CROSSFIT TRANSFORMATIONS – Pat Vellner Before he was Famous

Pat Vellner put in an incredible performance as the 2016 CrossFit Games, finishing in third place. The Canadian newcomer combined his gymnastic background with exceptional raw talent and a humble yet trojan work ethic. In order to qualify, he went through every event in Regionals with a torn bicep after injuring it on the Snatch ladder in the first event. His laid back and affable attitude has won him many supporters, but beneath that lies a sharp mind and great mental tenacity. 

Lots of weightlifting EMOMs going down with @dekacomp lately! Getting crushed by the barbells these days, but it's been fun to get back under a few. Today's session started with A 15 minute snatch complex EMOM followed by a 10 minute clean and jerk complex EMOM. Then we went back to the dumb bells for the rest of the day… #barbells #weightlifting #gamesbound #crossfit #dishard #fitnessinghard #imightbebetteratdumbbells #beanathlete #makeitcount #reebokcanada #proenergyfit @hatlex_canada @forging_heroes @reebokcanada @proenergynutrition @crossfitgames

A post shared by Patrick Vellner (@pvellner) on Jun 12, 2017 at 4:57pm PDT

In the East Regionals Pat was constantly fighting against Mat Fraser, and if there is any athlete that looks like they could challenge his reign this year, this Canadian is a strong candidate. Even Dave Castro has marked him down as a potential future winner of The CrossFit Games.  

Sometimes you've just got to channel your inner Michael Jackson and get the work done. #BillyJean #heeeheee #sandbags #eastregional #crossfit #roadtothegames #beanathlete #makeitcount #proenergyfit #reebokcanada @hatlex_canada @forging_heroes @proenergynutrition @reebokcanada @crossfit

A post shared by Patrick Vellner (@pvellner) on May 31, 2017 at 9:15am PDT

Dave Castro Explains Which Athlete He Thinks could Beat Mat Fraser This Year at The CrossFit Games

PAT VELLNER BEFORE CROSSFIT

Before Crossfit Pat Vellner trained in gymnastics:

“It’s cool to look back and see where it all began. Just a little weenie starting off in gymnastics. 20ish years later I’m still a weenie just with slightly bigger muscles and worse style.”

#TBT to many years ago when I first started competing in sports. Today, as I turn 26 and prepare to compete at the 2016 Crossfit Games, it's cool to look back and see where it all began. Just a little weenie starting off in gymnastics. 20ish years later I'm still a weenie just with slightly bigger muscles and worse style. #swag #jacked #gamesathlete #beyourownlegend #beanathlete #makeitcount #skinnyfat #beautifulhair #garnier #pipecleanerstrength @legends_fitwear @hatlex_canada @forging_heroes @crossfitgames

A post shared by Patrick Vellner (@pvellner) on Jul 14, 2016 at 2:05pm PDT

I kind of missed the #SiblingsDay boat, but I'm still going to give my boys some love. Thanks for being the coolest dudes a guy could ask for, always having my back and always being down for some good times. You're so great that I don't even mind being the middle child. I may have had to really dig to find a picture of us all together, but you're always close to my heart. Love you guys. #brolove #siblingsofinstagram #middlechild #skillz #belated #iftheyonlyknew @jvellner @uncle.mitchy

A post shared by Patrick Vellner (@pvellner) on Apr 11, 2017 at 3:40pm PDT

Pat is also very honest about his relationship with his training, in both a physical and psychological sense.

With this year's regionals finish came a huge amount of relief for me. Leading up to the event I had some anxiety, in fact I've had it most of the year, because I was concerned that I was simply not good enough. No matter how hard I trained all year, I have been unable to escape a small feeling that I got lucky last year, and that I really don't belong where I am. I think that many athletes often feel this way and my brother @jvellner recently wrote a blog post about "Imposter Syndrome" related to his experiences in sports and show business as well (link in bio). As athletes we tend to be very hard on ourselves, overly critical of our own shortcomings and sometimes have trouble internalizing our own success. We feel all of the work we put in, but often just continue to see holes while seeing only the successes of others and not their sacrifices. It looks so easy for them right? I personally have struggled with this at times and lack some confidence in my own capacities. Maybe it's part of what drives me and makes me work so hard, I don't know. It's important to remember that we're all fighting the same battles, everyone is making sacrifices. We're not machines. I suggest everyone read the Imposter Syndrome post in my bio. It's an interesting concept, very relatable and easy to read. Anyways, one more regional down, and another ticket to the Games later I may not be an imposter after all, but the journey is just beginning. #crossfit #sacrifices #mentality #reebokcanada #ImposterSyndrome #takecredit #HWPO #bemorehuman @crossfit @crossfitgames @reebokcanada

A post shared by Patrick Vellner (@pvellner) on May 24, 2017 at 6:31am PDT

Find more Crossfit transformations:

12 Athletes Before They Were Famous CrossFit Games Competitors

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