Podcast appearances and mentions of stacie tovar

On this episode of Death By, Lauren Kalil discusses whether CrossFit has reached its peak, who has the better odds of winning the Rogue Invitational between Ricky Garard or Laura Horvath, and what our contestants think the biggest upset at Rogue will be. Our contestants include two-time affiliate cup champion and Seminar Staff Head trainer James Hobart, CrossFit Games reporter Niki Brazier, and Crossfit Games athlete Stacie Tovar.

We catch up with Chelsea Nicholas one of our favorites, she came into the Games as a backfill, moved quickly into the lead at the CrossFit Games only to suffer a traumatic injury that ended her week way too early.  How is she dealing with all this and what are her future plans?

Scott and Jamie checked in today, talked to some coaches and athletes as they prepare to cover the Age Group Athletes tomorrow on their first day at the Games.

Scott and Jamie discuss all that is going on in the CrossFit Space, We meet Jake Gazan, how do rookies perform at the CrossFit Games plus all the news.Workouts announced Pig Flip Chipper  Trek Bikes Olympic Total Gymnastics Skills MedleyShut up and ScribbleGrace-  ESPN Recap Podium PicksWho do you want to see in the Age Groups Stacie, Jenn, Chelsea, Rudy, Scott P, Bryan Wong, Kelly Friel, Sam Briggs, Becca Jake Gazan

We are so excited to have this CrossFit :Legend on the Show for the first time. We explore how getting back to the Games as a mother is different than before. How did she get involved in Broadcasting, Stacie is a mom, an affiliate owner, an athlete, a broadcaster, a nutrition coach, owner of GoFar Lifestyes and so much more!  We tackle what its like comparing elite Stacie to Mom Stacie and how difficult is that? CrossFit asked if she needed a rest day between competing and broadcasting? She was like... NOOOO!

The 2023 CrossFit Games Semifinals are in full swing. Week 1 is done and we are charging right into Week 2. CrossFit Games Podcast host Chase Ingraham is joined by CrossFit Games veterans Adrian Conway and Stacie Tovar to go through all the big news, hot topics, and wild stories from Week 1 of Semifinals in North America East and Africa. After that, they will take a peak at what's to come in Week 2 from North America West, South America, and Oceania, and make with some bold predictions of who they think will be making the trip to Madison, or possibly watching from home this year.

“In 2012 … Chris Spealler, the legend, driving a comeback that was just ridiculous. … He is behind throughout the course of this weekend. This is a heavy Regional. … From a loading perspective, Spealler looked like he was outmatched a bit. … It came down to the final chipper. … He had to execute an amazing snatch ladder where I think he maybe hit like 225 (lb) but at the time it was like, ‘This is insane for someone his size to snatch this much.' But I'll just never forget how electric it was.” — Adrian Conway on his most memorable Regional experience Athlete Communications Manager Becky Harsh, and multi-year Games athletes Adrian Conway and Stacie Tovar join host Chase Ingraham on the podcast to review the latest edition of the Hopper. The Hopper is a monthly CrossFit newsletter, geared toward athletes and coaches, with important information regarding, but not limited to, the Games season. While intended for competitive athletes, anyone who is interested in learning specifics about the season is encouraged to subscribe. In today's episode, the crew dives deep into this month's publication and discusses upcoming CrossFit live competitions like Semifinals and the Games. The group discusses how the adaptive division is redefining what's possible for all athletes, the benefits of CrossFit-licensed events for the community, and how fans and spectators can participate at the CrossFit Semifinal Throwdown. They also share their top standout moments from past in-person events, and highly encourage fans of the sport to experience the electricity, excitement, and atmosphere for themselves. To subscribe to the Hopper and stay informed, head to games.crossfit.com, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and add your email address into the section titled, “Never miss an update from the CrossFit Games.” Three weeks of CrossFit Semifinals action begins next week, starting May 18. Grab your squad, buy your tickets today, and get ready to make unforgettable memories of your own! Topics in the May edition of the HopperQuarterfinal Recap From BozAdaptive Athletes CrownedThe CrossFit Semifinal ThrowdownUpcoming CrossFit Licensed EventsImportant 2023 CrossFit Games Season Dates

Get your supplements and energy drinks at c4energy.com and use code Clydesdale to get at least 20% off your order.  The code does not work with subscribe and save options, just make sure you use the one time purchase.Join wild health and get 20% off your membership by clicking here: www.wildhealth.com/clydesdale or using code CLYDESDALE20 at wildhealth.comWe catch up with Chelsea who is blowing up every division she enters, qualifying for Semifinals in both the Age Group and Individual divisions. We talk about her 11 years in the sport, how she keeps getting fitter while working a full time job as a structural engineer, what part her analytical brain plays in her role as an athlete.  How cool it is competing in the 35-39 year old division with legends Chyna Cho, Stacie Tovar and Emily Bridgers. Can't wait to follow her journey over the next several weeks.

