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What’s Next for Patrick Vellner? His Plans for CrossFit and Beyond

 Written by 

Julien Raby

 Last updated on 


Patrick Vellner is more than just a CrossFit champion—he’s an athlete with an impressive balance of elite fitness and professional success as a chiropractor.

How does he manage to compete at the highest level while mastering injury prevention, recovery, and a demanding career? This article will dive into Vellner’s rise in CrossFit, his training secrets, and the challenges he’s overcome along the way.

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Discover how his unique approach has made him a fan favorite and a leader in the sport. Ready to learn what sets him apart?

Early Life and Background

Hometown and upbringing

Born in Red Deer, Alberta, and raised in British Columbia, Vellner’s Canadian roots are integral to his persona. Growing up in a supportive environment, he was exposed to various physical activities, which ultimately laid the foundation for his future career in CrossFit.

Early athletic background

Vellner began his athletic journey as a gymnast, which helped him develop exceptional body control, flexibility, and strength. His gymnastics background became a key asset when he transitioned to CrossFit, where these attributes gave him an edge over competitors. Though he only started CrossFit later in life, his rise in the sport was swift due to his athletic foundation.

Education

Despite his intense focus on athletics, Vellner never let his education take a backseat. He attended McGill University, where he pursued a degree in chiropractic medicine. His dedication to both academics and CrossFit is a testament to his time management skills and determination.

Balancing education and CrossFit

Vellner’s ability to balance rigorous academic demands with the training required for elite-level CrossFit is impressive. He would often spend mornings studying before shifting his focus to high-intensity workouts in the afternoon, showing his discipline in managing two highly demanding paths.

Rise to Fame in CrossFit

First major competitions

Patrick Vellner’s rise to prominence began when he competed in the CrossFit Regionals. His early performances showed great promise, earning him recognition as an athlete with serious potential. These regional appearances solidified his status as a rising star in the CrossFit world.

Debut at the CrossFit Games

In 2016, Vellner made his debut at the CrossFit Games, taking the community by surprise when he secured a third-place finish. Despite being a relatively unknown athlete at the time, his impressive performance earned him a spot on the podium, immediately raising his profile. This breakout performance marked the beginning of a successful career in the sport.

Post-Rich Froning and Mat Fraser Era

After the dominant reigns of Rich Froning and Mat Fraser, Vellner became one of the athletes to fill the competitive void. Competing against newer athletes like Justin Medeiros, Vellner demonstrated adaptability and maintained his position as one of the top athletes, even as the competition landscape evolved.

Notable Achievements

Multiple CrossFit Games Podium Finishes

Vellner’s career boasts several podium finishes at the CrossFit Games. He earned bronze in 2016, 2017, and 2023, along with silver in 2018. His consistency in achieving these results underscores his elite status and ability to perform under pressure year after year.

Consistent Performance in Open and Regionals

Vellner has consistently placed among the top finishers in CrossFit Open and Regional competitions. His dominance in these qualifying stages has proven time and again that he’s not just a Games athlete but an all-around competitor capable of excelling in every stage of CrossFit.

Competing Through Injuries

One of the most notable aspects of Vellner’s career is his resilience. In 2019, he competed at the CrossFit Games with a torn bicep, yet still managed to finish 9th overall. This speaks to his grit, determination, and mental fortitude, traits that have endeared him to fans worldwide.

Training and Mindset

Training philosophy

Vellner’s training philosophy revolves around the idea of training smart as much as training hard. His background in chiropractic medicine has given him insights into injury prevention, body mechanics, and recovery. He emphasizes the importance of mobility and structured recovery sessions to avoid burnout and long-term damage.

Work ethic and consistency

Vellner’s daily schedule is a reflection of his commitment to excellence. His approach to training involves maintaining a delicate balance between intensity and recovery. His nutrition and recovery protocols are equally important, ensuring that his body is primed for peak performance during competitions.

