Selection 022 Sole Finisher: Chad Malone AAR

Chad Malone after GORUCK Selection 022 Endex and patching, enjoying a well deserved cold beer.

 

There are very few moments in your life that will change the very fiber of your soul. Getting married, finding religion, having children… completing GORUCK Selection.

To say that my training to endure the toughest endurance event in the world came down to the past 3 years of training would be a lie because truthfully I’ve been training for this event my whole life.

Growing up, my family didn’t have much, by no means were we poor, but we were no strangers to having to make due. Holidays were a not the same as many of my friends, and vacations were unheard of. My brothers and I were fine with this for the most part, well except on Christmas Day, but one thing you never heard was a complaint. Both of my parents worked literally day and night to ensure that we had what we needed, and if we needed a new pair of shoes or something, that was out of the budget, so my mother would often pick up extra hours just to make us happy. There were no complaints or fussing about it, you just did what needed to be done, and everyone had a job.

As for myself, I was not born an athlete as one would imagine. I was a chubby asthmatic kid with glasses that played the same sports his older brother did and for a long time I really didn’t even deserve to be on the teams. But regardless of whether it was JV lacrosse or wrestling, my grandfathers would drive for hours to see me compete and encourage me. They instilled a sense of pride when it seemed like everyone else just wanted to take it away. Eventually in high school I hit puberty and I had some awesome coaches so I was able to turn things around and finally start to push myself to achieve more, but in the back of my head the highest levels of achievement was not something I was destined for. Those people were just cut from a different cloth.

Final moments of the Shark Attack – Jason challenged Chad to holding a 120LB Sandbag over his head for as long as he could, giving everything he could in the last minutes of the event.

Fast forward a few years and I’m on my way to becoming an everyday 9-5er after completing grad school and I meet my beautiful wife. She is the first person to teach me to go on vacations and enjoy life. She signed me up at an MMA school after a conversation where I mentioned it was something I might want to do. And now I have been able to quit my job and run my own gym full time, none of this would not have been possible if it wasn’t for her. Many people imagine where their life would be if they had’ve taken a different turn or married a different person. Well I can tell you for sure if it wasn’t for Jasmin Malone I would not have learned to take chances and enjoy life, I would not have the drive to succeed for more than myself and I for damn sure would not have the same level of support in all of the time consuming obsessions I have stumbled upon since we’ve been together. And then as they say here come the babies.

My children have taught me more about life than any one person has ever done. The patience, the undying love, the forgiveness, the affection, these are all things that I honestly did not know about until they came along. I made a secret promise to my son (and the same to my girls) when he was born that he would never have to doubt my love for him because I would always show it, and I would be a living example for him of all the things he can achieve if he dedicates himself to it one hundred  percent.

Chad was unaware that his wife, Jasmin, was on the grounds, waiting to hug and congratulate him once we was officially finished.

The hard part has been that by demonstrating what drive and dedication looks like, I inherently have to be absent frequently. And then tragedy strikes. In the past few years, I lost both of my grandfathers and a grandmother. It’s not that I haven’t lost anybody up until this point but never someone who was so very foundational in my life. The most frustrating part of the loss has been that my grandparents were truly great people and most of it no one knew about until reading their obituaries. One grandfather was one of the first black lawyers to work for Mobile Oil and then to open up a law practice in Detroit, Michigan. My other grandfather was a legendary three sport athlete that could have went anywhere to college and then to the pros in baseball or football, but instead he answered the call and served in the Korean War only to come back home, earn a degree, and become a literal pillar in the community of Inkster, Michigan. My grandmother, besides being a knock out beauty, was brilliant and active with the civil rights movements in Alabama and in Detroit, Michigan.

