A Conversation with Pat Vellner

[@KateP-r8x]

Every time I see Pat I think... what a great Canadian.

[@JBoudreaux0712]

Tommy reminds me of that kid in high school trying to impress the popular kids (athletes) by doing things and saying things you know he really doesn’t actually believe but forces it to fit in with people he likes.

[@AileenBaker]

It's hard to have any faith that CFHQ will ever do better. Having only an internally controlled athlete board that they're willing to work with is alarming--it is so frustrating to watch how authoritarian HQ is being. If they actually gave two shits about the athletes, they would open dialogue with the PFAA and actually make changes. It's been going on so long that it is clear they just don't care. And why would they? There are always more people waiting in the wings for their chance. It is so disappointing

[@shawnadavy581]

The L1 talk is a bit baffling to me. Why are people crapping on athletes for not having it? It is "expert instruction on the CrossFit methodology", including "lectures on foundational movements, the CrossFit methodology, nutrition, and programming...breakout sessions focus on improving individual participants’ mechanics while instructors engage participants in a dialogue that illuminates and reinforces effective coaching strategies" and "examples of how to conduct a group class, hold a standard of proper mechanics when working at high intensity, and scale movements for any ability level." There's no reason why that should be an expectation for elite athletes, nor does it make sense for it, IMO, to be a requirement to participate in discussions surrounding athlete safety. The L1 has no baring on decisions that led to a guy drowning and sinking to the bottom of a lake where his body remained for hours.

[@njsbconstruction4188]

Tommy doesn't ask questions. He states his own answer to the question before he asks a response from the person he is interviewing. That's a shame

[@karl10]

Tommy needs to sort his mike out in that room

[@shawnadavy581]

Agreed. It's inexplicable that a professional broadcaster sounds like he's in a tin can all the time.

[@petrolene_performancecoach]

If you have to have a L1 for the athlete board, then they represent coaches, not athletes.

[@natedietzenbach3807]

The dollars don't follow the talent in Crossfit. The talent follows the dollars. That is why all the games athletes are still competing at the Crossfit Games. It's interesting that the top games athletes don't recognize the importance of getting a L1 and then getting people involved in the open if that is what pays them a higher prize purse. It would be a win win for the games athletes as well as promoting Crossfit and changing peoples lives.

[@jillrogers4952]

Is the PFAA something CrossFit asked to have or did they just create their own thing and are forcing CrossFit to take them serious? Not saying I isn’t a good thing but I’m really confused and n the origins of the pfaa and why they think they should have such a huge voice in the business?

[@ukaserex]

They want to do it online because it's cheaper for them to do it online. There's simply not enough demand for the sport for the sponsors to pony up the cash to pay for the venue. Worse, when you have an elite athlete such as Lazar Djukic die during an event - what sponsor wants to be near that? The athletes are going to have to join together and create their own games and leave HQ out of it. None of their business anyway. Just let a larger affiliate host the games.

[@Rob_Southards]

ROFL... I find it funny that Pat feels attacked for not having a level one. Talk about being a great ambassador for the sport LOL. I always enjoyed watching him for his Fitness related capabilities, but hearing that he doesn't have an L1 and the way he's throws poop at it unbelievable. Especially since his coach is is in the realm of coaching people, providing stellar programming, and giving back to the affiliates. He seems to not understand + almost feels like he's entitled. I could put a lot of notes pros and cons on this video but that one stands out. Edit: also to add, He's probably one of the athletes that got handed a free level one opportunity from CrossFit for his performance at the games in the past. Many early athletes decided to not get a free level one.

[@kyle.t.hammers]

Pat I think if you spoke about the L1 positively once or twice they would waive your fee so you wouldn’t have to worry about that

[@jasontwatkins8278]

Too bad they have already waived his fee multiple times

[@Jason-yb4gz]

I'm pretty sure all games level athletes get a free L1 ....

[@stadi4594]

👍👍👍

[@jorgegonzalez7118]

Am i the only one that really hears pats canadian accent lately?

[@BrandonLineberry]

Just so everyone knows. Pat was offered a free L1 in the past

[@angeliehayes29]

Tommy: “funny how that works” Ugh 🙄🙄🙄

[@aleorma]

A L1 diploma means very little when you have been an elite athlete for so long. All the knowledge you can possibly get in the curse is something these athletes have covered for many years now. Just like a music diploma. If the musician shows exceptional levels of performance, a diploma won't add anything to their wisdom. In so many elite European conservatories you have teachers with no diploma. Because they get it.

[@Robertaborges1975]

Couldn’t agree more. Everyone crying about the L1 here probably doesn’t have one. If they did, they’d know how underwhelming it is if you’ve been doing crossfit for a while.

[@hillerfit]

For all the 💩 thrown my way for not being a “professional” I find it appalling that Lauren uses words like “disappointing” while Tommy throws backhanded jabs at CrossFit (funny how that works)

[@abstractgeniuscomments]

Was it these 3 people who gave you poo poo for that?

[@asterserv]

You have the gall to come here and throw words like appalling at Lauren while sitting on the Kill Taylor show where people are talked about in the most vile and disgusting language imaginable. Never once did I hear you speak out when people like Pat, Tommy, Brent, Wooley, Lauren, Brian Friend, PC, Luka, Craig and many more got vilified, slandered, accused, insulted. Taylor called PC a pedophile last time and all you did was laugh. Tainted by association. This hatefest that's the Sevan "Crossfit Karen" Podcast is where you made your bed and I hope you sleep well in it.

[@laurencroft1457]

I really agree. I like Lauren and Tommy but I’m craving to hear some organic, unfiltered thoughts

[@irishva100]

It’s standard for both of these analysts/reporters. They are chameleons, will go with whatever is rhetoric from the people they like. But will ask for media passes next year?!

[@centenoj85]

True story Sir

[@iankristofer1]

Pat can't have an honorary level 1 lol!!!!!!?????????

[@melissaodier1953]

No Tommy it is NOT "funny how that works"! CF is based on a methodology so the least you can do if you want to have a say in anything is to have your Level1...Pat what is happening to you lately? this sport has given you so much, why step on it?

[@CapableConnie]

😂