Age is never an excuse! Like a selection of fine wines, these 10 Masters Athletes show how to improve with age, and that Crossfit is indeed for everyone.
10. SCOTT OLSEN
Age:
64
Merits:
Has competed in every master’s games since 2010.
Background:
Scott owns and runs Bladium Crossfit. He has a business degree and competes in Region South West, although he tore his bicep in 2010 in the second workout, he hasn’t let injury slow him down at all. He started crossfit because of his daughter who also competes
9. JANET BLACK
Age:
42
Merits:
Clear Winner in masters 40-45 Category.
Background:
Teacher, coach at crossfit WMD (weapons of Mass destruction), will compete as an individual at Regionals Atlantic, one of eight women to do so. She also tied for 2nd in the open
8. CINDY KELLEY
Age:
52
Merits:
2nd in 2014, 2015 winner in the 50-54 category
Background:
From northern California, she trains and coaches at Crossfit Turlock. Kelley comes from an athletic past, having specialised in the 400m hurdles, which is a particularly grueling event, so no wonder she found her feet so well in Crossfit.
Crossfit Masters: Cindy Kelley working hard!
7. WILL POWELL
Age:
55
Merits:
Won 2014 in category 50-54
Background:
A Professional drug-free bodybuilder, he tried crossfit without a coach at first but then came to Crossfit Versatile. He competes in the Mid-Atlantic region and has his own weight-loss specialized gym after 20 years of running a successful landscaping business.
Will Powell takes first place
6. LIDIA BEER
Age:
59
Merits:
Ranks 1st in her group in the Open
Background:
This dedicated athlete used to be overweight until she decided to make a change. She completed 13 marathons before turning to Crossfit as a new challenge in 2010! Training and working as a coach at Crossfit ISO, she is passionate about nutrition and performance.
59 and not slowing down!
5. RON ORTIZ
Age:
50
Merits:
2013 Masters champion in the 45-49 age category
Background:
Top of the Open leaderboard for his age bracket, he is a former firefighter and competes in the South East Region. He trains at HustleHard Crossfit and sticks to a paleo/zone diet that is carefully worked out with a nutritionist
Ron Ortiz: A strong and fast athlete
4. ALI CRAWFORD
Age:
40
Merits:
Placed 1st in Europe in the 40-44 age group this year
Background:
Crossfit East Kilbride member, she has been crushing it this year and carrying the torch for all the proud Scottish Crossfitters!
Ali Crawford: representing for Scotland
3. BILL GRUNDLER
Age:
46
Merits:
Great athlete and a commentator for CrossFit
Background:
Grundler is box owner / programmer at Crossfit Inferno in Santa Cruz. He is a former lifeguard, firefighter and coach, high school teacher, wrestling and swimming coach. Introduced to crossfit in 2001 in California, he has not looked back since.
Bill “Grundlerine” Grundler
2. ANNIE SAKAMOTO
Age:
40
Merits:
One of the original Crossfit ‘Nasty Girls’
Background:
Her first CrossFit Games appearance took place in 2009, and she has known Greg Glassman since 2004. She became a coach in Northern California, and is the owner of Crossfit Santa Cruz Central, which is only 200m away from the original, first ever Crossfit box.
One of the original CrossFit ‘Nasty Girls’
1 CROSSFIT MASTERS: SHAWN RAMIREZ
Age:
41
Merits:
2 x times Master champion 40-45, recently beat Teenage champ Nicolas Paladino in the 16.3 Live Open Announcement
Background:
A former Wrestler, he studied Exercise Physiology and Sports Medicine, and is the clear favourite for this year. He claims that he wants:
‘Kids to get active again like we did in the 80s!’
He trains 7 days a week during his preparation for the Masters competitions, including 2 rest days of a 1 mile swim and a 10k Row.
A photo posted by Shawn C. Ramirez (@shawn_theram) on