Mental toughness

CrossFit is as much a mental game as it is physical. Vellner is known for his ability to remain calm and focused, even when events don’t go as planned. In multi-day competitions, he often battles back from lower positions, demonstrating resilience. In various interviews, he has emphasized the importance of staying positive and overcoming setbacks to achieve long-term success.

The Role of Chiropractic in His Career

Education as a Chiropractor

Vellner’s journey through chiropractic school has played an essential role in shaping his approach to fitness. His deep understanding of human anatomy, biomechanics, and recovery has given him a unique edge in managing his body’s demands as a professional athlete.

Unique insights into body mechanics

His chiropractic education allows him to approach training with a nuanced understanding of how the body moves and functions under stress. This insight has helped him maintain longevity in a sport where injuries are common. His meticulous approach to movement mechanics is often credited for his ability to stay competitive at the highest level.

Prevention of injuries and faster recovery

Chiropractic care has played a central role in Vellner’s injury prevention and recovery strategies. He combines his knowledge of physical therapy with cutting-edge recovery techniques, enabling him to bounce back quickly from physical strain. During competitions, Vellner actively applies his chiropractic insights to improve his performance and prevent setbacks.

Balancing dual careers

While competing at the highest levels of CrossFit, Vellner also practices as a chiropractor. Juggling these two careers is no easy feat, but he has managed to find a balance that allows him to excel in both fields.

Challenges and Setbacks

2019 CrossFit Games Controversy

One of the most challenging moments in Vellner’s career came during the 2019 CrossFit Games, where the shorter format of the events led to early eliminations, including Vellner’s. Despite his disqualification from key events, he handled the situation with grace and continued to prove his resilience in future competitions.

Injury history

Throughout his career, Vellner has faced several injuries, including a torn bicep in 2019. Despite these challenges, he has managed to adapt his training to reduce the risk of further injuries, while also remaining a top competitor in the sport.

Missing the podium

While Vellner has enjoyed numerous podium finishes, there have been seasons where he narrowly missed out. These close calls, rather than discouraging him, have fueled his drive to continue improving and competing at an elite level.

Patrick Vellner’s Influence on CrossFit

Fan favorite

Vellner is known for his laid-back, relatable persona, which has earned him a loyal fan base. He engages with fans and fellow athletes alike, and his approachable demeanor makes him a beloved figure in the CrossFit community.

Leader in the Canadian CrossFit community

As one of Canada’s most successful CrossFit athletes, Vellner has inspired a new generation of athletes to pursue the sport. His achievements have placed Canada on the map in the world of CrossFit, and his mentorship of younger athletes has furthered his impact.

Advocate for a balanced lifestyle

Vellner is a strong advocate for maintaining a balanced lifestyle, combining academics, professional development, and elite fitness. He regularly speaks about the importance of balance, especially in a sport as demanding as CrossFit.

Little-Known Facts About Patrick Vellner

Unique aspects

Outside of CrossFit, Vellner enjoys outdoor activities like snowboarding and hiking. He also lives a relatively low-key lifestyle outside of competition, often spending time traveling with his family.

His thoughts on the future of CrossFit

Vellner has hinted in various interviews that he believes CrossFit will continue to evolve, with increased attention on recovery and injury prevention. He remains optimistic about the future of the sport.

Training with family

Vellner’s family, including his wife and son, are central to his support system. Training and competing at an elite level can be incredibly taxing, but having a strong family foundation has helped him maintain balance in his personal and professional life.

Looking Ahead: Vellner’s Future in CrossFit

Plans for future competitions

While Vellner has yet to announce any plans for retirement, he has hinted at possibly transitioning to a coaching role in the future. However, for now, he remains focused on competing at the highest level.

Potential career expansion

As a chiropractor, Vellner has the potential to grow his practice and work with other athletes. His unique combination of professional expertise and athletic experience makes him well-suited to continue making an impact in both fields.

Legacy

Patrick Vellner’s legacy in CrossFit is cemented as one of consistency, resilience, and intelligence. His ability to balance elite athleticism with professional success as a chiropractor makes him an exceptional figure in the sport. His influence will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, both in CrossFit and beyond.

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