I don’t get caught by surprise very often. I’m usually pretty aware of all the things going on around me but today I was completely unaware. When a few extra people started to show up for my regular Sunday Bull’s Burner I didn’t pay much attention but then the numbers kept increasing. Pretty soon it was obvious that something was going on.

I was absolutely delighted to see so many people from our incredible Crossfit North Vancouver community come out in support of my upcoming trip to the Games, and even some friends from other gyms. With a look at the number of people in the gym I quickly changed the workout to a partner WOD and got started on a warmup.

I was touched and grateful to the kind words Dave and Mandy expressed, and so happy to see so many people there. I have appreciated all the support and encouragement I’ve received through the Open then the Masters Qualifier and my eventual placing of 4th in my division.

It has been a long road. I went to the Games in 2012 and then in 2013 I thought I’d made it again but some late postings of scores bumped me out of the top 20 and into 22nd place. To be so close and not make it was a tough lesson. I started my training for 2014 right then. I am grateful for all the coaching I’ve received this past year from Chris, Alex and Dave. And also from the other great athletes in the gym who constantly inspire me to be better. To Roe, Mandy, Corey, Richard, Matt, and all the others who regularly kick my butt on the workouts and make me push that bit harder to try and stay close to them. And I’m grateful for every encouraging word from all the other athletes who fight their own battles alongside me, all pushing themselves and me to finish every round, to beat every time cap, to hit new PRs.

Hard work does pay off and the fact that after such a long struggle I am now in charge of my double unders is an example of it. I don’t claim to be anything more than someone who is willing to put in the work to improve and stubborn enough to never quit. If that can inspire someone else to stay on the path for their own improvement then I’ll accept that compliment.

On July 20th I will fly to Los Angeles and register for the 2014 Crossfit Games. When I pick my workout gear I will proudly be displaying our gym’s name and putting Crossfit North Vancouver on the Games map. I am delighted that there will be familiar faces in the stands when I compete and am so grateful for those who are going down early to cheer me on. That means an awful lot. It also means a lot the money that was collected today to help with my expenses. I appreciate everyone’s generosity and kindness.

All I can tell you know is that I feel I am ready. I will go out there and compete against my peers and do it with a smile on my face. I will try my hardest at every workout and hopefully to a good job at representing all of you.