Road to the Games Ep. 18.04: Vellner & Wright-Regional Rollercoaster

Video by Heber Cannon, Marston Sawyers and Mariah Moore.
This episode of “Road to the Games” follows the highs and lows of Games hopeful Tia Wright and two-time Games medalist Pat Vellner as they prepare for and compete in the 2018 Regionals.
Wright knows the feeling of finishing just short of a qualifying spot all too well after placing seventh at Regionals in 2016 and sixth in 2017.
“Since last year, I’ve worked so much on my mind,” Wright says. “I’ll be ready when Regionals come.”
Despite that confidence, Wright struggles through the West Regional, finishing the weekend in 22nd.
“I’m confused that you can put in such good work and not see the outcome that you’re looking for,” says a disappointed Wright.
In the East, Vellner busts down the door to the CrossFit Games like a wild Canadian moose. With back-to-back third-place finishes at the Games, Vellner is now a seasoned veteran who knows what it takes to compete at the highest level.
“If you’re under-prepared for Regionals, you don’t go to the Games,” he says.
It’s safe to say Vellner is prepared this year. After placing third or better in every single event, Vellner takes the East and finishes first overall on a combined Regionals leaderboard-25 points ahead of two-time defending Games champ Mat Fraser.
“Even when it comes to my school or work or whatever, I want to do better than everybody else. I want to be the best version of myself that I can be,” says Vellner, a chiropractic student who works as an intern at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) clinic when he’s not busy training.
Vellner hopes his winning streak will continue in Madison: “I would love to win. We work too hard to ‘participate.‘”
Watch the full episode and discover which of these athletes likes to knit and which has a house that’s constantly filled with strangers’ dogs.
The CrossFit Games -- (games.crossfit.com)
The CrossFit Games® - The Sport of Fitness™
The Fittest On Earth™

[@sethscreativefilms]

The juxtaposition between Vellner's and Tia's mentality was very interesting

[@jimnc3335]

I've seen many people do this overly positive self assurance and it often leads to mental and physical breaks. It's like playing make believe that the problems in life or competition can be dismissed with a smile. A better approach is to be flexible and realistic and allow yourself to have low days or reset times. Focus and be resilient.

[@grim6343]

jim nc well said my friend

[@DisDatK9]

I agree. I mean, I personally couldn't even try to act so positively all of the time, because it just isn't realistic. Shitty days happen, and it's only human to not be so filled with motivation and self assurance; but it's those days where you'll feel the most proud of just sucking it up and pushing forward regardless.

[@kylecrooke9438]

Couldn't agree more! Very profound and well-articulated. God bless you!

[@controlshift975]

Wow great words of advice and I totally agree.

[@chrishebner2640]

I'm torn on this issue. I don't think we can really infer too much from this one specific case. I would absolutely be open to being dissuaded from my opinion using a larger sample size, though admittedly anecdotal evidence doesn't typically sway me too much so I'm a frustrating person to argue with. I believe in the fake it till you make it adage. Believing you are capable of greatness is also of relatively obvious importance for athletes (though I will concede that this confidence is different than the self assurance, positivity messages we are debating). I did read a book on the psychology of sales and it mentioned something of relevance here. Using baseball as an example as that is my sport and is a good topic when it comes to dealing with failure (imo), telling yourself "I can do this" before your at bat is actually scientifically proven to have a less correlation to success than reminding yourself of past work ethic and past successes as a motivator. Rather than I can do this, it's better to ask "can I do this? Have I put in the work? Am I capable?" This reassurance is effective because it isn't an empty promise to yourself. Instead, it's based on evidence, and builds your confidence through this evidence in a more solid fashion than simply trying to reassure yourself that you are capable. This seems to agree with your mindset, but I think our opinions differ slightly. I don't infer from this scientific finding that positive reinforcement and faking it till you make it is an unsuccessful venture. Rather, I think it is very important and staying positive in negative scenarios helps you be better. But it needs to be firmly planted in evidence, and not entirely empty "promises". If I suck at my job, but apply a mixture of fake it till I make it combined with challenging myself mentally to "prove" I am capable, I believe I will out perform my own expectations better than I would if I accepted my faults and tried to "just deal" with "bad days" as they come. Just my two cents (or more accurately my dollar fiddy as I tend to ramble). Edit: reread your comment and now I think I may have just agreed with you and expanded on your comment rather than challenged your perspective.

