In a spontaneous moment of inspiration, top Games competitor Jeremy Thiel from CrossFit Central wrote the following letter to all the 09 male competitors. He agreed to let us post it here.

I was running today and so many different CrossFit athletes keep popping into my head. I wanted to thank each and every one of you for an amazing weekend in Aromas. As cheesy as it sounds that weekend changed my life. I have never been a soldier or seen war but this was as close emotional mentally and physically I have ever been. The games started out as a fun event I planned to do well in.

After the first two events things quickly changed. I think Dave used some Navy SEAL mind-screw on us. It was suppose to be a good thing that you finished first or in the top but to me it quickly turned into a bad thing. I couldn't eat protein. I didn't know when to get pumped up or just sit there and relax. The athletes area was a concrete floor with nowhere to escape or hide.

As the day moved on the unknown grew more and more. By the last work out I told my sister Carey I didnt know if I could complete the WOD. Every step I took some other muscle cramped. I thought I was going to make a fool of myself. After regaining my composure, I went out and finished the 5th WOD. I was so thankful the day was over but damn, we didn't get to leave until 8pm. 13hrs of non stop. After all of that I was a bit delusional. All I could think about was "how the hell did you hit that 4 foot stake in sideways... and my sister beat me."

Day 2 was no easier but at least we only had 3 workouts and then I could go home. With the scoring the way it was, my mind keep telling me there's no way there's no way to win. Khalipa showed me otherwise. I think Dave again tried to kill us on that last WOD. I dont see that as a bad thing; that's why I love CrossFit. I was going strong through the first three stations knowing I would have a great time then my lat popped. It freaked me out more than it was painful. Every time I went to grab the ring for another go my lat burned. I knew I was done. I have never not finished a CrossFit WOD in my life. I just kept my emotions all bound up and knew it was over.

I have no idea why I am writing all of this. I loved the weekend and plan to keep training for the 2010 games. Much love to all of the men who do face real war or have in the past. I know this pales in comparison. Thanks Dave and Tony and all HQ staff.

Jeremy Thiel