A two-time Olympic gymnast, Jake competed in the 2012 and 2016 Summer Games as a member of the U.S. national team. An All-American when he attended the University of Oklahoma, Jake won four individual NCAA championships, including the floor and vault titles in 2011. He was the all-around gold medalist of the Winter Cup Challenge in 2011, and earned a silver medal on floor exercise at the 2013 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
Known for his powerful upper body and energetic routines, Jake was an innovator in the sport. A new element on the parallel bars was named after him in the Men's Gymnastics Code of Points in 2016.
Jake began training in gymnastics when he was only five years old. Now retired from competition, he helps manage the gymnastics club where he trained when he was growing up. An all-around athlete, he now dedicates himself to mentoring others, especially younger gymnasts. “I love helping others achieve their goals, whether it is in gymnastics or fitness,” he says. “I also help out with teaching gymnastics-specific skills at CrossFit camps.”
In his spare time, Jake likes to spend time with his family, going camping and hiking. But though he’s retired from competition, he is still committed to training and testing himself physically. “I always look forward to a good workout and finding new ways to challenge myself,” he says.
“Got Your Six” by Five Finger Death Punch
“Jekyll and Hyde” by Five Finger Death Punch
“Headstrong” by Trapt
Gymnasts are used to intense, grueling total-body workouts that burn a lot of calories, and Jake doesn’t sweat the numbers when it comes to nutrition. “I enjoy eating healthy but I don’t track my macros all the time,” he says. “I enjoy staying in shape but I also like to be at a point where I can smash some great workouts without feeling fatigue from being in a caloric deficit.” He does admit to one sweet temptation, however. “I love doughnuts!” he says.
Gymnasts are, pound-for-pound, among the most powerful athletes in any sport. Since he retired from competing, Jake has been gravitating to weight workouts and CrossFit to stay strong. “Being a gymnast I love doing circuit style workouts with bodyweight. I also enjoy weightlifting, and I’m in the beginning stages of learning some Olympic lifts for CrossFit,” he explains. “I just love doing a workout that tests my body and mind. That way when I finish, I feel like I have really challenged myself.”
