Road to the Games 17.04: Eramo/Dancer

In 2016, CrossFit Games rookie Kristi Eramo just wanted to do her best and enjoy the experience. As it turns out, her best was good enough for eighth overall-the highest placing of any female rookie that year.
“My perception of myself has changed,” she says. “I’m believing in myself a little bit more and not selling myself as short … . (I) did well in the Games, (and my) work is paying off.”
Known for his strength, Sam Dancer says his 2016 debut in the Individual competition didn’t go quite as planned because a nagging injury derailed his performance. He finished 32nd but says the outcome was excellent.
“Because of the people around me, the focus I had, … it was a perfectly executed weekend for me,” Dancer says of the 2016 Games.
As the two athletes prepare for the 2017 season, they seek balance between gym time and other aspects of their lives. In fact, Eramo and Dancer prioritize friends and loved ones just as they prioritize training for the Games season.
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The Fittest On Earth™

[@benmartin3180]

Sam Dancer for Man of the Year

[@AlbertAldridgeAAFitness]

Absolutely 100% agree

[@Sam18elnino9]

I am really excited to see his Regionals performance. What he's saying sounds beautiful but I am sceptical as to if this is the right mindset to get a high placement at the CF games. We'll see I'd love it to happen.

[@aaronlengel3351]

I agree! Sam's mindset resonates very strongly with me and I really appreciate the depth of his reflections. While I agree people can achieve extraordinary things when they focus all of their energy in a specific direction, if you have hundreds of people giving it their 100%, not all of them are going to win the games. Compound this with the conviction Sam expresses of living a whole life and it seems contradictory to say, "I can win the games if I focus 100% of my energy in that direction but I want to maintain all of these other important areas of my life." If he lives the integrated life he desires then he is not going to be able to train with all of his focus on training and if he puts training above the other important areas of his life then he is not living the life he desires. Regardless I'm excited to watch him compete and will be cheering for him to succeed, whatever that may look like.

[@Sam18elnino9]

I think he is going to be able to train 100% as to what is needed to make him the best athlete possible. I think it's all the stuff ouside the gym where Fraser & Fikowski e.g. do everything that is humanly possible to basically becoming unbeatable. I don't think Sam is doing that. But as I said he says it's going to be a big year for him so I am excited to see him perform at the games & regionals.

[@benmartin3180]

I hope he makes it happen. I think he can do it and if he doesn't who gives a shit he lives an amazing a enviable life. True man. To the core.

[@i_lift_marshmallows604]

all of a sudden I want Sam Dancer to win the crossfit games

[@bbull189]

He didn't qualify for the games this year.

[@ThCessford]

Absolute heart breaker :(

[@chris123chris82]

I look up to Sam more than he could probably imagine.. I'd love it if he won the games. He's such a great role model

[@CodyFCA]

would be the perfect ambassador for Crossfit

[@jennicrites2616]

Crispy C I agree 100000%!!! I couldn't admire both he or Jen more!

[@novaracjumps]

"You don't have to sacrifice good things to do a good thing." So freaking true. I would love if a looooooooooooot of people see this video because they need it.

[@thomashaugen908]

how did that work out for Sam in the 2017 season?

[@DisDatK9]

Three things I didn't know about Sam Dancer until this video 1: He's legally blind 2: He completed 2016 on a broken fibula 3: He's the most loving and down to earth guy in Crossfit

[@artantaylor484]

Sam dancer is such an amazing human being. keep doing you buddy!

[@danielebowman]

Sam Dancer is Mr Crossfit. The true spirit of the Crossfit Games.

[@ianamores]

As much as I love the Games and the spirit of competition, I think it's important to note what Sam is doing. Life is more than just training to be the fittest. It's about touching the lives of people and growing together. Love Sam and his wife's faith!

[@Bouillestfu]

Sam's got the right idea. I'm not a man of faith but everything else I can stand behind 100%!

[@r0bven2ra13]

Sam, you're awesome brother. Great message.

[@alemagnum1]

Sam Dancer, from now on you are my inspiration. What an amazing guy

[@dubtastic]

Guys... seriously... These keep getting better and better.