[@Vegaman18]

I don't do a lick of crossfit, but I love watching these! Gotta respect their grind! Let's go!!!

[@coreyduncan1118]

I hate Lick To 😂😂😂

[@ShaneElliott10]

Vellner has the best personality

[@rollindown95]

Thank you for making it free!!!

[@krashdesdunes3504]

Sincerely.

[@jamiepearce4143]

Ed Sheeran! My fav crossfit athlete!

[@chrisconnor5986]

One appears to be more humble than the other. And the humble one's been on the podium twice.

[@emanuel290]

Chris Connor its easy to be humble when you know you are the best

[@NateQB14619]

The fittest chiropractor on earth.

[@RC10233]

What about Alan?

[@rottekiwi]

seeing a games athlete in a shirt and tie is just bizarre

[@jhssuthrnmama]

Tia: "I'm not nervous at all." Patrick: "I've got a little nerves going on." Mat: (from the 20m documentary) "I was throwing up." I would guess that maybe it's because Patrick, and especially Mat, know exactly what's necessary to win, and that's going deep in the pain cave, and staying there, and not leaving until you finish, no matter how deep, no matter how long. I sure don't have what it takes to do that, and I can imagine that if I did, and I knew what I was about to face, that I'd be more on the Mat end of things!

[@humbertolozano2237]

I’ve never thought about it that way. That makes a lot of sense now that you mention it.

[@tosh8377]

I liked that crossfit showed the other side of competition, the roller coaster that tia went through would resonate with so many other regional athletes.

[@Bumzi]

Mat Fraser vs The World , I genuinely laughed in excitement . The fact that he has his own episode and his obstacle is everyone else , is amazing . Can't wait for Fraser's bit .

[@tomogorman3947]

I love so much how Vellner keeps talking about being careful, and not going unbroken, and staying within your capabilities. You can tell he really thinks about the workouts and knows his abilities!

[@quentingallea166]

That was by far the most enriching crossfit documentary. Vellner, is a really impressive athlete, able to share his cold temper and calm approach to the competition. Above that, I found it particularly fascinating to follow Tia Wright. First, her approach and questioning on the mental/psychological side of competition is deep. Then, showing someone who is not top five at every event, show a bit more the truth of the sport. Winning is awesome, but competition day, winning day are nothing in sport, they are the 1% of the time or the people. Dealing with ups and down, failling, going back up, that's the big deal. Awesome, video! Thanks a lot to the athlete and producing team! Cheers

[@Ashley-is6wj]

This paring of Patrick and Tia is very interesting. And the editing done on this video is done insanely well. Tia might not have deserved the highlight of her journey. But it helped demonstrate a winners mindset vs a participant mindset.

[@JeanGlaude]

I gave Tia a high five at the West Regional and she just about ripped my arm off.

[@jasonandrews7355]

Jean Glaude yo, you were in a team Richey vlog, weren't you?

[@JeanGlaude]

Jason Andrews haha yeah. I’ve been in one or two!

[@randellbigr1960]

Yeh woman on roids is dangerous ..... She is starting to look a little manly

[@controlshift975]

@ B archi...Can you add her blood test results that you have as proof?

[@nicholasflores8783]

I think Tia is drastically trying to force positive thinking...that doesn't make for a solid performance

[@tomogorman3947]

Nicholas Flores EVERY time she said “i’m fine i’m happy” i just didn’t believe her

[@TeamRICHEY]

1 hour 7!!

[@zwaagernees]

Richey! Enjoy m8

[@samanthareimerart4627]

Right?! I was so happy:)

[@krashdesdunes3504]

TeamRICHEY :D :D :D :D :D Not surprised you got there before me.

