James FitzGerald was the first-ever men’s CrossFit Games Champion, winning the inaugural competition in 2007. He’s also the founder of OPEX and one of the world’s most in-demand experts on coaching mindset and training. We talk about the early days of CrossFit competition, “waking up” the coaching industry, and the origins of James’ famous “OPT” moniker.
In this episode of The BarBend Podcast, guest James FitzGerald and host David Thomas Tao discuss:
- James’ athletic background and how he first got involved in CrossFit competition (3:45)
- Finding strength sports while rehabbing from a team or “mainstream” sport (4:56)
- Competing at (and winning) the first-ever CrossFit Games (6:10)
- Conditions and equipment at the 2007 Games (9:20)
- Changing relationships with fitness after the 2007 Games win (12:20)
- The origin of James’ “OPT” moniker (13:45)
- Getting recognized in public and the enduring nature of “OPT” (15:30)
- The goals and scope of OPEX, with over 3,000 coaches trained (17:20)
- James’ relationship with CrossFit HQ (19:20)
- Helping coaches “wake up” (22:50)
- Handling the pressure of “walking the walk” (25:15)
- Asking hard questions about training goals (30:00)
- How coaches build true relationships (32:40)
Relevant links and further reading:
- Follow James FitzGerald on Instagram
- Learn more about James’ background on the OPEX blog
