"Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans.
"Look at these grand men. Which of you wouldn’t consider it the highlight of his career just to associate with them for even one day? Sure, I’m lucky. Who wouldn’t consider it an honor to have known Jacob Ruppert? Also, the builder of baseball’s greatest empire, Ed Barrow? To have spent six years with that wonderful little fellow, Miller Huggins? Then to have spent the next nine years with that outstanding leader, that smart student of psychology, the best manager in baseball today, Joe McCarthy? Sure, I'm lucky.
"When the New York Giants, a team you would give your right arm to beat, and vice versa, sends you a gift — that’s something. When everybody down to the groundskeepers and those boys in white coats remember you with trophies — that’s something. When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles with her own daughter — that's something. When you have a father and a mother who work all their lives so that you can have an education and build your body — it's a blessing. When you have a wife who has been a tower of strength and shown more courage than you dreamed existed — that's the finest I know.
"So I close in saying that I might have been given a bad break, but I've got an awful lot to live for. Thank you."
— Lou Gehrig at Yankee Stadium, July 4, 1939
I'm assuming that the "bad break" you are refering to is the injury I heard you sustained and not something more serious.
ReplyDeleteMy feeling is that your effort and willingness to push yourself beyond known limits is exactly what provided the context for the awe inspiring achievements we witnessed over the past three days.
I don't want to make light of anybodys injury. It has to be said that the unknown and unknowable includes much that is not safe even for those equipped with best programming.
I'm greatfull for your effort and the wisdom it will impart.
It was amazing to watch you compete, I hope you recover quickly - and know that you inspire many to be better!
ReplyDeleteOPT I wasn't at the Games but I followed them closely online and let me say that you are a big influence on lots of people, myself included. Your dedication to CF and your athletic talents are really impressive.
ReplyDeleteHope you recover quickly.
James, you are truly and inspiration. Thanks for the website, the workouts, the words of encouragement, and for being an excellent role model for this sport.
ReplyDeleteJames, you are an amazing athlete, an amazing person, and the epitome of what a CrossFitter should be. Thank you for your outstanding performance this year.
ReplyDeleteJacob Tsypkin
www.crossfit-monterey.com
opt, ur an amazing competitor, an outstanding coach and represent the quintescence of human inspiration... uve helped 2 change the lives of so many 4 the better... I wish u the best in a speedy recovery... thanks 2 u and the rest of the CFC community for the atmosphere u have instilled in making a noncanadian feel welcome in2 y'alls clan...
ReplyDelete~gm2
James,
ReplyDeleteI've followed you and your performances for a long time. You're one of the reasons I started CrossFit. Your character shines, brother, and you truly encapsulate what I think fitness should be. I wish you a fast and safe recovery.
Just want to give a HUGE shout out to everyone up there at CrossFit Calgary. It was awe inspiring to watch Michael gut through those last 30 on the hang snatches to make it through to day 2. Looked like he was cramping badly but still pushed on.
ReplyDeleteAlso major props to DJ on what turned out to be an underrated overall performance. I remember watching him on the sledge workout and it seemed like he was crushing the stake but the thing just would not go into the ground. Really impressive to see him dig deep and turn in such solid results on all the other events.
James and Lauren also put on incredible displays and it was an honor to see you guys compete in person. And James, thank you for making your programming public and free on this blog. Now more than ever it's obvious that your method is one of the best if not THE best out there.
- Tom
OPT,
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I did not get a chance to meet you at the games, but we had the privilege to watch the affiliate cup finals with your wife and new little one. Congrats on the new addition to the family, and congrats on a fine performance over two grueling days. You are a true inspiration to my wife and I as we seek our Optimum Performance in life and daily WODS. Enjoy your well deserved rest and recovery!
James,
ReplyDeleteIn January I was introduced to Garage CrossFitter (Josh) through a mutual friend. Josh in turn immediately turned me onto your programming, and while I'll always maintain that CrossFit in general changed my life (and in hopes shapes my child's life) forever, it was your programming and your own philosophies that has helped me make the gains that I have in such a short period of time. I know we've never met face to face, but you have had a huge impact on how I view myself through hard work and determination. Thanks so much and get weel soon!
James,
ReplyDeleteYou are such an amazing athlete, coach, ambassador and Canadian! My wife and I kept a very close eye you through every event. "Where's James at?" I think I said that 30X over the weekend. I don't think I toggled refresh so many times in one day. I scoured the comments for results.
Your commitment to this sport is inspiring, Your programming is top drawer and I hope to someday meet you in person.
I consider you in the ranks of GSP and worthy of Canadian Athlete of the year!
I know you'll be back! I tip my hat to you sir!
James,
ReplyDeleteFantastic effort over the week.
Ryan
James-
ReplyDeleteI wanted to commend you and your folks for an outstanding effort this weekend. Not only did you field several people in individual competition (yourself included) but you had a top-of-the-food-chain affiliate cup team. You and your folks are all about class, professionalism and inspiration. You all do much good work and it is GREATLY appreciated.
I wish I could've been there to watch you compete. Your motivation and dedication towards this sport reaches me and affects me, even over here in little Denmark. Thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteI was crossing fingers for you and sending positive thoughts, dunno if they ever reached you ;) I'm currently reading "Reinventing Medicine" - I'm not sure I've entered the 3rd Era yet.
As you mentioned earlier yourself: It's not your performance in one week that shows, what you're truly capable of, but a combination of performances over a long time.
-Hixy
Congrats to CFC for the amazing performance on the weekend in Aromas - truly inspiring.
ReplyDeleteMike, DJ, OPT, Lauren, and the Affiliate cup team - you all did a fantastic job and represented Canada West well.
you should all be very proud of your accomplishments.
James,
ReplyDeleteFreddy Camacho told me this morning of your very nice gesture with the shirt you gave him to give to me on Sunday.
I thought it pertinant to tell you why I wasn't there to watch the final days' events. After seeing you with your lovely wife and little addition on those bleachers, you inspired me, yet again, to go home to my wife and daughter who couldnt make it this past weekend.
I hope to be able to speak with you again sometime soon. Maybe to talk shop, maybe to speak about family, or who knows.
Hope your recovery goes swiftly, I'm sorry to hear about your troubles.
Kindest regards to your wife, your children, and to you of course.
P.S. Please pass along my apologies for not coming over and shaking her hand as well, I feel bad about that one.
James, for some reason, I believe you'll take something positive away from this. You're an incredible person, who inspires many EVERY day. Keep your head up brother, we are watching you.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Mike
James, you are my hero. A true gentleman and scholar. Keep leading us.
ReplyDelete-Karen Douglas
James,
ReplyDeleteSince I became a client of yours 4 yrs ago, rarely does a week go by without thoughts of gratitude towards you. Simply put, because of what I have learned from you I am a better person...Your impact is great! I have never encountered someone more willing to be in the moment with others. I believe this is just one of the amazing gifts you give to others. I hope in this moment you feel the support, care, and immense respect that surrounds you.
Michelle Savard