Phaelen French

Athlete Bio#

Age

Hometown

Delta, CO

Education

United States Air Force Academy

Name: Phaelen French

Date of Birth: July 2, 1990

Hometown: Delta, Colorado

Current Residence: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Career Highlights

2023 PanAm Games- 7th

Personal

Maj French enjoys training and competing in Modern Pentathlon as it challenges her become ever more proficient at diverse events. Her biggest mentors include her parents and husband. French learned much of her perspective on multi-sports from her father, Don, who was a top-ranked collegiate Decathlete for Colorado State University. Her mother, Beth, an accomplished equestrian and entrepreneur, inspired her to pursue Modern Pentathlon. French met her husband, Mike, at the United States Air Force Academy while he was competing in NCAA Smallbore and Air Rifle Shooting. With her family's encouragement, French began dedicated training for Modern Pentathlon in 2019.

How has Pentathlon changed your life?

French says she finds value in Modern Pentathlon that transcends the sport and into all aspects of her life. For example, she says learning new skills helps her keep an open, "beginner mindset." Training hard in the run and swim helps her practice patience and being "comfortable with uncomfortable." The interrelated nature of the sport uniquely challenges her to cultivate composure and courage.

Do you have any hobbies outside of pentathlon?

French's goal is to enjoy and focus on the process of developing as a Modern Pentathlete. When not training or working, Maj French enjoys "nerding out" about computers with her husband, singing while her mom plays the piano, and listening to audiobooks.

More #

Capt French began competing in diverse events at an early age. She competed in equestrian events and earned numerous county and Colorado state titles, while also obtaining advanced 4-H equestrian qualifications in Western, English, and jumping disciplines. She also competed in the 4-H County Air Pistol Championships in 2006 and placed second in 2007. Her success in multi-event competition grew, when she won the Colorado State Junior Championships in Track and Field Heptathlon the same year. She went on to qualify for an outstanding four consecutive seasons’ Mountain West Conference Championships in Combined Events and Cross Country for the USAF Academy. Since college, she has developed as a multi-sport athlete as a member of the Air Force Triathlon team and USA Modern Pentathlon Team. She competes locally with the DC Fencers' Club and trains for endurance events with MP Multi Sport.