The Quarterfinals stage of competition ends with the age-group division. Masters and teen athletes will take on five scored tests over the course of two days of competition for their chance to advance to Semifinals.Eight-time CrossFit Games athlete Stacie Tovar joins the show to share her personal experience after Day 1 of the Age-Group Quarterfinals. Ingraham and Tovar review what's on the line for age-group athletes, recap the tests and standings across all divisions after Day 1, and preview what's to come for the final day of competition. Quarterfinals serve as the qualifying stage for Semifinals. The top 30 men and the top 30 women from each age division will be invited to compete in the online Age-Group Semifinal.*All scores will remain under review until Friday, April 14.

CrossFit Games Podcast host Chase Ingraham sits down with three-time CrossFit Games Affiliate Cup champion Adrian Conway and eight-time CrossFit Games individual Stacie Tovar to recap all of the action for Day 1 of the 2023 CrossFit Games Team Quarterfinal.The crew will revisit how we got to this Quarterfinal field from the Open, what is at stake over the next two days, and the two tests for Day 1 of competition.Top Three Topics:Where is the team hype this year?!What elements should be considered when testing for teams?There is another Mayhem team to watch out for but they're not from Cookeville.Top Quarterfinal teams from each region will be invited to compete in-person at their respective Semifinal competitions.Here's the breakdown:→ North America East — Top 40 teams→ North America West — Top 40 teams→ Europe — Top 40 teams→ Oceania — Top 20 teams→ Asia — Top 20 teams→ South America — Top 20 teams→ Africa — Top 20 teams*All scores will remain under review until Monday, April 10.Learn More About QuarterfinalsWhat Are Quarterfinals? → https://games.crossfit.com/article/what-are-2023-crossfit-games-quarterfinalsQuarterfinals Schedule → https://games.crossfit.com/quarterfinals/schedule QuarterfinalsLeaderboard → https://games.crossfit.com/leaderboard/quarterfinals/2023?quarterfinal=212&division=11®ion=0&sort=0

It all comes down to this. One more test to determine who is going to the CrossFit Games Semifinals and who will be watching from the stands. Eight-time Games athlete Stacie Tovar and five-time Games athlete and host of the “More Than Fitness” podcast Adrian Conway join Chase Ingraham to recap the final Day of the 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games Individual Quarterfinal.The team will recap the last two days of competition, discuss the final test of the weekend, and reveal who's moving on (unofficially) to Semifinals.TOP 3 TOPICS: What did we think about these tests for Semifinals athletes vs. everyone else?What surprised us the most this Individual Quarterfinal season?Who's in and who's out for the 2023 CrossFit Games Semifinals?Presented by GOWOD.

Two tests down, three to go.Eight-time Games athlete Stacie Tovar and five-time Games athlete and host of the “More Than Fitness” podcast Adrian Conway join Chase Ingraham on the podcast to recap Day 1 of the 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games Individual Quarterfinals.Join the crew as they dissect the movements and workouts, share their perspectives on the tests, analyze top unofficial scores on the leaderboard after the first day of competition, and look ahead to Day 2.Top Three Topics:–What the Quarterfinals are meant to accomplish in the Games Season–Reviewing Test 1 and Test 2–Strategy and pitfalls of what's to come in Test 3 and Test 4Learn More About Quarterfinals:What Are Quarterfinals? → https://games.crossfit.com/article/what-are-2023-crossfit-games-quarterfinalsQuarterfinals Schedule → https://games.crossfit.com/quarterfinals/scheduleQuarterfinals Leaderboard → https://games.crossfit.com/leaderboard/quarterfinals/2023?quarterfinal=211&division=2&sort=0

Four scores have been submitted and one test remains. Eight-time Games athlete Stacie Tovar and five-time Games athlete and host of the “More Than Fitness” podcast Adrian Conway join Chase Ingraham on the podcast to recap Day 2 of the 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games Individual Quarterfinals.Join the crew as they dissect the movements and workouts, share their perspectives on the tests, analyze top unofficial scores on the leaderboard, and look ahead to the final day of competition. Top Three Topics:Are we seeing a new way to program and test high volume movements?Could this finally be the podium breakthrough year for Brooke Wells?Who is more impressive so far this Quarterfinals? Mal O'Brien or Laura Horvath?Presented by GOWOD.

