I returned from my 1771 mile drive on the back roads of our nation from Aromas, California to Ft. Worth Texas and tried to decompress from the events over 4 days. I tried to get on with business as usual, I tried to rest, I tried to spend time thinking of other things, hell I even went fishing but the events of the 2009 Games would not leave my mind's eye - a sort of melancholy snuck in and I just wanted to do it all over again. I began to miss my new found friends and family, the roar of the crowds, the Affiliate Cup, my drunken debauchery with Freddie Camacho (pictured the night before the Affiliate Cup), and all the wonderful lasting moments of fellowship.
This was my second year to be a part of the Games spectacle and God willing it will not be my last. Last year on a whim I showed up to the games at Greg Glassman's request, I arrived a day early and simply asked Dave Castro if they needed any help - next thing I know I was a judge in the 2008 CrossFit Games. In 2009 I was given the honor of offering my services as head of logistics; which was a sort of glorified gopher for Dave Castro who still owes me for food! But I would not have wanted it any other way. The depth and scale of the Games, and CrossFit itself is not unlike a runaway horse, once you get a hold of it - you better saddle up quick, hunker down, and get ready for a wild ride! I bore witness to the spectacle of athletes pushing limits, of sacrifices made in order to compete, and of demons being conquered. I was humbled by the effortless sportsmanship constantly exhibited within a community of like-minded folks. In the barn I sat down and consoled complete strangers and shared tears with these athletes who rose above the self doubt and physical fatigue to watch them rise again to press on.
I also worked with a group of spirited and enthusiastic volunteer staff, hell with that, this was an ARMY! An ARMY of caring, unselfish, dedicated souls who wanted to offer and give service to the spirit of the CrossFit Games, and I was proud to be a part of helping corral, juggle, sweat, steal, and encourage folks behind the scenes. I watched Jamie Budding burn the candle at both ends, she never tired, she was a soothing force behind the scenes and approached everything with class, as a lady of her stature does (I think I love you Jamie, but don't let Tony know that, he can press more than me). All of you who stepped up to volunteer and offered service were an integral part of the success of our sport, all of you were the foundation of the spectacle, all of you deserve the highest of praise and if I might also offer something more - my humblest thank you. It was an honor and God willing, I will see you all next year.
Much Love,
Tucker
GSX Athletics
20 comments on this entry.
1. gaucoin wrote...
July 29, 2009 2:11 PM
Class act. I did not have the honour of attending his gymnastic cert last weekend here in Calgary but I've heard nothing but great things. Way to go, Tucker!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
2. Jake B wrote...
July 29, 2009 2:32 PM
Very well written Tucker! That's a moving and motivating article...
Thank you!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
3. Lindsey Smith wrote...
July 29, 2009 2:35 PM
Tucker,
Thanks for all you do. Seriously, it was the fear of your wrath that got me across the finish line just behind Tanya on that final chipper.
I can hear still you screaming:
"Don't you f*ing put that down, touch your knee, finish, finish, finishhhhhhhhhhh!!!"
I love it. See you soon, my fellow Texan!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
4. pq wrote...
July 29, 2009 2:45 PM
the comment to Jamie has me in stitches
Reply to this comment
Permalink
5. -Elizabeth wrote...
July 29, 2009 2:49 PM
Tucker,
Back at ya baby! I had the honor and pleasure of working on your logistics crew. It was an amazing weekend and I feel so honored to have been a part of it. No words can possible sum up the experience with any sort of justice. No doubt I will make the trip again from St. Louis to volunteer next year!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
6. Steve S. wrote...
July 29, 2009 3:29 PM
Great job this year Tuck. Thanks for all your work!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
7. tucker replied to comment from Lindsey Smith...
July 29, 2009 4:27 PM
Lindsey,
Then it was indeed my honor but you needed no help from me, i just got excited and wanted to see you ghet er done! So honored to have seen you do so and still get chills thinking of al lof you performing. My God, what a great weekend it was.
tuck
Reply to this comment
Permalink
8. Melissa Cvjeticanin CF Mississauga wrote...
July 29, 2009 6:01 PM
Jeff Tucker you softy. Great write-up :)
Reply to this comment
Permalink
9. Kim Malz~FitMom wrote...
July 29, 2009 6:04 PM
One of my many great memories at the 2009 games was standing in the barn and getting a genuine smile, hello, and good luck from Jeff Tucker.
