For triathlete Hunter Kemper, competing, and winning, is a steady part of his life. He’s gone to two Olympics, is on his way to his third and is already the No. 1 ranked triathlete in the world.

But just because he’s made his way to the front of a Wheaties box doesn’t mean Kemper has done everything. For the first time during his third Olympics, he’ll be marching in the Opening Ceremonies — something he says is extremely special to him.

Eleven days later, he’ll be lacing up his sneakers and attempting to bring home the gold. This year, however, Kemper is just recovering from a hernia that almost stopped him from making it to Beijing.

What makes Kemper a bold athlete isn’t his awards and wins; it’s his family-oriented attitude. He brings his parents and sister along with him to every Olympics. Family is especially important to Kemper, who is a husband and a father.

He talks to Growing Bolder about his training while in Beijing and the most important part of the race the start.