Many athletes join the CrossFit community because it provides structure and an alternative to other forms of fitness that might be considered less exciting. The CrossFit Games provides a pinnacle and incentive to drive athletes to reach new goals and compete with other like-minded athletes. 

This description matches the mindset of Ethan Helbig. The Pennsylvanian not only trains in CrossFit. He also coaches and owns a local gym. He now prepares to step up to the biggest gym in the game — the 2018 CrossFit Games. As you will see, he might be the one competing but he knows that others helped him get here.

Name: Ethan Helbig

Age: 22

City: Cranberry Township PA

Occupation: Gym owner and CrossFit coach

Instagram: @ethanhelbig35

Competitive Highlights:

2017 Wodapalooza Elite – 12th

2017 Mid-Atlantic Regionals – 12th

2018 Mid-Atlantic Regionals – 5th

FloElite: What inspired you to start training and when did you first get into CrossFit?

Helbig: I was honestly tired of the same old thing at the YMCA, so I gave it a try and loved it on my first try. I started CrossFit in April of 2014.

When did you realize you could possibly be at the level to reach the Games?

My coach Josh believed in me from day one, and my coaches Laura and Julie before him had the same faith. I have worked hard from day one to make this happen and realized it was possible when I first made Regionals. 

Describe the feeling when you achieved your goal of making it to the Games. How does it feel to be that elite of an athlete?

I was so happy I wanted to cry. I honestly thought I didn’t make it, so hearing my name was a huge surprise. 

This is going to be your first time competing at the Games. What are you expecting, or do you have any idea what to expect?

This is gonna be my first trip and I expect it to be epic. From the “Fittest on Earth” movies, it seems like you get rock star treatment for the week we are there. I am excited to compete in the atmosphere and experience the display of rogue equipment like no other competition. 

Who has been supporting you throughout your preparation for the Games? 

Carolina Performance Training has been guiding and supporting my training for almost two years now. Best coach in the business, in my opinion. My Chiro Charlie Jaicks saves my life every week by keeping me in tune. VitaMind and Nova 3 help me with drinks and supplementation whenever I need it which helps me out a ton. I could not ask for two better support systems. Victory Grips has been protecting my hands for over two years and they are another company I could not live without them. King Kong, Virus, Normatec, and RPM have been supporting me with gear and recovery as well which always helps in this expensive sport.

How has CrossFit benefitted your overall life?

It has put purpose into my life. I have never been so dedicated to something in my entire life. CrossFit has shown me what true hard work looks like. 

There are going to be people reading this that are working to reach the level you're at. Any advice for them?

Find a coach and program and believe in them. I see so many people jump in on random stuff and leave their program for something more fun or in the moment. I am a firm believer in trusting the process and if you do not trust the process that your coach has in place for you then you need a new coach. Not every day is going to be easy or fun and things are going to get really hard. No matter what, fight through those days. Never quit because something gets hard or scares you. You need to fight for your dreams.

Roger Lockridge is from Lewisburg, WV. His work has been featured on numerous platforms and magazines in the fitness industry over the last 10 years. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram @rocklockridge.