“We all have our weaknesses. We're all exposed at some point.” — Stacie TovarEight-time CrossFit Games athlete Stacie Tovar and Games athlete, coach, and CrossFit analyst Adrian Conway join host Chase Ingraham on the podcast to recap Open Test 23.3 and look ahead to Quarterfinals.In today's episode, Ingraham, Tovar, and Conway give their initial reactions to the final Open test. They offer their perspectives about the six-minute time cap, including the value of a short time domain, and discuss different varieties of intensity levels. The crew also discusses the coach's role in athletes' growth from failure and/or challenges.The group reflects on the Open as a whole, sharing their opinions on the balance of the tests and lessons they've learned as coaches and athletes. They also highlight surprising performances and moments from the three-week competition.With the Open behind us and Quarterfinals up next, Ingraham and the crew throw around possible movement combinations and workout structures they'd like to see in the next stage of competition with Tovar recognizing, "anything is possible with Boz at this point."Also in this episode, hear from Mal O'Brien as she chats with Sean Woodland about her performance in the live announcement of Open Test 23.3.Join the conversation about this year's Open and get ready for Quarterfinals. Individual Quarterfinals begin March 16.Learn more about Quarterfinals here → https://games.crossfit.com/article/what-are-2023-crossfit-games-quarterfinals

Here is a strategy guide and tips to 23.3 from Coach Conway. He covers some of what we saw from Mal O'brien and Danielle Brandon in the CrossFit Open throwdown there in Omaha at Stacie Tovar's gym, he also discusses where common limiters will be for the majority of the world vs. top tier athletes. For the write up note the blog for 23.3 which can be found at www.ttrufitness.com Good luck and crush it!

We check in on what will be the final workout of the Open.

“It was definitely a really, really good test of fitness. I enjoyed it.”Eight-time CrossFit Games athlete and co-owner of Big Omaha Fitness, Stacie Tovar, returns to break down both parts of Open Test 23.2 with host Chase Ingraham. After giving her initial thoughts about the second test of the Open, Tovar shares her perspective as an affiliate owner about setting up, programming, and preparing her athletes for 23.2. Tovar and Ingraham also discuss the new thruster standard, referring back to the standards listed in Thruster Ladder from the 2011 Regional. The pair dive into some of the top scores on the leaderboard and discuss Roman Khrennikov's and Pat Vellner's performances at the live announcement. Get Tovar's and Ingraham's predictions for 23.3, leaning on past Open experiences to make their guesses, and hear from Tovar on hosting the live announcement of 23.3 and joining Sean Woodland and Annie Sakamoto on the broadcast at CrossFit Omaha. Also in this episode, Tommy Marquez chats with Pat Vellner about his approach to Open Test 23.2 and his experience at his fourth live Open announcement. Tune in on Thursday, March 2, at games.crossfit.com to watch Mal O'Brien go toe-to-toe with Danielle Brandon in Open Test 23.3, live from CrossFit Omaha.Presented by RP Strength. RP Strength is giving away an all expense paid trip for two to train with Rich Froning. Enter for a chance to win → https://cf.games/23open_rp