To find out these are the roots to your tree only after they were gone was extremely frustrating but also empowering because it connected the dots for me. I realized that there is no separate cloth great people are born from, it’s just about the decisions you happen to make and your dedication to stick to it. These are the moments that grounded me and I made the decision that if my wife and kids were going to not just tolerate me training during the few hours that I am home from work for three fucking years there is absolutely nothing that can be done to me in the next 48 hours to make me quit. I was determined to leave something behind for my children that they could see me achieve so they could know that there is nothing keeping them from being as great as they want to be. And simply to show my wife that her patience and support did not go unnoticed, I put it all away in a jar and opened that shit up in the dark hours of the event.

So now that it’s all said and done I am extremely grateful for all that the cadre put into the event. I am honored to become part of the fraternity of the BAMFs that came before me and set that bar up high. Finally, some people were asking me what was going through my head during the event. The answer is there were a lot of things but the one that I kept coming back to was “I am already a fucking GORUCK Selection finisher, there is nothing that can stop me, it’s just a matter of time…”

Thank you for all of the texts and messages of support. I am going to get back to everyone just give me some time, right now my priorities are giving out hugs and kisses.

Chad Malone, aka roster 025

The sole finisher of Selection 022

31 comments

  1. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  2. Wow, what an inspiring and heartfelt story! It’s amazing how your journey—starting from humble beginnings, overcoming personal challenges, and finding motivation through family and love—led you to conquer something as intense as GORUCK Selection. Your dedication and the support from your wife and kids really shine through. This is a beautiful reminder that perseverance, love, and believing in ourselves can push us beyond what we thought possible. Thanks so much for sharing such a genuine and motivating experience!

  3. Reading Chad Malone’s story really moved me. The way he pushed through so many challenges, both physical and personal, to become the sole finisher is truly inspiring. It shows what sheer determination and heart can achieve, even when things seem impossible. His journey reminds us all that with grit and purpose, we can overcome so much. Huge congratulations to Chad—wishing him continued strength and success in whatever comes next.

  4. Chad story is truly inspiring showing how dedication, family support and resilience lead to greatness. His journey reminds us that success comes from choices and perseverance, not just talent. Huge respect to him and his family for their strength and love.

  5. The blog post reflects a personal story about overcoming challenges and preparing for a tough endurance event. The author shares a deep connection to the idea of perseverance, explaining how their upbringing shaped their resilience. Growing up with limited resources, the author’s family worked hard to ensure their needs were met. The post highlights the value of hard work and sacrifice, stressing that despite not having much, they learned to make do without complaints. The narrative speaks to the dedication that shaped the author’s ability to push through intense physical and mental challenges during the training for this event.

  6. The blog post focuses on the journey of Chad Malone, a participant who completed the “Selection 022” event. He reflects on his experiences during the intense training, discussing how it pushed him to his limits and taught him valuable life lessons. He also shares insights into the physical and mental challenges that came with the event, as well as the importance of pushing through adversity. The post captures the grit and determination required to overcome such a demanding challenge, offering motivation to others.

    Amazing read! It’s inspiring to see someone share such a raw and honest reflection of their experience. Truly motivating!

  7. This blog highlights the inspiring story of Chad Malone, the sole finisher of GORUCK Selection 022. The post reflects on his incredible determination, strength, and mindset needed to complete one of the toughest endurance challenges. It not only honors Chad’s achievement but also encourages others to push their limits and believe in their ability to overcome intense trials. This story is a powerful reminder of how resilience and preparation can lead to extraordinary outcomes in the face of extreme physical and mental demands.

  8. I felt very motivated after reading the story of Chad Malone on this website. His journey shows how important dedication and family support are, no matter how many problems one has. His honesty and struggle inspire me to also work hard for my goals. The content of the website is simple and well written. It would look even better if a few more personal photos or videos are added. Overall it is a very inspiring story.

  9. Chad Malone’s account of completing the GORUCK Selection 022 is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. His journey, from his humble beginnings to becoming a father and a GORUCK finisher, highlights the importance of family support and the will to push through life’s hardships. Chad’s reflection on the influence of his grandparents and the unwavering love for his family is truly inspiring. His story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not about being born into greatness but about making the right choices and showing up, no matter how tough the journey gets.

