When rain drenched the Tokyo skies at the World Athletics Championships, many athletes struggled to find their footing, but not Alex Rose. The 33-year-old seemed born for the storm. While others faltered, Rose unleashed a breathtaking 66.96m discus throw, securing the bronze, his island nation’s first-ever World Championship medal. And here’s the twist: he achieved it all while juggling a full-time career as a sales engineer. Athletics may be a “part-time passion,” but for Rose, it has turned into a global triumph.

During a conversation with Citius Mag contributor Paul Hof-Mahoney, the athlete was asked how he manages the grueling balance of working as an engineer while still making time for his athletics training. What he shared next completely caught Paul off guard, leaving him genuinely shocked. “We had our national sales conference in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It was a week full of meetings and different kinds of overviews on new products, sales awards, you name it. I think I flew out on Friday morning. Typically, you fly to go back home; it’s a travel day, and then you have the weekend,” said Rose.

It was a national conference, but Rose had other plans. The athlete had recently received a call from the Diamond League to compete in Morocco, and despite his packed schedule, he didn’t hesitate. Rose seized the opportunity and flew to Africa to take part in the event. “I flew to Rabat, Morocco, to compete in a Diamond League meet because I was throwing so well that season. I was able to get invited to some Diamond Leagues, which is pretty tough to get—the number of meets and points you need. I threw like 63 maybe, or something.”

After his back-to-back performances in Morocco, he flew home to Detroit, already feeling the week’s toll on his body. Despite the exhaustion, he headed straight to his company’s conference, engaging with clients and navigating a full day of interactions. He added, “I think I placed sixth, and then immediately flew back to Detroit. I landed the morning of a trade show that I had to work at for the next three days.”

By the time it ended, only one thought ran through his mind, “What just happened? I don’t think I can pull off a trip like that again.” Juggling a demanding career, fatherhood, and elite training, Alex Rose’s relentless dedication culminated in history after he earned the first-ever medal for Sāmoa. It should be noted that the athlete devoted months to the championships.

Alex Rose shares how he balances career and his passion for athletics

At 33, U.S.-based Alex Rose juggles a full-time sales career, long hours on the road, and the demands of raising two young children, including a four-month-old, yet still reached historic heights in athletics. In a conversation with Pacific Huddle host Tuilagi William Leolahi, Rose shared how he balances cross-country drives, work deadlines, and fatherhood, all while chasing his sporting dreams.

“So I haven’t been sleeping for the past four months, I’ve been helping out with night shifts, and it’s taken a new level of diligence and commitment to reach this point in my career. For everything to work out this year, in particular with all the trials and tribulations, it’s something special,” said Alex Rose. His Tokyo endeavor also marked a personal redemption for him, as four years ago, he had fallen short of qualifying for the Olympic final in the same city, a moment he now calls a turning point in his career.

Rose says that every time he competes, he thinks about how his sons will see him in his videos. He views his efforts as an investment in the values he hopes to instill in them. “I thank God for these blessings. That’s why I push myself so hard—I want to set an example for them, showing that they can pursue something they truly believe in.”

Looking ahead, the athlete aims to be a role model not just for the Pacific Islands but for people across America. Indeed, Rose is setting a perfect example of how one can balance an active career with a demanding track and field endeavour, don’t you think?