09/02/2026
🌟 AUGUST ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: VAL D.! 🌟
From swimming and ballroom dancing to boxing, kickboxing, running, and the gym, Val had tried it all before discovering CrossFit — and realizing it was everything she loved, all in one place! 💪
Her CrossFit journey has taken her from coaching to competing as a pro athlete, all while building strength, resilience, and an incredible love for the community.
Val loves weightlifting, the challenge of connecting the mind and body, and the fact that CrossFit is so much more than just fitness. For her, it has provided strength, mental clarity, and the resilience to handle whatever life throws her way.
What keeps her coming back? The people. The support, encouragement, and community that makes CrossFit such a special place. ❤️
Her advice for anyone nervous to start? Being scared of something new is normal. But if we never try, how will we ever discover what we’re capable of?
Congratulations, Val, on being our August Athlete of the Month! We’re so lucky to have you as part of the FNA community! 🎉💙
08/25/2026
Better Late Than Never! 🏆
We’re a little late with this one… but better late than never! 😉
Please join us in celebrating our July Athlete of the Month — Coach Jen Blake! 💙🖤
Jen has been doing CrossFit for 10 years, and her journey is a perfect example of what this community is all about.
She started CrossFit because she wanted to become “that strong girl” and quickly discovered that strength is about so much more than lifting weights. Today, she’s one of the strongest versions of herself—and she gets to help others become stronger, more confident, and more capable every day as our Member Experience & Community Manager and Coach.
Her favourite movements? Deadlifts and cleans. Favourite WODs? Annie and Grace.
Least favourite? Fran. 😂
One of Jen’s biggest accomplishments this year was taking on the Jasper Skyline Trail—something she never imagined herself doing. The hike pushed her physically and mentally, but when she wanted to quit, she kept going.
💬 “I have learned how to push past that barrier. This hike put me in a similar mindset, where I wanted to give up, but I didn’t!”
That determination is Jen. Whether she’s training, hiking, camping, working toward her full wall walk, or keeping up with her grandchildren, she continues to challenge herself and keep moving forward.
After 10 years of CrossFit, her biggest takeaway is simple: CrossFit has made her stronger physically, mentally, and personally—and given her incredible friendships and community along the way.
We’re incredibly lucky to have Jen as both a coach and a member of the FNA family. ❤️
Congratulations, Coach Jen! Well deserved! 🏆🔥
08/25/2026