You can’t stop Mat Fraser. He made his first Games appearance in 2014, earning the title Rookie of the Year. He quickly proved he not only deserves a spot on the competition floor but also that he’s here to stay. His back-to-back second-place finishes in 2014 and 2015 had people thinking Fraser would always be second best, but he set out to prove them wrong — and he did. In 2016, he earned the title Fittest Man on Earth. And then he did it again in 2017.
This year, Fraser is returning to Madison to once again demonstrate his athletic prowess and maybe even stand highest on the podium when all is said and done. The WOD Life caught up with Fraser via email to talk about his goals, motivation, and more. Here’s what he had to say.
The WOD Life: What is your ultimate goal as an athlete?
Mat Fraser: Obviously the ultimate goal for me every year is winning the Crossfit Games. I concentrate on working the hardest I can every day to be ready to be my best at the Games. That’s the only thing I can control. I can’t focus on winning. The only thing I can control is the work every day, so that is what I do.
TWL: What motivates you the most?
MF: Being proud of my work motivates me more than anything. Obviously winning is a huge goal and motivation for me as well.
TWL: What were the biggest lessons you learned from the Games last year that you’ll take into the competition with you this year?
MF: The competition gets better and harder every year. I knew I had to work just as hard if not harder to be ready to compete at the level I hold myself to. I always take away some areas I need to work on at the Games every year. I did that.
TWL: If you could go back in time, would you do anything differently?
MF: I don’t really do that. I own anything I do. Would I do some things differently? Yes, but that is the way it goes in sports and life. I learn from my mistakes and our weaknesses and work at them to either not make those mistakes again or make my weaknesses strengths.
TWL: What’s your #1 piece of advice to your fans for finding success in life?
MF: Hard Work Pays Off. No matter what you do or are trying to do, there are no substitutes for the hard work it takes to get there.
While Fraser’s strength, speed, and versatility are undeniable, the Games won’t come without a fight, especially considering Pat Vellner’s abilities. In fact, it was Vellner who took first in Regionals — not that this guarantees a Games victory.
Any way you cut it, Fraser is going to give every other player a run for their money. Competitors, be prepared: Fraser is here to dominate.
This season, Fraser is partnering with TheraGun, a neuro-muscular treatment device used as vibration therapy for your nervous system that can significantly speed up recovery. After trying it for the first time, Fraser recalls, “I remember I turned to my manager and I was like, ‘I need one of these.'” After getting his own, he says “it was just an absolute game-changer.”
If you’re an athlete, you know how crucial recovery is — and how every second counts. TheraGun helps speed up the process and make the most of your active recovery so you can get back to the gym.
Check out TheraGun at The WOD Life today!