“This is the first stage of finding the absolute fittest person in the world and to see where we've come from, just think about this workout being written in 2014 … it's just kind of crazy to think about. … I look at that leaderboard and I can't even believe these numbers that I'm seeing. … It's just mind blowing.” Eight-time CrossFit Games athlete Stacie Tovar joins host Chase Ingraham on the podcast to break down Open Test 23.1, a repeat of Open Workout 14.4, and share her predictions for Open Test 23.2.After sharing her story of becoming an affiliate owner, Tovar — owner of Big Omaha Fitness, home of CrossFit Omaha — breaks down the men's and women's 23.1 leaderboards with Ingraham. The pair highlight top scores, and also discuss the impact and evolution of CrossFit athletes' fitness over the years.Tovar reminisces on her own performance from 14.4 and explains how her strategy from 2014 still worked for her years, heading into 23.1.Tovar also pulls from her past experiences as a competitive athlete and offers advice to the younger generation of up-and-coming competitive athletes saying, “Soak it up, surround yourself with people willing to help you, go all in.”Hear more from Tovar on why being an affiliate owner brings her so much joy, how Haley Adams is inspiring others to be vocal about the challenges of being a competitor, and what movements she thinks could appear in Week 2 of the Open.Also in this episode, hear from CrossFit Games athletes Lazar Dukic and Laura Horvath — who, along with Gabi Migala and Bjorgvin Karl Gudmundsson, helped kick off the 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games Open from Madrid, Spain — as they share their movement strategy and overall opinions about their performances in the live announcement of Open Test 23.1.Watch the live announcement of Open Test 23.1 on the CrossFit Games YouTube channel.Presented by Chipotle. Join Chipotle Rewards for Freepotle → https://cf.games/23open_chipotle

Stacie Tovar joins Niki for the 5th episode in our Focus on Female series. Stacie an 8x CrossFit Games Athlete, Affiliate owner, and founder of Go Far Fitness and Nutrrition.

An eight-time CrossFit Games competitor. In college she had been a volleyball player at the University of Nebraska Omaha, following a high school career that saw her compete in both volleyball and track. Today she is the owner of both CrossFit Omaha and Go Far Fitness.

PregnancyMarriageChilhoodDogsHard Work

Two-Brain Radio With Sean Woodland, Episode 12: Stacie TovarOn today’s episode, Sean speaks with 8-time CrossFit Games individual competitor Stacie Tovar and her husband Dustin.Stacie first competed at the CrossFit Games in 2009 in Aromas. Her final year was in 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. She and Dustin own CrossFit Omaha in Nebraska—a gym that has been around for nearly 12 years—and recently became parents with the birth of their first son, Gavin. Sean talks with Stacie about her career as a CrossFit competitor and how she and Dustin have built their affiliate into one of the best gyms in Omaha. You'll also get insider knowledge of which Disney movies are Stacie's and Dustin's—and Sean's—favorites.Links: http://crossfitomaha.com/https://www.amazon.com/Founder-Farmer-Tinker-Thief-Entrepreneurs-ebook/dp/B07QH85HSXContact: Instagram: @stacietovar, @dustintovarTimeline:1:33 – Adjusting to parenthood.2:22 – Growing up on a Nebraskan farm: Disney movies, hard work and detasseling.6:31 – Inheriting a taste for competition. 8:28 – Finding CrossFit—thanks to husband Dustin.10:04 – When Stacie couldn’t do a box jump and why she kept coming back. 11:15 – Becoming a CrossFit Games athlete. 12:26 – Memories from the 2009 CrossFit Games at Aromas: deadlifts, dust and barbed-wire fences.15:49 – Sharing the veteran’s circle with Becca Voigt and Annie Thorisdottir.18:18 – Stacie’s retirement send-off moment at the 2017 Games and why she decided to retire.21:27 – Becoming affiliate owners and running a business with a spouse.25:40 – The most important qualities of a good affiliate. 27:37 – Developing staff.31:47 – Characteristics of a great coach. 32:28 – How CrossFit Omaha’s been successful for more than a decade. 35:26 – The future of CrossFit Omaha.

“Having a husband as a business owner, it’s literally all we do. It’s all we think about, and whereas before, when we weren’t owning the gym, I cared about it. I really cared about it, but I wasn’t nearly as … Continued The post Ep 87 – Stacie Tovar: From Legendary Competitor to Thriving Coach appeared first on Julie Foucher | Reebok CrossFit Games Athlete.

Eight-time CrossFit Games competitor Stacie Tovar talks about what it's like being the affiliate owner at CrossFit Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska. Notable Mentions: Sevan Matossian, Stacie Tovar, Matt Bischel, Johnathan Haynes, Eric Maciel, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dustin Tovar, Leif Edmundson, Cara Hipskind, CrossFit Omaha, Kyle Kasperbauer, Joe Westerlin, Libby DiBiase, Addi Kahrs, Valerie Voboril, Rebecca Voigt, Tommy Marquez, Camille Leblanc-Bazinet, Rich Froning, C.J. Cummings, James Franco, Harvey Weinstein, Steve Irwin.