I look forward to a gymnastics certification with him!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
10. Kris Kepler wrote...
July 29, 2009 6:46 PM
Tucker,
you are the strong man with a soft heart that all men should try to be like in that regard.... keep doing what you do! I was so glad that you where beside me to share the moment of watching my wife receive her 3rd place award. like you said, I wish we could do it all over again right now!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
11. Ashley wrote...
July 29, 2009 8:00 PM
You are truly amazing!!!...and don't ever forget it!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
12. Dave Re wrote...
July 29, 2009 8:11 PM
Tucker's also not telling that on Friday, after spending at least one whole day setting up on Thursday, and running the Affiliate Cup events on Friday, he was to be found on the North Pad teaching folks how to fix their kipping pullups ;)
Very much a class act - it was a pleasure to be around you on the Games weekend, Tucker :)
Dave
Reply to this comment
Permalink
13. Mike - CrossFit PEI wrote...
July 30, 2009 4:15 AM
Great article Tucker. You put a lot of heart into that just like you do with everything.
Anne, myself and the rest of the CF PEI team were really glad to spend some time with you at the Games. It was an incredibly well run event - congratulations to you and everyone else who was part of that army.
Thanks again for all the support you gave Megan during the individual competition. As her coach, I know it made a huge difference in her day.
Can't wait to see you guys next week at the CF Kids cert at GSX.
Mike
Reply to this comment
Permalink
14. Sarah Dunsmore wrote...
July 30, 2009 5:42 AM
I think the first thing Jeff Tucker said to me was, "Pardon me darlin" as he squeezed by my in a crowd, to which I replied politely, "Oh, I'm sorry." I turned away, thinking that the interaction was over, as a 'average' interaction might be. He caught me off guard when he turned back around and said with a chuckle, "Sorry? Now darlin don't you EVER be sorry!" I laughed and realized Tucker was anything but average.
Tucker, thank you for taking the time to teach, motivate, and sincerely support us at the Games. You have one hell of a heart! You believed in me on Sunday when I thought my little body had reached it limit. I heard your voice through every rep in that damn chipper WOD, even when I wasn't sure if my legs and arms were going to cooperate. I haven't had a coach believe in me like that for a long time.
Thank you for being anything but average. I imagine there are few people who have the privilege of knowing you without feeling that their lives have changed for the better. Can't wait until we cross paths again.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
15. Louise wrote...
July 30, 2009 6:14 AM
I was fortunate enough to be one of volunteers Tucker was herding at the Games and got to experience him running Hells Half Acre. You get it done my friend!! You are truly tireless!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
16. Michelle wrote...
July 30, 2009 11:52 AM
What to comment to the man that has impacted lives through the world over the last couple of weeks... Fort Bragg to Iceland.. many have tried few have succeeded.. I am sure that is not my quote, but its the one that comes to mind.
Everyone calls the Cowboy Man Tucker; I call him Jeff... I haven't figured that part out but when I do I will post it.
A mentor, a confidont, a friend and a man I fell in love with as he ran for over 150 competitor's every need, our every want.. all with a smile a warm welcome a feeling that left many of us with the will to go on; 1 more workout, 1 more stop watch... thank you....
Reply to this comment
Permalink
17. Chantel wrote...
July 30, 2009 3:25 PM
Tucker,
A true pleasure to have you by my side the whole weekend. You southern boys sure melt my heart!
Where's my t-shirt?
Chantel
Reply to this comment
Permalink
18. tucker replied to comment from Chantel...
July 30, 2009 5:38 PM
Cahntel... shoot me your friggin address right friggin NOW! Shirt will be in the mail tomorrow before i leave for NJ. Crap I forgot to drop one off to you dear hard worker bee!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mwuah! Young lady.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
19. tuck - or jeff replied to comment from Sarah Dunsmore...
July 30, 2009 5:54 PM
Sarah,
I have not stopped thinking of you, and I wondred how you were. You brought me to my knees and made me so proud. I wanted to come up to you after your wonderful personal victory - but you were busy trying to breath.
Your kind words are not lost on me, your very high praise has hit a nerve and I was proud to be there for you in any capacity you needed. I am humbled that such an impact from my southern redneck even had such effects.
You stay in touch darlin! If ever I may be of service to you in the future please let me know.
tucker
Reply to this comment
Permalink
20. Eric Barber wrote...
August 1, 2009 8:28 AM
While trying to get through the "50 CTB Pullups/50 Burpee WOD" at the SW Reg Qualifiers, Tucker stood by me cheering me on IN THE POURING RAIN.
I'll never forget that.
He deserves all the respect given. He lives his life as a servant of others.
Thanks again, Tuck.
Reply to this comment
Permalink