Summit County resident John George has achieved a remarkable feat by winning the 2024 CrossFit Games in the 65-plus age division. George, who owns Mountain Wave and Blue River Sports, had previously competed in the 2023 Games where he narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth.
Determined to improve on his performance, George returned to CrossFit Breckenridge, where he has trained for over a decade. Working closely with coach Dan Messinger and Dr. Josh Jones of Apollo Performance, George honed his skills and fitness in preparation for the 2024 competition.
CrossFit, a popular fitness regimen involving varied functional movements performed at high intensities, hosts annual games to determine the “fittest” athletes on earth. Exercises typically include rowing, weighted farmer carries, running, muscle-ups, burpees, dumbbell snatches, and box jumps.
George’s journey with CrossFit began in 2009 when a friend invited him to try a workout. Initially skeptical of what seemed like a fitness trend, George quickly discovered that CrossFit was an ideal workout regime as he aged. “It worked out really well for me,” George explained. “Because as you age, you tend to fade away. I feel like this is what people my age need — to lift some weights.”
In 2018, George entered his first CrossFit competition, placing 26th in the South West region, 294th in the U.S., and 352nd worldwide. After taking a brief hiatus, he returned to competing in 2022. The following year, George qualified for his first CrossFit Games, overcoming previous technical difficulties that had hindered his 2022 attempt.
At the 2023 Games in Madison, Wisconsin, George showcased his abilities across various workouts, including a first-place finish in the cross-country 5K run. His impressive performance led to a tie for third place, but he ultimately finished fourth due to a tiebreaker.
Undeterred by the near miss, George used the experience as motivation for the 2024 Games. He continued his rigorous training at CrossFit Breckenridge, drawing inspiration from Summit County’s athletic community. “Summit County has so many athletes, and everyone is training for something,” George noted. “Everyone has got the same working hard to a certain point and backing off a little bit mentality. That is mostly what I did.”
George’s dedication paid off at the 2024 CrossFit Games in Birmingham, Alabama, held from August 29 to September 1. At 68 years old, he accumulated 734 points over the four-day competition, securing the title of “Fittest on Earth” in his age division.
This victory was not just a personal triumph for George but also a testament to the support he received from the Summit County community. “It was kind of a big deal,” George reflected. “When you get to my age, the natural thought process tells you that you should be done. It is so cool not to be done. It is kind of exciting. I can still go.”
George’s success story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that age is not a barrier to achieving fitness goals. His journey from a local business owner to a CrossFit champion highlights the potential for personal growth and athletic achievement at any stage of life.
The unwavering support from his coach, Dan Messinger, and Dr. Josh Jones played a crucial role in George’s success. “Having that support there was amazing. I cannot say enough nice things about that,” George acknowledged, emphasizing the importance of a strong support system in reaching one’s goals.
As George celebrates his hard-earned title, his accomplishment stands as a powerful example of perseverance, dedication, and the enduring spirit of athleticism that thrives in Summit County’s vibrant community.