Puntoriero’s success on the international stage is the result of a decades-long commitment to the track. He began his sprinting career as a high school student in New York. He continued to excel at Knox College in Galesburg, Ill. There, he set a high standard, holding school records in the 60-meter and 200-meter indoor races for nearly 10 years.
While the 200-meter race remains his specialty, military service often makes consistent sport-specific training difficult. Operations, deployments and the demands of being a space operations officer took priority for years. However, the track remained a constant source of stability for him.
“Running is a great way to lead and to decompress,” Puntoriero said. “Being on the track, I feel at home. It’s my calm.”
He found a new opportunity to refocus on athletics in 2024. While attending the Command and General Staff Officer Course at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., Puntoriero committed to a comeback. The road back to competition was not smooth. He faced significant setbacks, including a knee injury that threatened to derail his progress. Through disciplined rehabilitation and resilience, he returned to form.
Puntoriero arrived in Colorado Springs last summer. He immediately targeted the Rocky Mountain State Games in July to test his recovery. He posted competitive times in the 100 and 200 meters for the USA Track & Field Masters Division, proving he was ready for bigger challenges.
Now, his sights are set even higher. Puntoriero is training for the Indoor Nationals in February and the Outdoor Nationals in May. His ultimate goal for 2026 is the Masters World Championships in South Korea in August.
Beyond his own success, he hopes to spearhead a formal Army track and field team, creating opportunities for other Soldier-athletes.
Balancing a high-tempo career in a Special Forces Group, family responsibilities and elite training is a difficult task. Yet Puntoriero insists that maintaining individual passion is vital to overall well-being.
“You need to have something for yourself, that is only for you,” Puntoriero said. “For me, that is track and field.”
Puntoriero’s performance in Mexico City is more than a personal victory. It is a testament to the soldier-athlete ethos. His dedication to excellence—both in uniform and on the track—sets a powerful example for the formation.