Be the change.

Making a statement is difficult. Taking a stand for what you truly believe in should not be. Here is my attempt at both.

Growing up, I never could have guessed I would eventually be in a position of leadership where people might be watching what I do to see if I am worth supporting. My personal experiences have led me to where I am now and I find myself struggling to find the words to help my community. The past few months have seen radical events unfold, starting with COVID-19, then Black Lives Matter, and now the statements by Greg Glassman, founder and CEO of CrossFit. Each one by itself is difficult for any business owner to navigate, but now worlds are colliding and something has to be done.

I wholeheartedly believe that something must be done and we have to use the momentum created by the #BLM movement to keep pushing forward. Taking a stand now is as important as ever and silence is no different than opposing the change (I thank my wife for educating me on this).

I don't know what the future of CrossFit will look like but I know that StrongFit was founded on being inclusive and treating others with the same respect regardless of fitness level, athleticism, occupation, ethnicity, or creed. We come from a place of tolerance and acceptance. We trust each other and do not judge based on what you like versus what someone else likes. We also come from a place of forgiveness and second chances. I have made some big mistakes, not once, but multiple times and on a very public scale. The gym was founded on rash decisions and what I thought the fitness community was missing. I and I alone have made bad decisions which ultimately led to my suspension as an athlete and coach, and to be branded as a cheat for the rest of my life. I can't take back any of those decisions but I can gladly say that they helped me become who I am today, and that is a person that makes mistakes but is willing to learn and grow. It also puts me in the mindset that people can be forgiven if they're willing to acknowledge what they've done wrong and are willing to change. I would be a hypocrite if I didn’t give people a chance to fix their mistakes. Recognizing when you’ve made a mistake and wanting to change that about yourself takes time and reflection. Our actions today can shape what CrossFit will look like in the future, and for what CrossFit has done for me and the people around me, I have to give them time. For them, the obstacle could be the way, and this could be the best thing for them to emerge as a leader in all respects, not just in the fitness realm.

I don't believe inflammatory, tone-deaf, insensitive comments made by a global fitness leader (Greg Glassman/CrossFit) represent CrossFit as a whole, but I cannot continue to support them the way they are. StrongFit is a CrossFit affiliate and I have participated in CrossFit events since before the Open even existed, but unless they choose to use their platform to be the change that needs to be seen in the world, and do so with sincerity, then I will no longer have any affiliation with them or their events.

I am optimistic that someone who has had such a positive influence in my life will want to change and be the leader that affiliate owners deserve. But that may not be the direction he wants to go in which makes the decision for change that much easier.

Thank you StrongFit community for your patience and understanding.

Sincerely,
Jason

****UPDATE****
Since the time this post was completed, Greg Glassman has stepped down as CEO and is retiring. Dave Castro is filling the position of CEO in a statement made on the CrossFit page:

Greg Glassman:

“I’m stepping down as CEO of CrossFit, Inc., and I have decided to retire. On Saturday I created a rift in the CrossFit community and unintentionally hurt many of its members. Since I founded CrossFit 20 years ago, it has become the world’s largest network of gyms. All are aligned in offering an elegant solution to the vexing problem of chronic disease. Creating CrossFit and supporting its affiliates and legions of professional trainers has been a labor of love.

Those who know me know that my sole issue is the chronic disease epidemic. I know that CrossFit is the solution to this epidemic and that CrossFit HQ and its staff serve as the stewards of CrossFit affiliates worldwide. I cannot let my behavior stand in the way of HQ’s or affiliates’ missions. They are too important to jeopardize.”

Dave Castro:

“CrossFit is a community — one that is global, diverse, and tough. Every person in our community shares a common bond. We are all dedicated to a visionary, transformative approach to health and fitness. Our individual passions for that approach have forged an enduring community.

Our community is hurt, though. Our shared bond brings together millions of people with differing opinions, viewpoints, and experiences. Friction is inevitable. Common ground, mutual respect, and fellowship must also be inevitable. I’m honored to take on the role of CEO of CrossFit, Inc. I hope to do right by affiliates, trainers, athletes, and other members of the CrossFit community around the world and never lose sight of the mission Greg established for us all.”

This is the first step (in what I hope is going to be many) where we see CrossFit take the initiative and become leaders outside of health and fitness. I know that is something I will continue to work on and I hope to join many others in being the change that we need to see right now.