She's an affiliate owner, a wife and an eight-time CrossFit Games competitor. She's Stacie Tovar! And she's on the show to share how CrossFit has changed her life and what it's been like to transition away from competition. Notable Mentions: Sevan Matossian, Stacie Tovar, Matt Bischel, Johnathan Haynes, Eric Maciel, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dustin Tovar, Leif Edmundson, Cara Hipskind, CrossFit Omaha, Kyle Kasperbauer, Joe Westerlin, Libby DiBiase, Addi Kahrs, Valerie Voboril, Rebecca Voigt, Tommy Marquez, Camille Leblanc-Bazinet, Rich Froning, C.J. Cummings, James Franco, Harvey Weinstein, Steve Irwin.

The More I Learn, The Less I F’ing Know. Episode 52 CrossFit Coaching Stud Ben Benson Drops In To Talk Competitive Fitness, His Life Direction and lots of other deep shit.   Episode at a Glance In Episode 52 the Doc (Danny Matta) and Jock (Joe Szymanek) sit down with Ben Benson, who is the owner of CrossFit Terminus, coach to Emily Bridgers and the founder of the Squat Mafia which is his competitive fitness training program. You’d probably expect this episode to be your typical interview with a high level coach a couple weeks before the Open: programming, mental preparation..etc, however it’s totally the opposite. In this episode Ben, Danny and Joe dive into some pretty deep issues: like “Where do I stand on Competitive Fitness” “Where do I stand on CrossFit” “The dogma of CrossFit” and “What the hell happened at the 2015 CrossFit Games.” If you are looking for some hot tips on how to get to regionals this isn’t going to be the podcast for you. If you are looking to get a glimpse into a very real conversation that tons of high level coaches and athletes are having within the competitive fitness community, than block out the next hour off your life and prepare to have your mind blown. Ben Benson’s Biography Website: http://crossfitterminus.com Instagram: @thebenbenson Head coach, programmer, co-owner, athlete at CrossFit Terminus.  Ben Benson was a former climber, mountain biker, and outdoor adventure lover. He traveled the world with ice climbing, but eventually determined that long climbing trips didn’t fit into a normal lifestyle. He found CrossFit in 2007 and instantly became hooked, loving the idea of functional, measurable fitness that was able to be done in a short time domain. He has now coached CrossFit as a full time profession for over 7 years. Ben has also completed the CrossFit Movement and Mobility, Gymnastics, Basic Barbell, Endurance, Science of Exercise, and CrossFit Kids certification courses. Ben appreciates quality of movement and holds his clients to the highest standard. Ben likes class structure and may seem rigid at first, but if you stick with him, he has a huge heart and is always concerned with how to better his athletes through exercise and lifestyle changes. With his tattoo flare, balanced with his perfect hair, you won’t miss this one of a kind coach when you walk into the gym! In the past Ben has coached/ programmed for a Georgia State, American and World Record holding powerlifter. Ben has coached and programmed for multiple athletes during the 2015 CrossFit Games season, with a team (Team Terminus) and individual (Emily Bridgers) winning the 1st annual Atlantic region. He has been Emily’s coach for the past 5 years and together they celebrated a 6th place finish at the 2014 CrossFit Games, as well as an additional appearance at the 2015 CrossFit Games.  Additionally, Ben began coaching and programming for Stacie Tovar and Becca Voigt  through Regionals for their 6th and 8th CrossFit Games appearances respectively.   Quick Show Guide [0:00] – [3:52] Show Intro Danny intro’s coach Ben Benson and gives our sponsors some shutouts. [4:58] Ben Benson details his background in climbing and mountain biking and tells us how one move on the side of icey rock changed his life forever and how that eventually led him into the world of fitness. [16:54] Danny and Ben get into a deep conversation on what it takes to be a competitive fitness athlete and is it really worth it. The conversation hits some interesting topics including the addiction to volume, and how competitive fitness is not CrossFit, as well as is the competitors lifestyle really what you want.   [25:19] Danny talks about the long term effects of competitive fitness from a Physio-Coach perspective. [26:33] Ben Benson talks about Emily’s 2015 CrossFit gam...

