Originally from Philly (PA), Mike "Shipp" now resides in the Nations Capital, Washington (DC) after spending time throughout the country, and abroad during his 8 years in the Navy. Since being introduced to the multisport community in 2014, Shipp has been able to build some of the most meaningful relationships with people from all walks of life. However, it was obvious that a sport he loved so much lacked the thing he values the most, DIVERSITY! Upon completion of the Armed Services Arts Partnership Storytelling Program, he knew that the best way to make the space more inclusive was to tell the stories of the underrepresented community of athletes. As a result, Michael founded Perfect Timing Multisport in March 2020, giving a diverse group of athletes, fitness professionals, and athletic communities a space to share their stories while encouraging others to do the same.

As a fitness enthusiast and community developer, Shipp has been fortunate to serve in many capacities. Of which, he is a Triathlon Coach for GRIT USA and DC Triathlon Club's New Triathlete Program, serves as a Swim Maters Coach for DC Triathlon Club, is a Young Professionals Board Member for Back On My Feet - DC, was a 2016 Team Red, White and Blue Eagle Leader Fellow, and has served on the Board of Directors for District Triathlon (2017-18), an organization working to encourage, inspire, support and increase the participation of People of Color in triathlon.

When Shipp isn’t training or coaching, he enjoys spaces that allow him to be creative through writing and photography, as well as working with like minded people who are inspired to build better, more inclusive communities.

Mike defines #ThePerfectAthlete as one that is patient, not only with themselves, but with others as well. #ThePerfectAthlete is also an honest one. That honesty not only pertains to knowing their weaknesses, but recognizing their strengths and allowing themselves to be perfect, despite their imperfections. Lastly, #ThePerfectAthlete is one that is welcoming. While there are some sports that are done individually, #ThePerfectAthlete understands the responsibility to their fitness community, and welcomes others with open ears and arms!

Shipp's Mantra: If you do not intentionally include, you unintentionally exclude.

Fred Irby—affectionately known as “Innkeeper Freddie”—hails from Silver Spring, MD, just outside the District of Columbia. Shortly after graduating from Florida A&M University—the illustrious HBCU which sits on the highest of 7 hills in Tallahassee, Florida—Freddie moved back to the DMV and settled in Washington, DC where he has resided for the past 10+ years. It was around this time Freddie, having no prior athletic experience/exposure to the multisport community, took his first steps towards becoming a ‘runner’, motivated primarily (and superficially ;-) by his fear of ‘getting fat’. Clueless to all things running, he began his journey slow slog-jogging 5Ks around the US Capitol in Reebok Classics and cotton sweatpants. By years end, Freddie--surprising even himself--completed his first marathon and was needless to say, hooked. Ironically however, it was less the physical benefits of running that struck a chord with Freddie. Rather, it was the clarity of mind provided during and after a run that created what has now become essential outlet for Freddie, changing his life immeasurably for the better.

Day to day, Freddie is the owner/operator/proprietor of Union Inn, a small bed-and-breakfast in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington, DC. In this capacity, Freddie leverages his skill as a self-described ‘world-famous conversationalist’ on two fronts—as an innkeeper, welcoming/hosting guests from around the world; and in his role as the host of Guestbook Podcast, where he interviews said guests during their stay at Union Inn.

#ThePerfectAthlete for Freddie is one who performs and leads by example, both in- and outside of sport, to foster and inspire positive change toward the world he/she envisions.

Freddie’s Mantra: Your Success = My Success.