[@MG-sb8pf]

I love Road to the Games videos! They are always done quite well.

[@Mwin3689]

Since watching Sam on Output TV he's been my favorite athlete! Seems like a badass dude

[@bascal133]

I appreciate that they are highlighting folks outside of the last years top ten and previous winners

[@juankam075]

Holy crap, how did I not realize Sam Dancer was this awesome before?!?

[@brandineal34]

"You don't have to sacrifice the good things to do a good thing" ❤️

[@michaelmaclean5126]

Eramo seems like a great girl, but crossfit did her dirty pairing her with Dancer. Dancer is one of the most unique athletes among any sport.

[@federicob9103]

Michael MacLean dancer deserves his own road to the games chapter

[@mikec3246]

He needs a full series of his own road to the games lol! #i'dwatchthat

[@ikilledmyroommate]

He has a whole series on output tv

[@hunterblevins637]

Damn, Sam Dancer is solid!!! He has his priorities straight!

[@austinray2138]

This 26min long video is how long all the videos need to be. Dancer-cool dude! Eramo-cool dudette!

[@adamkee3648]

sam dancer seems like a stand up guy also we need a bridges road to the games

[@ginnymaeorenge]

This has been one of the best example of living life. Being present in the moment. Sam Dancer you're an inspiration. May God favor you this weekend.

[@archangel9524]

I Would love to meet Sam, I need someone like him in my life for sure. Such an inspiration!

[@keshavnair4363]

I met him at the mid Atlantic CrossFit challenge. Super nice guy

[@nicholeo9565]

I love the fact that Sam goes to the YMCA to workout too! He has such a refreshing perspective on being an athlete! Eramo looks so focused on her training, that Westside barebell looks like no joke! Thank you for the quality of these productions, they totally motivate me! Can't wait to see the next one with Venzelua's comeback and of Dan Bailey.

[@HOCM102]

Never clicked faster in mah life :)))))

[@riskystein]

Who needs pre-workout when you have videos like this.

[@G4M3RTILLIDI3]

Can you please be a dear and upload Sam dancer every week?

[@jakemotzny1129]

Output TV has like 7 videos of him from this open and there all killer!

[@AlbertAldridgeAAFitness]

everyday?? ;)

[@Duranasaur]

Jake you used the wrong "there/their/they're"

[@MySon1sAdorable]

Adore Sam Dancer! But that little teaser with Dan Bailey 💜 so excited to see that and what's coming this weekend for his regional! Yes!!!

[@Benniehatch]

This is by FAR my FAVORITE Road to the Games episode!!! Two awesome individuals with great personalities.

[@tokyofashionista]

I'm so in love with Sam's personality and attitude!

[@JM-ig9qi]

tokyofashionista then there is no doubt that you will fall in love with Jesus, it is ultimately who Sam aspires to.

[@christenechristene]

Sam Dancer for president 😜. He's such a good person. Heart of gold.

[@lexloststaind]

Ok. I want him to win

[@meggabrielle684]

SAM DANCER! crossfit games 2017! man you are the GREATEST! and i am now rooting for you 100%. you are an amazing human being

[@liljess1208]

Didnt know much about dancer or eramo before but now i love them both so much... Incredible human beings.. Sam Dancer knows exactly what he is talking about.. Great stuff

[@elizabethmoss3133]

I need more Sam Dancer in my life. I appreciate how he says yeah you podiumed but you left a trail of hurt. This is a guy who is keeping his priorities. Just love this!!!

[@katiekruse4512]

Wonderful! I loved watching both athletes. Dancer is so intense and warm, all heart. His wife is so beautiful and totally real!!! I love real people. Eramo is 100% genuine and so articulate and totally focused. Watching her made me want to train harder. Her mom is such a badass! Great video! Can't wait to see them both this weekend. I hope Sam is correct and one can podium while having balance, but I don't know if that's really possible. I hope so!

[@ntatum54]

Sam Dancer...the best person representing CF. You need to show more of him as he is a real person making a real difference and yet still living a delivering the CF lifestyle and performance. Need more people like him or him in general to deliver the CF message to the masses.

