Jason Khalipa: The CrossFit Games winner on why work ethic will always trump talent

“The Fittest Man on Earth”. That’s the title that was bestowed upon Jason Khalipa after he won the 2008 CrossFit Games.

That alone makes him a man worth listening to, but Khalipa’s legacy transcends the boundaries of fitness and personal development to something far more consequential.

Khalipa retired from CrossFit in 2016 following his daughter Ava’s devastating leukaemia diagnosis. In the face of this and other challenges, Jason and his wife Ashley embraced what he calls the “AMRAP Mentality” – a philosophy drawn from the CrossFit term “as many reps as possible.”

This mindset emphasises focusing on what you can control, earning confidence through hard work, and maintaining a positive attitude in even the toughest times. The AMRAP Mentality not only helped Jason and his family navigate Ava’s treatment but also inspired him to share this approach with others, and led to a book titled “AMRAP Mentality”, which outlines how this philosophy can be applied to overcome life’s challenges and achieve personal goals.

His daughter’s diagnosis ultimately led to the creation of Ava’s Kitchen, a non-profit founded by Jason and Ashley which – among other things – hosts an annual benefit dinner featuring renowned chefs and live auctions to raise funds for families impacted by paediatric cancer. Partnering with the Jessie Rees Foundation, it helps to support these families through various programmes including Breakaway Adventures, which provides memorable experiences for children undergoing treatment.

From dominating in the CrossFit Games to overcoming personal trials and now leading the charge in the fitness industry with his innovative programmes, Jason’s story is one of relentless dedication and resilience. His TRAIN HARD philosophy isn’t just about physical training; it’s about being as capable as possible to protect and provide for your family and community. Khalipa’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, the importance of a supportive community, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the ability to turn adversity into strength.

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