More Than a Makeover: A Legendary Afternoon with Mark Allen

Dennis Shipman, an avid triathlete and supporter of the sport, recently had the opportunity of a lifetime. As the winning bidder at the 2024 USA Triathlon Foundation Silent Auction, Shipman won the package for a private kitchen makeover with legendary triathlete Mark Allen.

What began as a conversation about healthy eating quickly became an unforgettable experience, solidifying his admiration for Allen and his commitment to the USA Triathlon Foundation’s mission.

Shipman, who resides in Frisco, Texas, has a long history with triathlon. His journey began at a St. Louis race in 1986, and his passion for the sport has carried into adulthood, as he now inspires his children to participate in endurance events. His lifelong dedication to triathlon and healthy living made him a fitting recipient of this exclusive experience.

Allen, known for his six Ironman World Championship titles and deep expertise in sports nutrition, arrived at Shipman’s home ready to make impactful changes. As part of the kitchen makeover, Allen identified and removed some less-than-ideal food choices, including Shipman’s beloved Pop-Tarts and his wife Susan’s sweet tea. But Shipman’s favorite vice, ice cream, clearly sat at less than a 50/50 chance of being thrown out!

Throughout the process, Allen shared invaluable nutrition knowledge, emphasizing the importance of proper food balancing for overall health and peak athletic performance. Shipman was surprised at how much depth Mark brought to the conversation, stating, “Mark is way more knowledgeable on food and ingredients than I ever thought.”

Beyond the kitchen makeover, the most cherished part of the day was sitting down with Allen and talking about triathlon, life, and shared experiences. As Shipman put it, “None of us are ever going to be world champs like Mark, but to listen to him was wonderful. The common denominator is our passion for the sport.”

What made the visit even more special was Shipman’s generosity and humility. When invited to stay for dinner, Allen graciously accepted, making the experience even more memorable. Shipman had a custom kit made with Allen’s name on the back as a token of appreciation, and the connection between the two extended beyond just this one encounter.

The two talked about Allen’s professional career and how he was able to support himself financially through sponsorships with brands, a reality not every elite athlete experiences.

“Mark was fortunate that Nike picked him up. Others aren’t that lucky,” said Shipman, who recognizes the challenges athletes face in securing financial support. He expressed a deep interest in helping the USA Triathlon Foundation expand its efforts to support elite athletes chase their Olympic and Paralympic dreams through philanthropic support.

Shipman resonates with the Foundation’s Talent ID initiative, which aims to provide financial stability for top athletes while fostering a stronger team culture leading up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Beyond his support, Shipman is eager to help expand both the Mark Allen experience and the joy and fulfillment triathlon can bring to people’s lives.

“Every single person I have met through my years as a triathlete has been so positive. It’s a story I share with those who are not yet triathletes themselves,” Shipman said.

Shipman’s afternoon with Allen was more than just a kitchen consultation — it was a conversation about passion, perseverance, and the future of triathlon. Through Allen’s new partnership with the USA Triathlon Foundation, experiences like this are not only a thrill to supporters like Shipman but also reinforce the broader mission of supporting athletes at all levels.

As we look forward to 2028 and beyond, stories like Shipman’s highlight the power of community, the importance of funding our athletes, and the lasting impact of triathlon legends, including Allen.

Keep an eye out for silent auction packages like this, coming this Fall!