The More I Learn, The Less I F’ing Know. Episode 52 CrossFit Coaching Stud Ben Benson Drops In To Talk Competitive Fitness, His Life Direction and lots of other deep shit.   Episode at a Glance In Episode 52 the Doc (Danny Matta) and Jock (Joe Szymanek) sit down with Ben Benson, who is the owner of CrossFit Terminus, coach to Emily Bridgers and the founder of the Squat Mafia which is his competitive fitness training program. You’d probably expect this episode to be your typical interview with a high level coach a couple weeks before the Open: programming, mental preparation..etc, however it’s totally the opposite. In this episode Ben, Danny and Joe dive into some pretty deep issues: like “Where do I stand on Competitive Fitness” “Where do I stand on CrossFit” “The dogma of CrossFit” and “What the hell happened at the 2015 CrossFit Games.” If you are looking for some hot tips on how to get to regionals this isn’t going to be the podcast for you. If you are looking to get a glimpse into a very real conversation that tons of high level coaches and athletes are having within the competitive fitness community, than block out the next hour off your life and prepare to have your mind blown. Ben Benson’s Biography Website: http://crossfitterminus.com Instagram: @thebenbenson Head coach, programmer, co-owner, athlete at CrossFit Terminus.  Ben Benson was a former climber, mountain biker, and outdoor adventure lover. He traveled the world with ice climbing, but eventually determined that long climbing trips didn’t fit into a normal lifestyle. He found CrossFit in 2007 and instantly became hooked, loving the idea of functional, measurable fitness that was able to be done in a short time domain. He has now coached CrossFit as a full time profession for over 7 years. Ben has also completed the CrossFit Movement and Mobility, Gymnastics, Basic Barbell, Endurance, Science of Exercise, and CrossFit Kids certification courses. Ben appreciates quality of movement and holds his clients to the highest standard. Ben likes class structure and may seem rigid at first, but if you stick with him, he has a huge heart and is always concerned with how to better his athletes through exercise and lifestyle changes. With his tattoo flare, balanced with his perfect hair, you won’t miss this one of a kind coach when you walk into the gym! In the past Ben has coached/ programmed for a Georgia State, American and World Record holding powerlifter. Ben has coached and programmed for multiple athletes during the 2015 CrossFit Games season, with a team (Team Terminus) and individual (Emily Bridgers) winning the 1st annual Atlantic region. He has been Emily’s coach for the past 5 years and together they celebrated a 6th place finish at the 2014 CrossFit Games, as well as an additional appearance at the 2015 CrossFit Games.  Additionally, Ben began coaching and programming for Stacie Tovar and Becca Voigt  through Regionals for their 6th and 8th CrossFit Games appearances respectively.   Quick Show Guide [0:00] – [3:52] Show Intro Danny intro’s coach Ben Benson and gives our sponsors some shutouts. [4:58] Ben Benson details his background in climbing and mountain biking and tells us how one move on the side of icey rock changed his life forever and how that eventually led him into the world of fitness. [16:54] Danny and Ben get into a deep conversation on what it takes to be a competitive fitness athlete and is it really worth it. The conversation hits some interesting topics including the addiction to volume, and how competitive fitness is not CrossFit, as well as is the competitors lifestyle really what you want.   [25:19] Danny talks about the long term effects of competitive fitness from a Physio-Coach perspective. [26:33] Ben Benson talks about Emily’s 2015 CrossFit gam...

Join Armen Hammer and Scott McGee as they travel to Boston for the Kill Cliff East Coast Championships and chat with awesome guests in the Natural Grips studios.  

