The past few days have shaken up the CrossFit world. It has been a joy to see the Community come together to support Kevin and his family. In searching for what to say about Kevin Ogar and this tragic event, I found someone else said it much better than I could have. The following is taken from Michael Winchester’s blog– a good friend and a great coach.
NOTE: The mechanism of injury discussed in the below passage is not how the injury happened. There are a lot of discussions out there right now, and in no way was it due to bad form. Kevin is a great a lifter, a phenomenal athlete, and an amazing human.
Every day is a gift. Beautiful and blessed.
That has never been more poignant than it is today. My friend Spencer Arnold called me last night and broke the news to me. And my heart broke. Kevin is an amazing individual, an amazing athlete and an amazing coach. Spencer and I spent time with Kevin at the Outlaw Open last year, and more recently at the Outlaw Way Camp at CF Unbroken this past November. Kevin showed us around the Denver nightlife, took us out to breakfast, and trained with us. From the time I have spent with him, I know that Kevin is a fighter – he is strong – and he will come back.
What happened is as simple as it is tragic. A missed snatch came down on his back, severing his spinal cord and leaving him paralyzed from the T-11 vertebra down. I have seen it happen to others. It has happened to me. We live is a dangerous world. In our training, we do dangerous things daily whether it is throwing heavy barbells over our heads or swinging from pull-ups bars and rings. I want you all to recognize and respect the tools that we work with in the gym. We use them to make us strong, but they can also do great hurt. We cannot eliminate all danger or injury. To do so would not be part of the human condition. What we can do is take advantage of each and every day we are given – in the way that it is given to us.
We will not stop snatching. We will not stop CrossFitting. We will not stop doing what we do. It makes us better human beings. Nothing in life comes without risk. For every action there is a consequence. We might die in a CrossFit workout – but we also might die in a car wreck on the way to work. I would rather die doing what I love. Only awareness and authenticity can help us minimize these risks while we live our lives to the fullest. I think Kevin would agree.
For now, be grateful for what you have. Know that your aches and pains could always be worse. Pray to whatever god is yours, or simply thank the Universe for what you and yours have. It can all be taken away in a moment. No one is promised tomorrow.
If you are able to, please consider donating to Kevin’s recovery effort. Kevin is not insured, and I honestly cannot fathom the financial burden that will accumulate over the coming months and years. I will have a link to a site where you can donate by tomorrow’s post. Tonight, send out your thoughts and prayers to this man. His life and the life of those he loves and those that love him will forever be changed.
Kevin, know that we’re pulling for you. You have our love and support, our thoughts and prayers.
In just over 3 days, the CrossFit community has raised over $130,000 for Kevin. Please consider donating.
Kat Grosshaupt
WORKOUT
AMRAP 6 min.
250m row/jog
25 pushups
rest 1 min.
AMRAP 4 min.
5 Burpees
10 Air squats
Rest 1 min.
AMRAP 6 min.
250m row/jog
25 pushups
MODIFICATIONS
- Rest as needed. In between AMRAPs, you may need more than 1 min rest. The goal is to bring your heartrate down to a conversational pace before moving on to the next AMRAP.
- Sprawls may be substituted for burpees.
- Pushups may be elevated on a box, a wall, or on parallettes to accomodate growing belly.
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