Athletes brought powerful stories of resilience and motivation to the National Senior Games Triathlon on Friday. Brian Tuffin was hospitalized with a stroke just six months ago, and fought back to regain his fitness and be able to compete in Des Moines.
Derrick Milligan led three Triathlon Relay teams – men’s, women’s and co-ed – at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana under the banner of Team Dream. The name represents his organization, which trains women of color for multi-sport events, and is the title of an award-winning short film following two female African American swimmers from Chicago on a journey to compete in the National Senior Games. Derrick coached the women and through the process was inspired to compete and recruit others for this year’s event in Des Moines.
Derrick Milligan, third from right, and Brian Tuffin, far right, celebrate with supporters and Team Dream members at the National Senior Games’ Triathlon.
What started as a group for women of color has since expanded into Derrick’s personal movement. The male relay team, “Team Dream Shake It Up,” holds a special place in his heart.
Why? Because of Brian Tuffin, a high school classmate of Derrick’s who suffered a stroke just 183 days before the tri relay date. Derrick told him about The Games and the competition format and presented the opportunity to Brian: “Do you need a goal?” he asked.
Brian’s answer: “Lets go win this thing.”
The recovery road wasn’t smooth. After three and a half days in the hospital, Brian was up at 4:30 a.m. the next morning working out in the park to regain his agility. At day 60, a fall nearly crushed his spirit. “I said to myself, I have a choice. I can lay here and accept defeat or get up and just go.” He hasn’t stopped since and felt strong for the relay.
“To be able to do this today with these wonderful lifelong friends of mine is an experience I can’t even put into words,” Brian said after completing the bike leg of the relay. “If you believe you can do it and put in the work, you can climb any mountain.”
For Derrick, watching Brian train and race meant more than he could have imagined. “It wasn’t just doing something for him, he was doing something for me. It completed a loop,” Derrick said, reflecting on the loss of his own father at a young age. “To be open to getting out of his comfort zone like that was a special action.”
Mark Woommavovah Continues Leading by Example
For 58-year-old Mark Woommavovah of the Comanche Nation in Oklahoma, this was his first National Senior Games Triathlon, but far from his first rodeo. A lifelong athlete and retired Army Colonel, Mark competed in triathlons while stationed in Hawaii and later brought that passion home, starting a triathlon club for ROTC cadets. “It was to make them well-rounded athletes, and future lieutenants who understood work ethic,” he said.
Mark Woommavovah at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana Triathlon.
An accomplished runner, cycling is the toughest leg of the tri for Mark. But, he turns on his jets when he runs. “I go fishing. I reel them in because I’m a runner.”
Known to many as “The Indian Runner,” Mark shared his motivation goes beyond vying for medals. He competes to be an example. “I want to be a role model for our younger generation,” he said. As he explains extensively in this 2022 Personal Best profile, Mark lives by his Army values – loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honesty, integrity and personal courage. “Those values bleed into all other aspects of my life.”
Now a high school cross-country coach and author of “The Little Indian Runner,” Mark’s mission is clear: inspire and motivate. Learn more about Mark and his children’s book here.
By: Gabi Mercurio
