We are heartbroken to share the news that our dear friend and colleague, John Brenkus, passed away yesterday. This loss is deeply personal—not just to those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him, but to the entire Athletic Republic community and beyond.
John first connected with us through his wife, who trained at our Park City location. Through her, we came to know John—not just as a legendary sports science communicator, but as a person whose core values mirrored our own. He was driven by a deep belief in the power of science, data, and innovation to elevate human performance. That shared vision made him a natural fit for Athletic Republic, and we were honored when he joined our team as Chief Sports Officer.
Many knew John as the Emmy Award-winning creator and host of ESPN’s Sport Science, where he made complex athletic principles understandable and inspiring to millions. At Athletic Republic, he brought that same talent and clarity to our work, helping translate the science behind our training into language and stories that resonated. He had a rare gift: the ability to turn numbers and biomechanics into insight and motivation. He helped our athletes, coaches, and partners truly understand the “why” behind what we do.
John was a pioneer. He stood at the forefront of the athlete intelligence movement, long before it was mainstream. He believed that understanding how the body moves and why it performs the way it does wasn’t just science—it was a key to unlocking human potential. And in his time with us, he helped ensure that Athletic Republic remained at the leading edge of that mission.
We are grateful for John’s contributions to our network, and more importantly, for the person he was—curious, driven, generous, and endlessly passionate about helping athletes reach their best. His legacy will live on in every athlete we train, every coach we equip, and every innovation we pursue.
To John’s family, we extend our deepest condolences. To our community, we invite you to join us in celebrating his life and continuing the work he believed in so fiercely.
Rest in peace, John. You will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
—
The Athletic Republic Team
