MEMBER FEATURE: Mike McKibben

From the Basketball Court to the Bike Sprint Finish Line

If you’ve ever been in a class with Mike McKibben, you’ve likely seen him powering through a bike sprint or chatting with someone new—two things he’s known for at CrossFit CL.

A retired engineer and project manager, Mike spent his career contributing to major organizations around Saskatoon, including the University of Saskatchewan, Canadian Light Source, and Calian Advanced Technologies. Outside the gym, he enjoys woodworking, golf, hiking, and still plays basketball weekly.

Mike first heard about CrossFit from longtime friend and teammate Rob Woods. After months of dodging invites with a growing list of excuses, he finally gave in—and hasn’t looked back since.

“I was impressed right from the start,” he says. “The atmosphere was so friendly, and the coaches were incredibly knowledgeable. I felt welcome from day one.”

Originally, Mike didn’t join with specific fitness goals—he just wanted to stay active and get stronger. But now, he’s got his sights set on an unassisted pull-up and continues to chip away at it with consistent training and help from coaches like Jason, who “always has little tips that make a big difference.”

While upper body strength is still a work in progress, his power and confidence on the bike are unmatched. “I love finishing a workout with an all-out sprint and collapsing at the end,” he laughs. “That moment of accomplishment is what keeps me coming back.”

The CrossFit CL community has played a huge role in Mike’s experience. “It’s been amazing to meet new people. Everyone—men, women, young and old—is so encouraging. I really enjoy the conversations and the shared energy in class.”

On tough days, Mike leans on routine and a bit of humour. “We joke at the start of every workout—‘why do we do this to ourselves?’ But the truth is, we all come back because of how it feels when it’s done.”

If he could create his dream WOD? It would definitely include biking, rowing, and box jumps. And if you’re just starting out, Mike has simple advice: “Just do it. You’ll get fit, have fun, and meet great people along the way.”

Looking ahead, Mike’s excited to keep building strength and staying active—one sprint, one pull-up, and one conversation at a time.

Thanks for taking your CrossFit leap with us, Mike! We’re so glad Rob nudged you in — our community is better with you in it <3