This weekend life-long Grand County resident, coach, teacher and rancher Cal Cherrington won the title of fittest man 65+ at the CrossFit games. It was his fourth games appearance and he absolutely dominated, taking first place in six out of eight workouts and outscoring the second place finisher by 150 points. Cal has always been a mentor and inspiration to many Middle Park graduates and the Stand Firm CrossFit family that he and his wife Tami have supported over the years. But this is truly an accomplishment that can only be possible through hard work, grit and determination. 

Cal’s success proves that CrossFit is for anyone no matter your age, physical abilities, or background. In fact, one work out in the games was exactly the same for all athletes, no scaling or modifications. A British adaptive athlete who was shot through both legs during his military service received the same score as the 17th top male athlete in that event. ANYONE can find success in CrossFit if you show up consistently and allow your self to embrace the individual challenge each workout brings. For us, Cal has proven that the family and community around Stand Firm CrossFit is like no other sport. He likes to say pain is weakness leaving the body and it’s through that shared pain CrossFit athletes find camaraderie. From every Middle Park graduate you and Tami mentored, individual that passed through the Stand Firm doors and the Grand County Community, congratulations, Coach!

Chad Spurlin, Granby