  10. Chad Malone’s story as the sole finisher of Selection is truly inspiring! It shows real strength, dedication, and never giving up, even when things get tough. The GORUCK blog shares powerful and real-life experiences that motivate others to push their limits. This post is a great example of how hard training and mental strength can lead to amazing success. It’s not just about fitness. It’s about mindset. Hats off to GORUCK for sharing such meaningful stories. This kind of content is perfect for people who want to challenge themselves and grow stronger every day.

  11. Dalam blog ini, kisah menginspirasi Chad Malone sebagai satu-satunya finisher dalam ajang ekstrem Selection 022 menjadi sorotan utama. Ia menunjukkan kekuatan mental, ketahanan fisik, dan semangat pantang menyerah yang luar biasa. Artikel ini bukan sekadar laporan, melainkan refleksi mendalam tentang perjuangan dan pencapaian individu dalam menghadapi tantangan berat. Kontennya sangat memotivasi, cocok bagi siapa pun yang membutuhkan dorongan untuk tetap maju dan tidak menyerah dalam menghadapi batas diri.

  12. Some moments in life change you forever. For Chad Malone, finishing the tough GORUCK Selection was one of those moments. He didn’t train just for a few years, he felt ready his whole life. Growing up, Chad’s family didn’t have much, but they worked hard and stayed positive. Chad wasn’t a natural athlete; he had asthma and wore glasses. Still, with his family’s support, he kept trying and got stronger. Now, Chad feels proud to be part of the GORUCK team. During the event, he kept telling himself he could do it, no matter what. He everyone for their support and will reply when he has more time.

  13. Chad Malone’s account of completing GORUCK Selection 022 is truly inspiring. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming the sole finisher of one of the toughest endurance events speaks volumes about resilience and determination. The personal anecdotes, especially the support from his family and the memory of his late grandparents, add a profound depth to his story. It’s a powerful reminder that perseverance, backed by love and purpose, can overcome even the most grueling challenges. Thank you for sharing this remarkable journey.

  14. Hi there! This was such a powerful and inspiring read. Your journey toward completing GORUCK Selection clearly goes far beyond physical training—it’s rooted in a lifetime of resilience, discipline, and quiet determination. I love how you tied your upbringing and family values into this achievement; it really shows how character is built over years, not just in the months leading up to a challenge. Thanks for sharing such an honest and motivating story!

  15. The blog features a personal reflection on a challenging journey of self-discovery and perseverance. The author recounts growing up with limited resources but a strong sense of family support, emphasizing the importance of pushing through hardships. It details how the author, who was initially not an athletic child, found motivation in life’s challenges and overcame obstacles through determination and support. The narrative is centered on participating in a rigorous endurance event, sharing an inspiring story of transformation and resilience, encouraging others to push beyond their limits, and achieve the unthinkable.

  16. This post shares a great story about Chad Malone’s accomplishment. It shows his strength and determination clearly. The photo is very inspiring and makes the achievement feel real and relatable. The post is easy to read and motivating for anyone facing challenges. Nice work sharing this!

  17. Hello, I came across a story of a man who completed a difficult physical challenge and felt a great sense of accomplishment afterward. It’s always interesting to hear how people deal with the toughest phases of such challenges and come out even stronger. The way Chad Malone describes his experience helps to understand how much mental and physical toughness is needed to overcome it. Knowing things like this can inspire anyone to do similar challenges or push their limits in any way. Frankly, it’s really inspiring to see someone take on such a challenge and finish it strong. If you like personal growth stories, you should definitely read this one.

  18. Wow, reading about Selection 022 and Chad Malone as the sole finisher is really inspiring! It’s amazing to see someone push through challenges and complete a task on their own it shows determination, focus, and resilience. Stories like this remind us that even when the journey feels tough, persistence pays off. Watching Chad’s achievement can teach us the importance of setting goals, staying committed, and believing in our own abilities. It’s also a lesson that every finish, big or small, brings growth and learning. Truly motivating for anyone facing their own challenges to keep going and never give up!