[@webkidjulie]

I met Sam and Jen at the Central Regionals. They are the sweetest and most genuine couple you will ever meet. They are so supportive of each other. They are a great model for other couples who compete together.

[@gmarciag1]

I've loved this episode from beginning to end. Two great people

[@johndesoto8408]

Favorite episode for sure! Two amazing athletes who are even more amazing people.

[@jesperjansson9513]

Wow. Sam Dancer certainly grew on my just by watching this episode. What an amazing person, such inspiration!

[@andyb.7617]

Met Sam and Jen the night after the second day of regionals. VERY GENUINE PEOPLE. Didn't know much about them before (besides seeing Sam dominate the deadlift at the games last year) but after meeting them they made me a fan. Sponsors....these are people you want on your team. Trust me.

[@danryan2676]

This is one of THE BEST RttG I have watched. Sam is AWESOME

[@adityamayekar7872]

I have a whole another level of respect for Sam Dancer...and probably one of the best Road to Games

[@TheDamdam980]

It's people like Sam who can really make a difference in our current world!

[@dianarobinson8007]

Oh my gosh. Sam Jen and James. My heart just burst.

[@doyouknow4448]

More people needs to see this!! People can learn a lot from Sam Dancer, he´s such an awesome and down to earth dude! My new favorite athlete by miles

[@CoreyS816]

Both of these athletes are pure inspiration.

[@emmanuelogdickson4058]

absolutely LOVE this episode

[@swisspanda97]

Sam dancer rocks! i love his state of mind! Man, you are becoming everyday more and more my idol!

[@ObesetoBeast]

2 awesome people. Sam is seriously someone that I look up to. Hopefully they both have awesome finishes this year!

[@rubensalcedo6752]

Dudeeeeee i can't believed nobody liked your comment, huge fan! I lose over 70 pounds from 264 to 190 , and You were a Big inspiration , greetings from México!

[@eMJay1985]

This was the best Episode so far! Sam is just awesome...

[@daximusdecimusmeridius2201]

And also Sam Dancer should have his own reality show, he's so interesting to listen to & his wife also both funny

[@Not.So.Comfort.Zone.]

It's awesome that crossfit is doing more of these, love getting to know more of the athletes

[@blakeylol8837]

Every since I've known who Sam Dancer is he's been my favorite Crossfitter. Such a killer dude in all facets of this thing called life

[@corriedotdev]

AAAND Sam dancer has a killer set up for training. Bodybuilding exercises followed by isolated crossgit training in another session. YES. Total legend

[@robo056]

this is the best episode yet

[@leeslim4life]

I absolutely loved watching this one. When Sam's wife picked up the book of Bible Stories made my heart smile. Kristi is so impressive.

[@Splashdown99]

Every time Sam Dancer speaks about his relationship with his remarkable best friend, I cry. When he speaks from the heart and cries, I cry. Every. Single. Time. What fantastic people!

[@PabloDamonte]

Absolutely stunning video. Sam's the man!

[@justinhebert5155]

I was not prepared for how awesome this video was

[@machohedgehog4798]

I live in the same town as dancer and have gone to his gym several times. He’s a the real deal.

[@Xlagzx]

Sam completed the games with a stress fracture on his fibula.... what the actual hell

[@Vantasner4214]

Alec S youll actually see a lot of athletes in many sports compete with a fractured fibulas, it's not weight bearing, unlike the tibia, so it's perfectly fine to put weight on it if it doesn't hurt

[@awelch210]

I have a fibular stress fracture right now and have been ordered by my doctor to do no weight bearing exercises on it. I can only lift upper body (seated) and do core exercises. I've been stuck in a boot for 12 weeks now. I did 17.1 Scaled on it before i was diagnosed and there wasn't pain during the wod, but he said if I landed wrong or put too much pressure on it, that it could continue into a full break, which then requires surgery. I'm impressed that Sam was able to compete on it, without making it worse. Mine doesn't allow me to squat, that pain is what sent me to the doctor.

