Mélon D.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF THE GYM?

Outside of the gym, I am a UPS Account Exec and part time day trader. When I’m not working or at the gym, I’m home with the wife and kid.

WHAT INITIALLY GOT YOU INTO CROSSFIT AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?

At work, I went from being a very active dock worker to spending most of my time sitting at a desk or sitting behind the wheel. I quickly gained weight and before I knew it I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. My blood work showed signs of hyperglycemia and high cholesterol as well. What really influenced me to try Crossfit was being told by my family doc that I would have to take statin pills for the rest of my life. I remember the conversation vividly. She wrote the prescription and gave it to me. I asked her, ‘How long will I have to take these pills? She looked at me confusingly. She responded, ‘For the rest of your years.’ I simply was not going to accept that as my reality. A day or two after my diagnosis, I walked into a CrossFit gym and signed up. Shortly after, my wife Torry signed up. I quickly took to CrossFit. I loved playing sports and being active so CrossFit gave me the perfect outlet. About six months after my initial diagnoses, I got my bloodwork tested again – everything was fine. No longer considered pre-diabetic, no signs of hyperglycemia, and cholesterol levels were normal. Doc thought it was the statin pills, but I knew better. A few months later, I was off the pills.

WHAT ARE YOUR CROSSFIT GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?

My Crossfit goal for 2020 is to be in the top 2500 in the world for my age group in the open.

WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OR GOAL YOU’VE REACHED DUE TO CROSSFIT THAT’S MADE YOU THE MOST PROUD?

I started CrossFit to lose weight and get off the statin pills, but I’ve become involved in something more – I’m part of an awesome community and we have a great, supportive coaching staff. The community and staff has had a significant impact on my well-being. I’m extremely grateful. November marked 1 year of not smoking. That was a tough habit to break – I don’t think I could’ve done it without being surrounded by our inspirational, supportive athletes & coaches.