Jo Hammons ( ChairForce 1)
Founder | Adaptive Athlete
Jo Hammons is the founder of Dertie Duzin (DD12), a team of adaptive athletes and Service Spartans dedicated to proving that adventure belongs to everyone.
A veteran, former firefighter/EMT, and lifelong adventurer, Jo has spent years challenging perceptions of disability through obstacle course racing, DEKA events, and endurance challenges. In 2024, she and her team traveled to Greece and earned 3rd Place in the Para Division at the Spartan Trifecta World Championship. In 2025, DD12 earned 2nd Place in the ParaSpartan Championship.
Jo believes that when people see adaptive athletes tackling mountains, obstacles, and finish lines, the question becomes: “If she can, why can’t I?”
Through DD12, she continues to advocate for inclusion, teamwork, and the belief that disability does not eliminate adventure. It simply changes how we reach the finish line.
Bret Byerly (Chief)
Firefighter Paramedic | Business Owner
Eddy de Leon ( the Rock)
Service Spartan | Expedition Team Member | SGM (ret)
Eddy is a retired Army Airborne Infantry veteran with 20 years of service, including multiple combat deployments and overseas assignments. Following his military career, he transitioned into government civilian service while continuing his commitment to serving others.
As a Service Spartan, Eddy believes in giving back to the Veteran and First Responder communities by helping adaptive athletes pursue challenges that might otherwise seem impossible. Since entering the obstacle course racing world in 2023, he has participated in events across the country and gained a deep appreciation for the determination and resilience of para-athletes.
Watching adaptive athletes tackle race courses has reinforced a simple belief: no excuses, only possibilities.
Mike Walkowicz (Wazowski)
Team Hugger
Barb Garringer ( Barbed Wire)
Chief of Staff | Service Spartan
Barb began Spartan racing in 2013, but quickly discovered that helping others overcome obstacles was even more rewarding than crossing finish lines herself. As DD12’s Chief of Staff and Coordinator of Schedules, she helps keep the team organized, supported, and moving forward.
When asked why she is part of DD12, Barb jokes, “Because Jo told us we had to.” In reality, she is passionate about helping others achieve things they never thought possible. Watching someone overcome challenges and accomplish their goals is what fuels her passion for service and adventure.
Claire Vahary ( Mighty Mouse)
Henri de Villiers ( Cringy)
Farmer | Service Spartan
Henri de Villiers is a farmer and dedicated Service Spartan who believes that challenges are meant to be faced head-on.
His journey into obstacle course racing began with a simple goal: losing weight and improving his health. What started as a personal challenge quickly grew into a passion for pushing limits and helping others do the same.
As a Service Spartan, Henri is committed to helping people overcome whatever stands in their way, whether it be disability, mental health struggles, physical challenges, or life’s unexpected obstacles. He believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue adventure, achieve their goals, and discover what they are truly capable of.
Through Dertie Duzin, Henri continues to serve others by encouraging perseverance, promoting inclusion, and making a positive impact in a world that often needs a little more kindness and support.
Houston de Villiers ( the Kid)
Spartan Athlete | Service Spartan in Training
Houston’s introduction to obstacle course racing came in 2024 at the Dallas Spartan Sprint, where he served as an adaptive athlete aide for Jo Hammons. Despite being new to the sport, he never left her side throughout the race. Whether helping maintain balance on uneven terrain, supporting her through difficult sections of the course, or tackling obstacles alongside her, Houston demonstrated maturity, determination, and teamwork well beyond his years.
That first race sparked a passion for Spartan racing and adventure. Since then, Houston has continued building his own experience on the course, competing independently and steadily growing as an athlete.
In 2026, Houston will take on an even bigger challenge by completing the entire Dallas Trifecta Weekend alongside Jo. As he continues to develop as both an athlete and teammate, he represents the next generation of Service Spartans: willing to help others, embrace challenges, and discover what is possible through hard work and perseverance.
Houston believes that adventure is better when shared and that no obstacle is too big when you face it together.
Amanda (Kelley) Wray ( Panda Pants)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | Service Spartan | Nurse Educator
Amanda began racing Spartan events in 2015 as a way to confront personal challenges and channel her recovery journey into something positive. What started as a pursuit of healing quickly became a passion for pushing limits, building resilience, and helping others discover their own strength.
Her first experience serving an adaptive athlete came in 2021 with MHTS. From the moment she stepped onto the chair team, she found a unique sense of purpose that perfectly complemented her work in nursing and her own recovery journey.
As both a healthcare professional and Service Spartan, Amanda brings compassion, determination, and encouragement to every challenge. She believes that healing, growth, and adventure often happen when people step outside their comfort zones and support one another.
Through Dertie Duzin, Amanda continues to serve others by helping adaptive athletes pursue extraordinary goals while proving that obstacles can become opportunities when tackled together. Whether supporting athletes on the course, educating future healthcare professionals, or encouraging others in recovery, Amanda exemplifies the spirit of service, resilience, and hope that defines DD12. ❤️🩹
Annabelle Gray (AB BA)
Jordan Gray (50 shades of K)
