When Ricky Garard walks onto a competition floor, there’s an undeniable intensity about him. The Australian athlete, who finished as the 2nd Fittest Man in the World at the CrossFit Games, has built a reputation not just for his physical ability but for his relentless desire to prove himself. At the World Fitness Project (WFP) in Mesa, Garard sat down with BOXROX for an exclusive quick conversation about his mindset, his rivalry with Jayson Hopper, and his vision for the sport’s future.
Loving the Opportunity to Compete
For Garard, competing isn’t just something he does – it’s who he is. When asked why he signed up for the World Fitness Project, his answer was refreshingly honest.
“Just to have more opportunity to be able to compete. I love to compete and showcase what I can do. And also, the money is always good. Having a secure contract was something that was exciting for me.”
Unlike the CrossFit Games, which peak once a year, the WFP allows athletes like Garard to step onto the floor more often, test themselves in different environments, and build consistency in front of fans. That rhythm, he says, keeps him sharp and motivated.
The Redemption Fire
But perhaps the biggest spark driving Garard right now is redemption. At the CrossFit Games, Jayson Hopper got the better of him, and it’s a moment Garard hasn’t forgotten.
“Jayson Hopper beat me at the Games, so I’m going to get redemption on him this weekend.”
That comment set the tone for his WFP appearance in Mesa. It’s not just about competing for Ricky – it’s about righting wrongs, answering critics, and proving he belongs at the very top. Rivalries like this add fuel to an already fiery competitor, and Garard is more than happy to embrace the challenge.
Training and Preparation
Despite the differences between the CrossFit Games and the WFP, Garard insists his training stays largely the same. The structure might change depending on the workouts announced, but his approach is steady.
“Much the same. Once the workouts come out, you just practice them and work out your strategy. But it’s the same style, same technique.”
For him, the real key is staying healthy and consistent. Preparation is about maintaining the engine, honing execution, and arriving on the competition floor ready to perform at his absolute best.
Learning to Harness the Pressure
Few athletes know the highs and lows of competition like Garard. Over time, though, he’s learned that pressure can be a weapon if handled properly.
“The more you do it, the more you understand your thought patterns and how to control it. You’ve got to have the confidence and belief in yourself when you go out there that you’ve put in the work to get the results you’re after.”
That calmness doesn’t mean the nerves go away — but it means he’s learned to channel them into sharper performances when it matters most.
A Bigger Vision for the Sport
Beyond his own performances, Garard is passionate about the growth of the sport. He sees the WFP as a unique opportunity to expand functional fitness to new audiences.
“Having more spectators improves the experience for us on the floor. With that comes more opportunities to potentially make more money and make a career out of it for us athletes, which would be cool.”
He also believes the competition could benefit from introducing unconventional, outdoor-style challenges.
“Something like a trail run up a mountain, then a bike down, and a run to the finish — something like that would be cool.”
It’s this willingness to push boundaries that makes Garard not only a competitor but also a voice for the evolution of the sport.
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