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Fred Cherry finished in the top ten in the 65+ division at the CrossFit Games held in Madison, Wis. The CrossFit Games has competitors compete for the title of the fittest person on earth by competing in various physical challenges.

Cherry said he competed in various events including a max lift. “I had about a minute of rest between the lift and the next event,” Cherry said. After the lift, I had to run through an obstacle course with a 200-pound sandbag. The box jumps were shortly after that.”

He also had to do various other events such as running a 5k, doing a handstand over a ramp, and various events on the pull-up bar.

Cherry began doing this competitively after it began as a hobby. He began training harder to get to the competitive level and now is one of the best in the 65+ age group. Cherry said it is something that everyone in the sport wants to do and he wants to continue having success.

To get to Wisconsin, Cherry had to finish well enough in both the quarterfinals and semifinals. There were 30 people in the semifinals and the top ten got to go to Madison, Wis. Cherry finished 5th in the games, and he was happy with his performance.

To prepare for this event, Cherry trains every day in various ways. He works on running, jumping, bar exercises, walking handstands, rope climbs, and other exercises to prepare him for any event he might see.

“We didn’t know what events we would be competing in until we got there. So, for training, I must practice everything. It’s better to be pretty good at everything instead of being the best at a couple of events. I had to be prepared for any event that could come my way,” Cherry said.

Cherry plans to continue training and hopes to qualify again next year.

“I obviously would’ve loved to win it all, but just being there and being able to compete was great. I am pleased with how I competed and as long as I can stay healthy, next year I will be shooting for first,” Cherry said.