David Goggins, born on February 17, 1975, is one of the few men in the world who can say that they have served their country, been a pro athlete, and also published a book! This incredibly talented athlete, writer, and military veteran was born in Buffalo, New York to parents Trunnis and Jackie Goggins. Though he may not have had the easiest start in life, Goggins is a true inspiration to many all over the world. He started his career in the military and went on to become a Navy Seal for the marines. After he returned from combat, he started running to earn money for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. He is an ultramarathon runner and even a Guinness World Record holder. As we celebrate Goggins’ birthday, let’s remember and honor all that he has achieved in his life.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
David Goggins
Nickname:
Toughest Man in the World
Birth date:
February 17, 1975
Age:
49
Zodiac Sign:
Aquarius
Height:
6' 1"
Relationship Status:
Single
Net Worth:
$4.5 million
Background
David Goggins was born on February 17, 1975, to parents Trunnis and Jackie Goggins. Goggins had a rough childhood growing up. His father was abusive; Googins was also bullied in school. He had learning disabilities that were left undiagnosed and untreated through most of his school career and he barely graduated from high school. After completing his education, he had wanted to go into the military but after just a week of training, he gave up. A few years later, while watching an advertisement for the Marine core, he decided that he wanted to do more with his life and in 1998, when Goggins was just 24 years old, he started applying to the training program. He had made many life changes and was told that he would have to lose over 100 pounds to even be considered! Goggins amazingly lost weight and completed the program!
In 2005, years after being a marine, Goggins lost many of his closest friends in a helicopter accident. He wanted to run in the Badwater UltraMarathon race and raise money for the Warrior Foundation, but he was told that he had to complete at least one other ultra-marathon before he could be considered for participation. After completing other marathons and ultramarathons, Goggins was finally invited to run the challenging Badwater race in 2006. Goggins raised over $2 million and came fifth overall, which is nearly unheard of in this grueling race!
Goggins did not stop there and continued to work out diligently, increasing his strength. In 2013, he broke the world record for the most number of pull-ups in twenty-four hours, doing 4030 pull-ups in 17 hours! Goggins had made it through incredible hardships in his life and decided that he would put pen to paper and document how he overcame all that he did. In 2018, he released the novel “Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds,” which outlined the struggles he faced over his life and how he developed the willpower to overcome these struggles. Goggins has done and achieved so much throughout his life, and we cannot wait to see what is next for this athlete!
Career timeline
Goggins joins the marines to make something of his life.
Goggins gets the opportunity to race in the Badwater Ultramarathon, where he raises over $2 million for charity.
Goggins breaks the record for the most number of pull-ups done in 24 hours, completing 4,030 pull-ups in an amazing 17 hours!
He writes “Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds,” which is a tribute to all that he had to work through in his life to achieve what he did.
Why We Love David Goggins
He works incredibly hard for good causes
Goggins began his marathon journey by wanting to raise money for some amazing causes. Despite so many health scares, he has managed to give back to society while achieving his goals.
He loves his country
Goggins spent many years on the front lines, fighting for his country. He is a true patriot, who loves to serve his nation and people even now.
He is relentless
In 2021, Goggins came up with an interesting challenge that he started for charity. The goal was to raise funds by running four miles, every four hours for 48 hours!
5 Surprising Facts
He had a major surgery
In 2021, Goggins underwent surgery on his left leg and even had several rods and screws embedded in his bones to help him recover.
He has a congenital heart defect
In 2010, Goggins found out that he had a birth defect in his heart called atrial septal defect (AS)
He suffered from low self-esteem
Goggins thought little of himself when he was younger because of his learning disability and stutter.
He has dealt with serious injuries
Goggins has been able to meet his goals despite dealing with serious injuries like leg fractures and broken knees.
He lost 100 pounds in three months
Goggins was able to successfully lose 100 pounds in just three months to join the marines training program.
David Goggins FAQs
Is David Goggins married?
Goggins is currently single.
Does David Goggins have children?
Goggins has a daughter.
Does David Goggins have asthma?
Goggins was diagnosed with asthma when he was younger, but it is unclear whether he is still affected by it.
David Goggins’s birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | February 17 | Monday |
2026 | February 17 | Tuesday |
2027 | February 17 | Wednesday |
2028 | February 17 | Thursday |
2029 | February 17 | Saturday |