This week on Barbell Shrugged we are honored to be joined by Kevin Ogar. Just in case you aren’t aware, Kevin became well-known after fracturing his spine at a competition in January 2014.     It’s only been six months since that devastating, notorious injury, but Kevin seems remarkably recovered, at least spiritually and emotionally. You should have seen him smile wide when he was telling us about the bright white Stacie Tovar shorts he was wearing underneath his pants. “Yeah, I’m actually wearing them underneath here. I heard she was going to be over at the Barbells for Boobs tent…I thought I would challenge her to a booty-shortshowdown.”   That group has been so supportive and caring for Kevin and his family these past few months, causing a bit of a stir at their Crossfit Games tent would be the least he could do in return. Also, it would just be a good time. That’s one of the lesson’s that Kevin has taken away from the injury. “Now that I’m in a wheelchair I really like to push the limits of what I can get away with.”   It’s hard not to love that attitude. I must admit, I’m not sure I could keep that perspective, especially after such a freak accident. That’s really all it was, a freak thing on an otherwise routine set of snatches. An off catch with a modest load. A dumped repetition that changed a life forever. The question has been begged over and over by now, “Is Crossfit dangerous?” But Kevin flatly denies that. It was more about the angle, the odd timing, the one in a million shot that did the breaking. In truth, he’s one of the rarest of patients. Most injuries of this sort are attributed to skiing accidents, vehicle crashes, and other sorts of routine activities where the risk is more widely known and accepted. But this is different. In fact, it’s hard to identify another case like Kevin’s at all. The injury was anything but an inevitability.   Our conversation started to turn visceral and raw when Kevin began to describe how the injury felt. At the moment of fracture his nervous system went into extreme shock and alarm. His whole body burned with pain and sharp electricity. I just sat there as he spoke, quivering a bit, growing more and more queasy by the second. I couldn’t imagine the feeling, and I couldn't respect the guy more for what he has endured.    Eight Dilaudid fueled, motionless days followed the injury. At first the doctors didn’t want to lose Kevin to shock and blood loss. Next up was the intense spinal surgery that would place his back into alignment. The approach was from the side. The ribs were split and dislocated. His organs had to be removed and his entire core reassembled. “That surgery has a 35% survival rate.” That only made the weight of this injury all the more heavy. I could hardly stand the thought.    Despite the dangers and risks, Kevin couldn’t have had a better surgical outcome. Still, he know’s he has a battle ahead. “They say the chances of me walking again all on my own are less than 1%, but I’m the king of small percentages. I'm 3% of the world's population as a Ginger 3%. I have blue eyes, which means I’m 1% of that population…So, I like small numbers.”  Kevin began his rehab by facing his first big physical challenge, getting upright in a wheel-chair. “I know it sounds easy, but it’s so hard. It feels like you’re sitting on top of a balance ball, only imagine if your leg’s didn’t work.” Still, he did it, and he’s still at work. What remains of his core musculature has begun to adapt. His nervous system is reinervating and adjusting in astonishing ways. Hell, the guy still manages to have a six-pack, despite the damage.    No, there are no guarantee’s here for the recovery effort, but there’s cause for optimism. Who know’s what technology will come in the coming years. For paraplegics and spinal cord patients who are able to keep their bodies strong and fit, anything could be possible. If you can remain resilient, tough, and hard to kill, then you should feel optimistic. Kevin’s got that written all over his face. His happiness and positive outlook are true.    Kevin is training as hard now as he ever has, but the goals and outlook have obviously changed immensely. It’s no longer about maximizing strength and fitness, it’s more about not sucking so bad at life in general. It’s about attacking weaknesses, which now include showering, going to the bathroom, and getting back up into his chair after a fall. Sled pulling, prowler pushing, dumbbell work, gymnastic drills, it all has a place in his regimen.    That’s where the biggest lesson of Kevin’s story shines through, I think. Progress on the small things is incredibly rewarding. Consider going back and working on the basics. It might be your posture, your foot position, your timing, whatever. Remastering it will be one of the most rewarding things you can do. If you get injured, do not stop. There’s always something you can still do. So do it! Something is better than nothing, always. And who know’s, this enforced change might just be the best thing for you. For once, you might be forced into doing something new, something necessary. You’ll have to develop and utilize new tools. That’s always a good thing.    I don’t think there’s a limit to what Kevin can achieve. He might walk again, I hope. But he’s definitely not going anywhere. He will keep finding new ways to train and compete as an adaptive Crossfit athlete. He’ll keep working to share the message of fitness with other patients, bringing the support and community that have made such a difference in his life since January.    Revelry, revelry, you have our full support, Kevin. There’s no limit to what you will achieve.    To learn more about the cause and support Kevin’s efforts, make sure to check out KevinOgar.com. You can also follow him on Instagram and Facebook in order to stay up to date on all the latest developments.    Thanks, Kevin. It was truly an honor to meet and chat with you.      Chris

Listen to recordings from the Kill Cliff East Coast Championships in Boston Massachusetts with special guest Baker Leavitt