‘Overweight’ 39-Year-Old Dad Quits Being CEO to Compete at the Olympics

If you’re a regular viewer of Shark Tank, you likely remember Max Valverde’s March 21, 2014 appearance. Valverde presented Morninghead, a specialized headgear that eliminates bedhead, but it was met with criticism from the judges. Even though the judges didn’t give the product high marks, it nonetheless sold well and was used by millions of Americans. Six years later, Valverde became the CEO of Fareharbor, but he had no interest in spending the rest of his life in an office cubicle or sitting through endless meetings. Despite being overweight, 39-year-old Valverde made the courageous choice last year to forego his other commitments in order to train for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.

The tale of this Olympic enthusiast was just featured on Inside Edition. Valverde, the father of three who has no professional athletic experience to his name, details his efforts to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Pure dedication and passion for the Olympics

Max Valverde’s life is an emotional roller coaster. He was a collegiate rugby player with a lifelong love of athletics. But as an adult, Valverde abandoned his love of athletics in favor of a more business-oriented outlook, during which he attempted to market his product, Morninghead. Even farther back in 2014, on episode 523 of Shark Tank, he made an appearance. Afterward, he became CEO of Fareharbor, a travel website company founded by a friend of his. Valverde gained weight working in a cubicle, as he admitted in the interview: “Going up a flight of stairs would kind of wind me a little bit.” Valverde, despite being “overweight” and having had a lengthy break from athletics, hoped to make a significant return.

ALSO READ – Charles Barkley Gets Brutal With “Overweight” Zion Williamson: “They Giving Away Money to Bums Who Can’t Play. You Have a Chance to Become the Best Player in the NBA”

Last year, Valverde decided to flip the tables on his life to make it more exciting for him. He opted to resign as CEO of Fareharbor and was motivated to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics. But why did he do that? In the interview with Inside Edition, Valverde shared his idea, saying, “I just love the idea of lofty goals, impossibilities.” He credits the “internet trolls,” who presume Valverde won’t qualify for the Olympics, for providing further drive. The Olympic aspirant takes this as constructive criticism, but he continues to work toward his goal of competing in the Olympics anyway. He says, “The fact that there is a chance, I find that tantalizing.” This is what drives the motivated athlete to keep trying.

Which sport is he looking forward to?

Max Valverde is training to compete in ski mountaineering, commonly referred to as “skimo,” in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Even though the sport isn’t widely followed in the USA, it’s becoming more popular in other parts of the world. Also, USA Skimo president Jerimy Arnold has recognized this up-and-coming skimo athlete, praising their efforts with the words, “It’s definitely a first.”

Valverde is preparing for this journey by working out five days a week. He plans to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics, so he is training with weights, mountain bikes, and skiing to increase his stamina.

WATCH THIS STORY – Lindsey Vonn Remembers the Saddening Memory of Late Mother While Opening Up On Her Mental Health