After over a decade of elite competition, Cole Sager has officially announced he’s stepping away from the CrossFit Games season. In a candid Instagram video shared Wednesday afternoon, the 34-year-old CrossFit veteran made it clear: this isn’t a goodbye to the sport, but rather a pivot toward a new chapter.
“This isn’t a retirement post,” he said. “This is more like a ‘see you around’ post.”
Sager’s decision ends one of the sport’s most consistent competitive runs—11 straight appearances at the CrossFit Games, a feat matched by only a handful in the sport’s history. His message, honest and heartfelt, pulls back the curtain on the life of an elite athlete navigating aging, injury, and the shifting demands of fatherhood.
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A New Chapter Begins—But Not a Full Goodbye
Sager was quick to clarify that while he’s leaving behind the CrossFit Games season, he’s not retiring from fitness or competition entirely.
“I’m not done with athletics,” he explained. “I’ll probably sharpen the skill set and throw down at an event here and there. I just don’t have the desire to commit to the CrossFit Games season anymore.”
The decision, according to Sager, comes down to integrity and passion. He believes that competing without being fully committed isn’t fair—to the sport, to himself, or to his family.
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“If somebody’s not wholeheartedly into something, they just shouldn’t be doing it,” he said.
More Than Sport: Family and Fatherhood Take Center Stage
A ruptured Achilles eight months ago may have been the moment that started Sager’s shift in perspective—but it was his children that cemented it.
In the time off from training, Sager said he got to witness his four-year-old son’s language and awareness “come alive.” It was a moment that forced reflection—and a reevaluation of priorities.
“It’s time to start saying no to training so I can start saying yes to more of the needs of the family,” he shared.
The pull of family life, especially with two young kids, ultimately outweighed the pursuit of podiums. And while Sager admitted that stepping back from competition is bittersweet, the tone of his message was deeply grateful and at peace.
A Storied Career Built on Comebacks and Consistency
Sager first burst onto the CrossFit scene in 2014, winning the North West Regional and finishing 17th in his Games debut. Over the next decade, he became known for his grit, consistency, and ability to rise when it mattered most.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
He was dubbed “the comeback kid” for a reason.
In 2016, for example, Sager entered the final day of Regionals in 9th place—four spots below the cut line for the Games. In dramatic fashion, he won the final event and claimed the final Games berth, then went on to finish 5th overall at the CrossFit Games, his career-best placement.
According to data from Apollo Performance Analytics:
- 13 career event wins
- 131 top-10 event finishes
- 2 competition wins (2014 North West Regional, 2021 West Coast Classic)
Sager didn’t just survive in the sport—he evolved with it.
Even as new talent flooded in, he remained competitive. His final Open placement in 2025—96th in the world—was proof that he could still hang with the best.
Coaching and Mentorship: The Next Arena
Though Sager is stepping away from competition, he’s not leaving the CrossFit world. In June 2023, he took over as the Elite Athlete Head Coach at CompTrain, one of the sport’s most respected training camps.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
At the time, he intended to balance coaching with competing. Now, it’s clear where his focus will lie.
As a coach, Sager has the opportunity to give back to the sport that shaped him, while influencing the next generation of CrossFit athletes with the same integrity and tenacity he brought to the floor.
No Regrets, Just Gratitude
Sager addressed potential rumors and speculation head-on in his announcement. His departure isn’t due to CrossFit HQ, past controversies, or any behind-the-scenes drama.
“I can acknowledge that I haven’t loved the relationship between CrossFit HQ and athletes throughout my career,” he said. “But I genuinely hope the best for CrossFit… I want to see it flourish.”
Above all, his farewell was filled with appreciation—for volunteers, judges, competitors, and fans alike.
“You were by far the best memories I have from any of my Games seasons,” he said. “We would not have a sport if it wasn’t for all that you guys did.”
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
What’s Next?
Sager hinted at more to come, including a deeper conversation about his journey, the state of CrossFit, and where fitness is heading.
“I’d love to explain all of this a little bit more and tell the story behind everything,” he teased. A long-form discussion with a friend is already in the works.
He invited fans to leave questions for that upcoming sit-down—and knowing Sager, it’ll be an honest, insightful conversation.
Cole Sager’s CrossFit Games chapter may be closing, but the book on his fitness career is far from over. Whether as a coach, mentor, or occasional competitor, Sager’s presence in the CrossFit community will continue to be felt.
And for now, his legacy is clear: fierce competitor, devoted father, and a class act through and through.
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If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