[@chrisprice3391]

Funny how they show 2 of the most endearing guys in crossfit sharing a moment. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@barbarahafner2372]

i just love the road to the games =) this one was brilliant and I can't wait for the next episode with 2 of my favourite athletes!! :DDD

[@olivierberteloot1274]

These are so great to watch. I didn't even know Marston Sawyers was editing these!

[@mikeniajewelet81]

OMG I can't wait for the next episode

[@kenstyle6]

So good. So inspirational! Love it

[@EastWestHealing]

Best one yet! Sam Dancer for president!

[@karolapineda]

This has definitely been my favorite so far.

[@OrangeSunset182]

By far some of my favorite athletes

[@jimr9266]

Epic video guys. Nice work! Good luck at Regionals Sam, Jen and Kristi!

[@rafaelrezende2865]

I've never been so early. Wait, it's Sam Dancer. All Good.

[@samanthareimerart4627]

Sam Dancer always brings the joy:) From his crazy lifts to his personal philosophies and outlook on life he's an inspiration. Also very exciting watching an athlete like Kristi Eramo working those odd objects and pushing herself at Westside Barbell. Folks better watch out for her.

[@tanc416]

best episode so far... Sam, you are the man my dude.

[@tanc416]

oh, and please stop pulling 615 off the ground with a broken fibula, thanks.

[@honeyclaypot]

this was AWESOMEEEEEE - thank you :D

[@Caysum21345]

I had never heard of him before this video and now I'm his number one fan. Sam is like the dream guy and I wish him all the success in the world

[@RideFlyJump]

Love the series.

[@codenamepa7041]

best episode ever!!

[@ryanbrockway3209]

Sam Dancer Needs some More love - This Dude is incredible and his attitude towards training life balance is inspiring!!

[@gabrieljerez6378]

can't wait for the next one with Valenzuela and Bailey!

[@biswarajkarmakar9650]

Sam Dancer...more I see this guy , more I like him...Dude ur awesome !! 👍💪

[@kensleyraoapajee4590]

Massive thanks for introducin me to Sam Dancer YO!!! much love

[@bodhi821345]

Just make more of these already. Best content that Crossfit puts out is stuff like this!

[@miguelcastroesilva9099]

Sam Dancer is amazing! Loved the way he approaches training and his life as a crossfitter!

[@airplane3359]

The editing on these videos is amazing.

[@smg222]

That was AWESOME!!!

[@barbarahafner2372]

Best road to the games ever!!! I'd like to get to know both of them :) they are so real and humble

[@roglius]

:) He's epic! This is who I'll be cheering for at the regional and games this year! :)

[@Hannaphs7]

Sam Dancer now one of if not my most favourite crossfit athlete. Pray he achieve's everything he trains for 100% 2017 Crossfit Games.

[@Hannaphs7]

I Love Crossfit not currently at a box though they are really expensive to join and be a member in my area Southeast London. 😶 (Hopefully can do the open next year 2018 though)

[@AlbertAldridgeAAFitness]

totally agree with you Sam --> Family + friends + job + faith OVER training for sure

[@corefiit5446]

wow you guys so inspiring..

[@double55nickles]

Awesome series

[@danylafontaine3723]

Sam Dancer has got things figured out. He and his BFF are beautiful to watch together. Sam seems so convinced and devoted to what he believes in that it is chilling to watch him speak. He's enjoying life on his own terms and shares them with the world with awesome candor. Refreshing.

[@pooldesignexpert]

Great production!

[@kevinboje9270]

Sam Dancer puts it all out there... I respect that. Great role model. I hope he crushes it this year!

[@Paquetjrm]

I didn't know Sam Dancer until now and all of the sudden he is my favorite athlete!

[@njaramillo34]

Damn...this just made me a huge Sam Dancer fan!

[@TrayCaddyyy]

10/10 would want to hang out with Sam Dancer. Also it's awesome to see a CrossFitter train at Westside!

[@therealjakub]

Great duo!

[@LivinLifeWithCynthia]

Sam is awesome! Great wisdom- love his heart behind it all ❤️ #jesusatthecenter