IPA. Since then, Athletic brews have become his go-to during long multisport training sessions, recovery days, and pizza nights.

Greg joined the Navy at age 19, retiring as a CRNA after a 20-year career. His favorite part of his career was the camaraderie among his fellow service members.

Curious to hear more about Greg’s path from Navy life to triathlons, and why Virginia Beach is the perfect training ground? Read more about him in this month’s Ambassador Spotlight!

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How did you discover Athletic Brewing?

I first tried Athletic Brewing at the Virginia Blue Ridge IRONMAN 70.3 in Roanoke, VA, back in 2022. They were sampling beers at the expo, and I thought, “Why not?” One sip in, I was sold. Around the same time, some of my beer-loving friends were trying Athletic too, and I realized this wasn’t just a good NA beer – it was a great.

What made you decide to join the Ambassador community?

Honestly? I’m a fan first! Athletic Brewing has so many delicious NA options that taste just as good as the real thing. Then I learned about the company’s mission: “To positively impact our customers’ health, fitness, and happiness while greatly impacting our communities and environment for the better.” That hit home for me. And when I saw they were an IRONMAN partner, it felt like a perfect match.

How has your career in the military shaped your life?

Joining the Navy at 19 completely changed the trajectory of my life. What started as a plan to earn the GI Bill and pay for school turned into a 20-year career, and I retired as a Navy CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist).

I had an amazing division officer early on who pushed me toward commissioning programs, which led to becoming a Registered Nurse and eventually a CRNA. Over the years, I’ve provided anesthesia everywhere – from deployments in the Middle East to ships at sea.

The best part of Navy life was the camaraderie, and I still get to work with several Navy vets today. Go Navy!

While deployed to Iraq, I got back into running. After returning from deployment, I began to cycle and run with Navy colleagues and that eventually led to triathlons.

What’s your favorite thing about the place you live?

I love that Virginia Beach gives us four distinct seasons and easy access to so many destinations in the Mid-Atlantic. I grew up in New Orleans (hot and humid) and lived in San Diego (perfect weather all the time), so having a little variety is nice – even if snow days shut everything down! And being just a short drive from ski slopes is a big plus.

How do you live a #FitForAllTimes lifestyle?

As a triathlete, every day is a training day – even if it’s just recovery. Athletic Brewing has made it easy (and fun!) to cut back on alcohol so I can stay consistent and crush my workouts.

We have a backyard pizza oven that takes hours to heat up, so on those days, I love sipping on an Athletic brew while I wait. Day drinking without the guilt? Yes, please!

For more information on the Athletic Brewing Ambassador community, visit https://athleticbrewing.com/blogs/ambassadors

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*Applies only to 6-packs of All Out, Athletic Lite, Atlética, Free Wave, Run Wild, Upside Dawn, and Wit’s peak. All other products excluded from offer. Add qualifying item(s) to cart, and the price will be adjusted. Valid for one-time use only. Valid for first time customers only. Limit one offer per customer. Promotion requires sign up for Email Marketing during first purchase. This promotion cannot be combined with other discount offers except where indicated and it may not be applied to previous purchases. Selection may vary. While supplies last. Void if altered, copied, transferred, auctioned, or sold. Use of this promotion constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions, except where prohibited by law. Promotion may be discontinued at any time. Unused offers will expire upon discontinuation of promotion. Does not apply to taxes, additional fees, shipping and handling, or products purchased through third parties. Not redeemable for cash, gift certificates, or gift cards. We have the right to cancel/void purchases of restricted items, such as gift cards. This offer has no cash value. Return of discounted item(s) will be for the price actually paid and the value of this offer will be forfeited. Other restrictions may apply.

**Offer applies to first order for new Athletic Club members only. First order requires a minimum of (4) 6-packs of 12 oz or (1) 15-pack of 19.2 oz non-alcoholic beers to qualify for free glass and free shipping. While supplies last. This promotion cannot be combined with other discount offers except where indicated and it may not be applied to previous purchases.