2) Hometown/ where do you live or train currently? My hometown is Truman, Minnesota and I currently live in Boulder, Colorado.

3) Why is filtered water important / why is reducing single use plastic important to you? Filtered water just simply tastes better but is also clean and safe. It's hard going to different cities and parts of the world and not knowing the quality of tap water. So just erring on the side of filtered water with Epic Water Filters is necessary. I actually get upset now when I see wasted single use plastic bottles. It makes zero sense to use plastic bottles for personal consumption. There is the easiest way to drink water and that’s with the filter and a Nalgene. I first used an Epic Water Filters pitcher at an Ironman in St. George, Utah. The water there tasted pretty bad compared to the water I was used to drinking in Boulder. Even some of the pasta I made tasted really bad like chlorine. I decided to make another pot of pasta but this time used water from my Epic pitcher. The pasta tasted way better. From that day forward, I have been using Epic products for all of my drinking and cooking water that I use both at home and on the road. I have the Smart Shield under the sink at my home in Boulder and I use the pitcher and bottles when I am on the road. 

4) What is one piece of advice for young athletes hoping to make a difference in the world? Be kind, smile and use your platform for good. We are in an era of social media consumption and everyone wants to grow their brand, but doing something good with your athletic platform is what will make the difference. Making beneficial changes just by yourself is a great step forward, but us athletes have devoted followers that can also join you in that cause.