Ben Jansen - Coach

"One of my biggest qualities, is having the experience of competition and understanding what it takes, to be at your best mentally and physically"

Ben Jansen's journey in sports began in 1999 in track and field, where he discovered his love for competition and the thrill of pushing his limits. Throughout his high school years, he immersed himself in various events, including the 100m, 200m, and even the demanding decathlon. However, it was in pole vault where he excelled, training with the Valley Royals in Abbotsford under Coach Ziggy Szegalowicz, he earned a spot among the top 4 athletes in the province for his last 2 years of high school. During the fall seasons, Ben transitioned to cross country (3km/5km races), utilizing the sport to maintain performance and enhance his overall fitness.

Upon graduating, Ben's dedication to staying active kept him in the gym and recreational hockey until he stumbled upon the art of jiu-jitsu in 2004. This discovery ignited a passion for martial arts, and soon he found himself immersed in disciplines like kickboxing and wrestling as well.

In 2009, fuelled by a desire to test his skills inside the cage, Ben ventured into mixed martial arts (MMA), embarking on a journey that culminated in a 2-0 amateur record and a 3-0 professional record. Fighting in MMA was a challenge that he'll never forget and it's help mold him into the person he is today.

In 2022, after Ben's fiance constantly bugged him to run with her, he made a return to the running scene in a very different atmosphere! He managed to take first place in his inaugural marathon at the Fort McMurray Marathon. Notably, he achieved a Boston qualifying time on his very first attempt in 2023. He's currently a marathoner and will be running the Boston Marathon in 2025. Ben has a current PB of 3:05:43 in the Marathon.

Over the last 25 years, Ben has either been in the gym, training to compete or helping others train. Now a coach certified through ISSA and continuing education in the field, Ben is committed to sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with aspiring athletes like you. Whether you're striving for success on the track, in the ring, or in your specific sport, he's here to guide you every step of the way. Join him at Potential Athletics, and together, conquer new challenges and find your potential in your sport!