Brent Fikowski, a celebrated veteran of the CrossFit Games, will retire from competitive CrossFit after his final appearance at the 2024 Rogue Invitational in Aberdeen, Scotland.
With nine CrossFit Games appearances, three podium finishes, and a reputation as “The Professor” for his tactical approach, Fikowski is stepping away to focus on his role as President of the Professional Fitness Athletes’ Association (PFAA). For Fikowski, at 33, “it just feels like the right time to retire.”
Fikowski’s decision stems from a desire to invest in the future of the sport he loves. He was deeply inspired during a recent meeting with Joshua Medcalf, author of Chop Wood Carry Water, who encouraged him to follow his passion with relentless focus.
Medcalf’s advice struck a chord, helping Fikowski realize his strongest drive now lies in supporting the professionalization of CrossFit through the PFAA, rather than personal competition.
Jump to:
A Unique Retirement in the World of CrossFit
In CrossFit, retirement doesn’t always mean a complete exit from the sport. Many former athletes continue training, and some even accidentally qualify for elite events.
Fikowski, however, is committed to making this transition a true retirement. He plans to forego the typical competition routes like the CrossFit Open, focusing on maintaining fitness in a more moderate way.
“When I do something, I try to be all in on that thing,” he said. Going forward, he envisions his gym sessions as shorter, goal-focused workouts that serve his health rather than competitive ambition.
Career Highlights: A Legacy Built on Perseverance
Fikowski’s journey from regional contender to CrossFit mainstay showcases an inspiring story of resilience. His early days in the sport were marked by near-misses, placing just shy of a Games qualification in both 2014 and 2015.
The setbacks made him question whether his 6’2” frame was suited to the demands of CrossFit. “Maybe this isn’t for me,” he recalled thinking.
“Am I built for this?” Yet those early disappointments, he believes, set the foundation for his later success. By 2016, Fikowski had overcome doubts, securing his spot at the CrossFit Games, where he finished an impressive fourth in his rookie season.
Nicknamed “The Professor” for his methodical, analytical approach to competition, Fikowski became known for his precision and deep understanding of the sport’s intricacies.
Across his career, he earned six top-five finishes, with a recent third-place at the 2024 CrossFit Games, underscoring his consistent excellence.
Reflecting on a Decade of Highs, Lows, and Friendships
When asked about his proudest achievements, Fikowski is quick to highlight lessons learned rather than titles won. He points to his rebound in 2021, after placing 23rd and 15th in the prior two years, as a defining moment.
“The comeback in 2021 was very, very sweet,” he shared, underscoring the resilience that propelled him to continue competing at the highest level.
Beyond victories, it’s the small, behind-the-scenes memories that Fikowski cherishes most—lighthearted exchanges with fellow competitors like Jayson Hopper, or rallying with Ben Smith during a 2018 Games event.
“It’s little moments that I really cherish,” he said, reflecting on friendships that went beyond competition.
One Last Show at the Rogue Invitational
For his final competition, Fikowski plans to channel his inner Bob Barker, keeping the event routine and calm, just like any other.
“You’re going to see Brent’s pain face,” he said, promising fans a display of his usual fierce competitiveness without any planned fanfare. True to his nature, Fikowski intends to take notes and learn from each event, staying present and focused until the very end.
A New Mission with the PFAA
As Fikowski prepares to retire from competition, his next chapter with the PFAA is just beginning. Although he will no longer serve on the board, which is composed of active athletes, he will continue as President, committed to advancing the organization and supporting future athletes.
This role, he believes, is where he can make his most meaningful impact. “I think I can do more for the sport and more for the athletes…not competing than I can while competing,” he explained, ready to champion the professional development of CrossFit.
As Fikowski moves forward, he leaves his legacy up to the CrossFit community to define, viewing sports as “unscripted storytelling” where each fan interprets his journey in their own way.
