From Figure Skates to Finish Lines: Jasmine Moezzi’s Journey into Endurance Sports and How She Inspires Others

Jasmine Moezzi’s journey into endurance sports wasn’t a linear path. Growing up as a competitive figure skater and varsity tennis player, she spent much of her childhood and teenage years excelling in sports that required precision, control, and intense mental focus. However, despite her talent, these sports never felt like her true calling. “I really enjoyed doing those, but it didn’t feel like they were my thing,” Jasmine recalls. It wasn’t until 2013, after a friend introduced her to running, that Jasmine found a sport she could truly connect with.

In college, Jasmine participated in a few 5Ks, but it wasn’t until her friend completed a half marathon without stopping that Jasmine was truly inspired to give long-distance running a try. “When she told me she did a half marathon without stopping, I thought, that’s not possible. How do you not stop in a race that long?” This curiosity and challenge ignited a new passion for endurance sports that would shape the next chapter of her life.

A Leap Into Endurance: Jasmine’s First Half Marathon

Determined to test her limits, Jasmine joined the running club team at USC, where she learned how to pace herself and incorporate key elements like track workouts and fueling strategies. Within a few months, she took on the challenge of her first half marathon, the New York City Half, in an unexpected fashion. “I ended up pirating the race,” Jasmine laughs, recalling how she spontaneously jumped into the event while on a trip for spring break. With no real race gear—just sweatpants and a long-sleeve cotton shirt—Jasmine ran the race and finished feeling incredible. “When I finished, it was the best feeling on this planet.”

From there, Jasmine’s love for running only grew. She participated in more half marathons and eventually sought out more variety and challenges, which led her to triathlon.

From Running to Triathlon: The Need for Variety and Challenge

In 2014, Jasmine transitioned into triathlon. “I wanted more variety and a bit more of a challenge, like adding in the swim and bike,” she explains. This decision introduced her to a whole new world of endurance sports, where she found a different kind of mental comfort. Unlike figure skating and tennis, which required near-perfection in execution, triathlon allowed Jasmine to focus on effort and adaptability. “In triathlon, you can make a million mistakes, and yet you could still come back and win it, or at least personally achieve what you want,” she says.

Jasmine reflects on the mental shift between these sports, explaining that the pressure in tennis and figure skating often made her anxious. “There’s a sort of perfection that has to be there. In tennis, if the shot is out, the point is over. Same with figure skating—if you fall or make a mistake, you lose points. But with triathlon, I felt more at ease mentally. I could just go out, do the training, and see what happens.”

This mindset shift was liberating for Jasmine. It removed the paralyzing fear of judgment she had experienced in other sports. “I’ve worked with sports psychologists on this,” she says, “especially the idea of being judged from such a young age in figure skating and tennis. Triathlon gave me a sense of freedom I hadn’t felt before.”

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Building Community: The Birth of South Bay Squad

Jasmine’s love for triathlon eventually led her to create something bigger than herself—a community. In 2020, during the pandemic, she founded South Bay Squad, a triathlon team that quickly became a hub for mutual motivation and support. “It started because I wanted to stay active and motivated during the pandemic, but it turned into something much larger,” Jasmine shares.

South Bay Squad became a community where athletes of all levels could come together, support one another, and challenge themselves to improve. It wasn’t just about racing—it was about creating a space where everyone could thrive, both physically and mentally.

The importance of community has always been central to Jasmine’s journey. As the co-president of Achilles Los Angeles, she volunteers with disabled children, promoting inclusivity in sports. “Endurance sports are not just about personal achievements,” Jasmine emphasizes. “They’re about fostering connections, inspiring others, and creating safe spaces for individuals of all abilities.”

Balancing Life: Education, Coaching, and Triathlon

While Jasmine’s love for endurance sports continues to drive her, balancing it all hasn’t been easy. Along with training and leading South Bay Squad, Jasmine is also pursuing her master’s degree and working as a coach. “It’s definitely a challenge to juggle everything,” she admits, “but the key is finding balance and prioritizing what’s most important at different stages.”

Jasmine’s passion for helping others doesn’t stop at South Bay Squad or Achilles Los Angeles. As a coach, she works to inspire her athletes by sharing the lessons she’s learned along her own journey. “I think it’s important to show others that it’s never too late to get started. Whether you’re running your first 5K or training for an Ironman, everyone can grow through endurance sports.”

Lessons for Future Athletes: Get Started, Stay Consistent

Jasmine’s story is a powerful reminder that anyone can start their journey in endurance sports, no matter their background or when they begin. For those who are just getting started, her advice is simple: “Just go for it. Don’t worry about being perfect. Focus on what you can do today and build from there.”

Consistency and community have been key to Jasmine’s success. Whether you’re joining a local running group, signing up for a triathlon team, or simply finding a workout buddy, having people around you to share the journey makes all the difference. “When you have a group of people who are all working towards a common goal, it keeps you accountable and makes the hard days easier,” she says.

Jasmine Moezzi’s endurance journey from figure skating to triathlon proves to us how endurance sports can impact our lives. What started as a personal challenge to run a half marathon has evolved into a lifelong passion for running, triathlon, and community building. And while Jasmine continues to set new goals and push her limits, she’s most proud of the impact she’s been able to have on others.

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