Through the Years: The Trinh Family’s CrossFit Journey

No introduction needed—Jason & Sarah Trinh (and their little powerhouses, Thomas & Nora) are a cornerstone of CrossFit OneFifty. Their journey is one of fitness, romance, and family, and it’s a story worth celebrating.

The Beginning: A Love Story Built on Fitness

Jason’s fitness journey started in 2002 at California Fitness after moving to Saskatoon from Raymore, SK. While he initially committed to the gym for a couple of years, he eventually fell off—until 2009, when he found CrossFit.

Jason: "Before starting CrossFit, I was the least fit and most overweight I had ever been. I tried an MMA class, but after barely surviving the warm-up, I ended up in the bathroom losing my lunch. Running 5km became my next goal, and after achieving that, I decided to try CrossFit. Within nine months, I was enrolled in a Kinesiology degree and coaching part-time."

One year later, in 2010, Sarah was introduced to CrossFit thanks to her dad, Randy Hills. His office was above the gym Jason coached at, and after hearing the sounds of barbells dropping, he decided to check it out—and brought Sarah along for a bring-a-friend day.

Sarah: "I was in a transitional phase—back in Saskatoon after school, trying to secure a teaching contract. Cheerleading had been my sport for ten years, and I struggled to find something I enjoyed. The moment I walked into the gym, I was hooked. The support and encouragement made me feel at home. It felt like a team."

If Randy hadn’t joined, Jason & Sarah’s lives would look very different today. They quickly became teammates, then partners in fitness, life, and love. Their romance bloomed in 2012, and they were enjoying life together until 2014 brought a devastating loss—Jason’s father passed away suddenly due to a drunk driver.

Jason: "That loss gave me a greater sense of urgency to make an impact through fitness. In 2016, I became a husband, father, gym owner, and restaurant manager all at once. We went from working out in our garage (nicknamed ‘CrossFit 6’ and Under’ due to the low ceilings) to opening the doors of StrongFit YXE."

Overcoming Challenges: Fitness, Family, and Balance

Building a family and gym community wasn’t without its challenges. Like many, they struggled with body confidence, making time for their own fitness, and setting a good example for their kids.

Sarah: "When I was in university, I told a friend I wanted muscular arms, and she looked at me like I was crazy. That insecurity stuck with me. What I love about CFCL is that strong women are celebrated, not judged. I love that my kids see women out-lifting men, and the men support them. I struggled to get back to fitness after two c-sections in 19 months, but this community celebrated my post-baby PRs and helped me regain confidence."

And then came 2020—the COVID pandemic. Jason credits the gym’s survival to the government assistance and, most importantly, the unwavering support of their community.

Jason: "The closures were tough, but our members carried us through. It made me even more committed to ensuring the best member experience possible. In a world with endless fitness options, we’ve doubled down on making CFCL a place where people want to stay."

Jason has never questioned coaching as his calling. His own struggles in CrossFit made him a better teacher.

Jason: "I was never a natural athlete, so I know what it’s like to struggle with kipping movements, skipping, and weightlifting. My experiences help me coach better. I love seeing people overcome fear, compete, and experience those ‘aha’ moments. A quote from the CrossFit Journal in 2010 still resonates: ‘I came to motivate people in my gym to sign up and get into the spirit of this.’ The community aspect of CrossFit keeps me going."

A Family That Grows Together

CFCL isn’t just a business or gym for the Trinh family—it’s home.

Sarah: "This gym has always been part of Jason’s life, even before we had a physical space. Many members have been in our lives since the beginning—at our wedding, throwing baby showers, and supporting us through everything. Jason’s vision for a gym community became reality, and I hope new members feel that same sense of belonging."

Jason: "I’m grateful for the opportunities to challenge myself, but I couldn’t do it without my family. Sarah’s support and my in-laws’ help allow us to grow. Since 2020, I’ve taken up mountain biking, long-distance running, and I’ve pushed my limits. One of my guiding quotes is: ‘The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts’ (Marcus Aurelius). Your thoughts determine your actions, habits, and character. If you’re unhappy, start with your mindset."

The Last Two Years: Growth, Achievements, and New Challenges

Now, in 2025, the Trinh family continues to thrive. With the CrossFit Games season underway, they’ve found balance in training, family, and personal goals.

Sarah, now at a new school, still dominates the gym, finding time to improve despite a busy schedule. In the first week of the CrossFit Open, she logged the top women’s score at CFCL and ranks in the 97th percentile worldwide! Since 2023, she has set provincial Masters records in the snatch, clean and jerk, and total, and is currently ranked 14th overall in Saskatchewan and second among Masters women. This season, she aims to challenge the Canadian Masters records in the 53kg weight class.

Thomas & Nora have flourished, competing in weightlifting meets, the Kids of Steel Triathlon, BMX racing, downhill skiing, and excelling in swimming. Their confidence shines in new challenges, from soccer and bodyboarding to karaoke performances :)

Jason is holding his own in the Open, battling it out with Sarah in 25.1 (she won). He balances weightlifting and CrossFit, preparing for Senior Nationals 2025, his first since 2017. He qualified at the 2024 Canadian Westerns, winning his weight class and setting new Canadian Masters and Saskatchewan records. Now 40, he’s ready to compete against Canada’s best. Jason has also ran two half-marathons, a full marathon, and is in his 15th year competing in the Open. He credits his coaches, training partners, and dietitian for keeping him on track, and, of course, his family for always being by his side.

The Legacy Continues

For the Trinh family, fitness is more than workouts—it’s about community, resilience, and continuous growth. With Jason leading CFCL, Sarah setting records, and Thomas & Nora tackling new challenges, their story is far from over.

If you ever need motivation, just look to the Trinhs—living proof that strength, support, and perseverance build more than just muscles; they build a legacy.