Christian Tujo
High School Honors
2 football letters. All-Pil 2nd Team as a senior; member of 1988 PIL Championship team.
4 swimming letters. Top three finisher all four years in PIL 100yd butterfly and 200yd medley. Team captain, senior year.
2 baseball letters. 2nd Team All-PIL Pitcher with 6-1 record and 2.8 ERA as a senior.
Post-High School Career
1994 graduate of Virginia Military Institute; earned four-year baseball scholarship and four letters. Earned three-year AFROTC scholarship. Served 13 years with commendations as an Air Force officer. As a masters swimmer, won 25 State Championships, 12 Zone Championships and two National Titles. Earned All-American honors in 2011 and 2015; National All-Star in 2014, 2015, and 2017; 5th at Pan American Open Water Championships in 5000m. Completed Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimmintg Triple Crown with swims of 21.2 miles, 12 miles and 10 miles across the length and width of Lake Tahoe. Served as a USA swimming official for 10 years. An investment advisor in Oregon for 17 years. US Veteran Service Representative the last 3 years. Inducted into Benson Hall of Fame, 2024
Commentary
Over the course of my life in athletics I must give thanks and praise to God, my family, coaches and teammates. The Lord has given me the courage to work hard and compete at the highest level. My family provided a solid foundation and support allowing me to strive towards my goals. I owe much gratitude towards my coaches and teammates for picking me up and encouraging me to become a better person and athlete. I'm especially grateful to my wife Alicia and daughter Alexis for their love and support over the years. As I continue my athletic journey with Masters Swimming and Iron Man Triathlons, Alicia is the one who has always been there for me. Playing football at Benson and winning the State Championship in 1988 was truly epic! Playing college baseball at Virginia Military Institute and making it to the 1993 Southern Conference Championship game was truly amazing. Swimming 21.3 miles across the length of Lake Tahoe is my greatest achievement in swimming thus far. Serving my country in the Air Force was truly an honor and a privilege. Being recognized by Oregon Masters Swimming as the 2017 Gil Young Spirit Award Winner is a great memory, as Gil was inducted in the PIL HOF in 2008 and served in the Army during WW II. Gil continues to be a legend within the Masters Swimming Community. With God's blessing, I hope to continue competing in Masters swimming and triathlons. Many thanks to the PIL Hall of Fame for recognizing my achievements.
Nominate a Hall of Famer
Help us celebrate the incredible athletes who have made their mark in the PIL. Submit your nomination today and ensure their legacy continues to inspire future generations.