  19. Chad Malone’s journey through GORUCK Selection 022 is nothing short of inspiring. His unwavering determination, resilience, and deep-rooted values shine through every word. This story serves as a powerful reminder that true strength comes from within. Congratulations, Chad, on this monumental achievement! Your story motivates us all to push beyond our limits.

  20. Wow, what an inspiring journey! Your story really shows how grit, hard work, and determination can shape a person long before they even realize it. I love how you connected your upbringing, your family’s sacrifices, and your personal struggles to achieving something so tough. It’s proof that resilience isn’t built overnight — it’s a lifetime in the making. Huge respect for pushing yourself and breaking past what you once thought was your limit.

  21. This archived blog post honors Chad Malone, the sole finisher of Selection 022, a grueling endurance event designed to test mental and physical limits. The story captures not just his remarkable achievement but also reflects the values of resilience, grit, and personal transformation central to the rucking community. It serves as both inspiration and a testament to what perseverance can accomplish, offering a motivating read for anyone seeking strength through challenge and endurance-based growth.

  22. Wow—this is such a powerful and honest reflection. 💯 What stands out most is how your journey to completing GORUCK Selection isn’t just about physical endurance, but about a lifetime of resilience, discipline, and grit shaped by family, challenges, and persistence. The way you tied your upbringing and personal struggles to your ultimate achievement makes this story deeply inspiring. It’s a reminder that greatness isn’t always about being “cut from a different cloth” but about showing up, working hard, and never giving up. Truly motivating!

  23. It’s a story that really resonates with me. 💪 It’s clear that the environment he grew up in, the efforts of his family, and his experiences of never giving up and continuing to challenge himself have all led to his current success. It made me realize just how much effort and support can make a person stronger. His attitude of challenging his own limits is an inspiration to many people. I look forward to seeing his further challenges and achievements in the future!

  24. This reflection really captures the transformative power of extreme challenges like GORUCK Selection. The writer connects personal history with the preparation and mindset needed, showing that endurance isn’t just physical—it’s shaped by a lifetime of experiences. The emphasis on family, resilience, and making do highlights how early life circumstances build the mental toughness required for such grueling events. It’s inspiring and relatable, making the reader feel the weight and significance of completing something so demanding.

  25. This blog post highlights the impressive achievement of Chad Malone, who successfully completed the challenging Selection 022 as the sole finisher. The content focuses on his journey, determination, and resilience throughout the demanding event. It offers readers an inside look into the physical and mental toughness required to overcome such obstacles, inspiring others who might be considering similar challenges. The post also emphasizes the supportive community and training involved, painting a vivid picture of what it takes to push oneself beyond limits. Overall, it serves as both a tribute to Chad’s accomplishment and a motivational piece for readers interested in rucking, endurance, and personal growth.

  26. This story is really motivating . Chad’s journey shows how hard work and never giving up can change everything. I like how honest he was about his struggles and how he still kept pushing forward. Completing something as tough as GORUCK Selection is such a huge achievement . Big respect and congratulations to him

  27. This story shows how much determination and courage it takes to face hard challenges. Chad’s experience feels real and inspiring, and the photos show his effort and passion well. It’s clear that training and mindset are just as important as physical strength. If you’re planning a trip to places like Malawi, having the right health information before you go can make the trip easier. Being prepared helps you enjoy the trip without worrying. Stories like this remind the right attitude, we can overcome almost anything.

  28. Chad Malone was the sole finisher of Selection 022, an intense endurance event hosted by GORUCK. Despite tough conditions and extreme challenges, Chad pushed through and completed the course. His determination and resilience stood out among participants, earning him respect and admiration. This achievement highlights the strength and spirit required for such demanding events, showcasing Chad’s exceptional perseverance and grit in overcoming adversity during Selection 022.

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