At age 9 Rapp's family moved permanently to the suburbs north of New York City along the Hudson River.

Rapp suffered numerous broken bones including his clavicle and scapula, as well as contusions and lacerations about the head and neck.

His life was saved by Chief Petty Officer Thomas Sanchez, who came across the accident and put pressure on Rapp's severed jugular.

[3] Recovery took months, but Rapp returned to win Ironman Canada in August 2011, followed by several other long distance multisport events.

Every year, as part of his participation in World Bicycle Relief, he gives away his bike to a worthy applicant as well as raising funds for the charity.