News United States Air Force
 Stories of Service: Airman to OlympianPublished March 31, 2023
                        
                        
                        Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
                **ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) --**
                Less than 1% of Americans serve in the armed forces. A much smaller percentage can call themselves an Olympian. Senior Airman Kenia Sinclair, a religious affairs Airman assigned to the 628th Air Base Wing Chapel at **Joint Base Charleston**, South Carolina, is a four-time Olympian, representing Jamaica, who traded her title of professional athlete for Airman.Kenia Sinclair competes at the 2010 International Association of Athletics Federations World Challenge in Zagreb, Croatia, Sept. 1, 2010. After a successful running career, competing in four Olympics and events around the world, now Senior Airman Sinclair, joined the U.S. Air Force in 2020 to give back to her country. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)Kenia Sinclair competes at the 2010 International Association of Athletics Federations World Challenge in Zagreb, Croatia, Sept. 1, 2010. After a successful running career, competing in four Olympics and events around the world, now Senior Airman Sinclair, joined the U.S. Air Force in 2020 to give back to her country. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)
            
            
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At age 10, her father passed away and her mother left, forcing Sinclair and her twin to live with friends before moving to America in 1999. The twins started running to cope with the extreme hardships they faced at a young age. During high school, they were recruited to run at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey.

After competing in four Olympic Games and signing a six-year contract with Nike, Sinclair made a promise to herself.

“In the back of my mind, I told myself I would serve the country that paved the way for my success,” Sinclair said. “I was able to go to college, my tuition was paid for with an athletic scholarship, and I was able to buy a house and my dream car. America did all this for me.”

Sinclair decided to give back by joining the U.S. Air Force.

Transitioning from Olympian to Airman may seem like a stretch, but Sinclair disagrees. She compares the two careers, saying that the common ground is discipline, integrity and determination.

On the track, her philosophy is, “If I put my mind to it, I’m going to do it. As a young girl I learned that if I’m mentally strong, I can overcome anything that comes my way.”Senior Airman Kenia Sinclair, religious affairs Airman, works on documents at the 628th Air Base Wing Chapel, Joint Base Charleston, S.C., March 26, 2023. Sinclair moved to America in 1999 from Jamaica and joined the U.S. Air Force in 2020 as a way of giving back to the country that made so many of her dreams possible such as competing in four Olympic games. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)Senior Airman Kenia Sinclair, religious affairs Airman, works on documents at the 628th Air Base Wing Chapel, Joint Base Charleston, S.C., March 26, 2023. Sinclair moved to America in 1999 from Jamaica and joined the U.S. Air Force in 2020 as a way of giving back to the country that made so many of her dreams possible such as competing in four Olympic games. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)
            
            
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“I always strive to do my job to the best of my ability, failure is not an option,” she said.

The 12-time All-American athlete began serving in 2020, joining just before she hit the age cutoff.

“I wish all of my Airmen had her drive,” said Tech. Sgt. Stacy Tharpe, 628th ABW noncommissioned officer in charge of religious affairs. “She’s willing to assist at any moment, which is infectious. Her attitude motivates the Airmen around her.”

Sinclair’s leadership describe her as being driven, compassionate and as having a heart of gold.

“I'd promote her to Technical Sergeant tomorrow if I could,” said Lt. Col. Zachary Nash, 628th ABW senior chaplain.

In her job as a religious affairs Airman, Sinclair can share her determination with others.

“You will have people tell you that you will not amount to anything,” Sinclair said. “But I made it, and I want to show other Airmen that their circumstances do not define them. I know that my life experiences are touching Airmen who have gone through similar things.”

When asked about her future, Sinclair said, “I’m applying for a commission, and I promise you, I’ll serve the country for as long as possible.”FS 



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