“I’m not in this sport to gain or to get. That’s not why I’m doing this. I’m doing this because I believe somewhere down the line somebody’s gonna be inspired by my story and by my journey.”
On this episode of “More Than Fitness,” nine-time CrossFit Games athlete Cole Sager opens up about his introduction to CrossFit, his evolution as an athlete, and the impact he hopes to leave on the community.

Sager retells the story of how he was introduced to CrossFit in 2013 by his best friend Cody, who recently died from brain cancer, and how he knew he wanted to be competitive in the sport. He shares the story of finishing Grace — his first CrossFit workout — in 3:33, realizing after the workout that he used 155 lb instead of 135 lb as is prescribed.

Sager also describes his path through the CrossFit space, training with former Games athlete Rory Zambard, eventually quitting his job to be a full-time athlete, and working with Ben Bergeron and CompTrain.

A new father, Sager candidly talks about the premature birth of his son, Jack, and how that experience, the recent death of his friend, and other moments in his life have given him perspective and have made him grateful for his life’s journey.

In this episode, learn more about the inspiration Sager hopes to be for others, his first Open workout in 2013, and how he learned to do bar muscle-ups on a park swing set.