close Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn
4 mins

David Goggins’ Mom: Jackie Goggins, The Woman Who Raised a Navy SEAL

How Jackie Goggins shaped the life of American hero David Goggins.
by Robyn Kerkhof | Sep 21 2023
Credits: Pinterest

David Goggins, an exceptional individual known for his resilience, has inspired millions with his life story. Behind every successful person, there is often a strong support system, and Goggins’ mother has been an integral part of his journey.

In this article, we delve into the life of David Goggins’ mom, shedding light on her influence and her vital role in shaping her son’s extraordinary path.
 

Meet Trunnis and Jackie: David Goggins’ Parents

David Goggins (48 years old) is a renowned motivational speaker, author, retired Navy SEAL, and one of the world’s top endurance athletes. Born on February 17, 1975, in Buffalo, New York. In 1981, he was living with his parents and his brother, Trunnis Jr., on Paradise Road in Williamsville, New York.

He describes his neighborhood as mostly populated by white, model citizens, whereas he refers to his personal home life as a living nightmare. His father owned a roller skating rink named Skateland in East Buffalo, New York, where Goggins began working night shifts alongside his family at the age of six.

After enduring violent circumstances, his mother decided to leave his father, moving Goggins and his siblings to live with their grandparents in Brazil, Indiana.

Goggins began attending a small Catholic school in second grade, while his brother Trunnis Jr. moved back to Buffalo to live with their father. Upon entering third grade, Goggins was diagnosed with a learning disability stemming from a lack of formal education.

The child abuse he experienced in his early years in New York also caused him to develop toxic stress, which led to a speech impediment. He experienced intense social anxiety related to his stutter and was often in a state of fight or flight response. His school life also included incidents
 

From Ultramarathon Runner To Bestselling Author 

Goggins embarked on the San Diego One Day, a 24-hour ultramarathon, in 2005. Following this, he took part in the Las Vegas Marathon and qualified for the Boston Marathon.

A year later, in 2006, he participated in the Hurt-100 in Hawaii and achieved the fifth position overall in the 2006 Badwater-135 he was invited to.  In the same year, he competed in the Ultraman World Championships Triathlon, securing the second position in the tough 320-mile three-day race in Hawaii.

He also joined the Furnace Creek-508 in 2009, a rigorous ultra-distance cycling race.

Jesse Itzler, an entrepreneur impressed by Goggins’ performance in a 24-hour ultramarathon, welcomed Goggins into his home for a month. This experience drew enough attention that Itzler recounted it in a blog post and subsequently in a book titled Living With A SEAL.

Goggins went on to share his philosophy in a self-help memoir, Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds, published in December 2018. In it, he discusses what he calls the 40% rule, which suggests that we generally only utilize 40% of our potential.

The success of this book led him to write a sequel, Never Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within, published in December 2022. 

 

The Story Behind David Goggins’s Wife and Child 

David Goggins maintains a low-key private life, although it’s commonly known that he was previously married. Reports state that his ex-wife is a Japanese nurse named Aleeza, who was born in 1961.

They were understood to be long-lasting companions before tying the knot in 2005. Unfortunately, their marriage was short-lived, as they separated in 2007.

They did not have any children together during their brief marital life.  In his debut book, Can’t Hurt Me, he disclosed that he fathered a daughter with a former girlfriend named Pam.

Further details about his daughter or his relationship status remain undisclosed, in line with his preference for privacy.
 

Behind David Goggins’ Popularity

David Goggins’ rise to fame stems from his unyielding mindset towards achievement, unparalleled endurance records, and extraordinary mental resilience. He is famous for pushing himself to the limits and beyond, both physically and mentally.

Goggins has set numerous world records, completed multiple ultra-endurance races, and even endured the grueling Hell Week three times during his military career. His relentless pursuit of self-improvement has not only captivated millions but also inspired countless others to live their lives to the fullest.

He has also gained popularity as an Instagram Influencer under the handle @davidgoggins. His account is filled with motivating videos promoting health and fitness, which inspire his followers to hit the tracks. Apart from this, he is widely recognized for initiating the “David Goggins Challenge.”

David Goggins’ journey has inspired people across the globe, fueling their own pursuits of greatness and personal growth. Behind this incredible man stands his mother, who played a significant role in molding his character and instilling values of determination and resilience.

If you want to further explore Goggins’ inspiring story and gain insights into his mindset, we recommend reading his books, “Can’t Hurt Me” and “Never Finished,” available on the Blinkist app. Blinkist offers a convenient way to enjoy high-quality book summaries, providing key takeaways and allowing readers to learn and grow in just a few minutes each day.

Start your 7-day free trial on the Blinkist app today and embark on your own journey of self-improvement.

Start your free 7-day trial

Facebook Twitter Tumblr Instagram LinkedIn Flickr Email Print