[@oc6738]

Craig! You definitely need to do the wod on the waves cruise! Super cool vlogs would come from there!

[@dylanvangilder3582]

When we gonna see a teamRichey video this long?

[@jessifresh1]

Tia's experience at Regionals is what most athletes experience there, give or take. It's not a story that gets told a lot by CrossFit Media, so I'm glad they put this together.

[@TSM260]

Jessi Roesch true that!!

[@thi1swill]

Sports Psychologist lol Like.."ok..answer your own question lmao"

[@Purveyorofawesome]

As always, great work guys! Vellner & Wright can help a lot of us remember to live life. So inspiring to watch those two push themselves, win or fail, and just keep going!

[@JayFriedrichs]

Love how this shows how much of this is mentality. The people who win are tough as nails. They have a strategy and they commit too it no matter how bad it they want to quit.

[@fernandoguillen1237]

Fraser for 2hrs! Whole movie.

[@Bhanupratapsingh-jb2nk]

Go Vellner! That starting facepalm though!

[@TheDivineInquiry]

I love how well made these are now!

[@adammoore1089]

Vellner is the chillest. Humble,funny and doesn’t take himself serious. Best mindset for CrossFit and life.

[@theabengtsson4558]

1 hour, hell yesssssss! Thank youuuu

[@matthewkulka]

“On the next episode...” Cmon let it be Fraser. Cmonnnn. “Mat” YOU’RE DAMN RIGHT *throws phone*

[@krashdesdunes3504]

Too good to be true uh'

[@harlemdeni]

Did they just shouted 'NO REP'?! :D :D :D That was the funniest ish I've seen all day hahaha.

[@islanddoggear]

Hey guys, I think it would be really cool to do a series on the underdogs of crossfit, like the people that are trying to make it to regionals that still work a day job every day. Like the "privateers" of Crossfit. It would be really cool to see how others manage their training while having a career as well.

[@thatolekalakala6162]

Agreed. That would be amazing to see.

[@geoffrossham]

The only way to get to the games is to put out at regionals. Lessons from Patrick Vellner.

[@jonathanburton5193]

Over an hour of absolute pure awesomeness!!! Love the road to the games series. Great job Heber Marsden and Mariah!! 💪👌👍 gets me pumped for CrossFit

[@vinceg1094]

CrossFit... Please don't mix the music tracks 15 db higher than the vocal audio... good LORD people at work think I am having a rave ta my desk.

[@teakey]

Love these. I’d watch other sports if they all did this.

[@kenstyle6]

teakey I love watching the HBO pre-fight one’s for 🥊 first one I watched was for an Oscar de la Hoya fight I think against Mayweather. Then the Pacquiao fights. I think these are produced to the same level, if not better! Super entertaining and interesting to watch.

[@DefinitelyCarter]

CrossFit camera/film crew does an amazing job. They could make watching paint dry exciting.

[@4secondfuse]

The quality of this production is phenomenal, except for the fact the audio all over the place. Down, up, down and the up again. Low speech, loud music. On a phone, not as noticeable, but put it through a decent sound system and you'll see what I mean. It can't be just me noticing this here.

[@karolinamackiewicz514]

You really can see the difference in the level of professionalism between two of them. Patrick is so focused, calm, confident. All comes together: his recovery, nutrition and quality of workouts. Tia is missing all of it - she behaves like a student coming to school competition, completely unprepared. Apparently, what was enough last year, is not enough in 2018. CF has become so competitive and professional.

[@lille-mary1517]

A person asking a sweating Pat after an event when he is standing there for an interview. -Do you want something to drink? And he tired and sweating still focuses on that person saying along the lines -Yes thank you so much, that would be really great. I love that he has a humble aura about him, even when many would be really focused on me me me at that point.

[@jennatulls0420]

Great production! I love watching these films prior to the games and love seeing how much these athletes put in to be there. Keep em coming!

[@gilly30]

Tia needs to get her money back from that sports psychologist haha

[@flipntwisth1104]

i was about to comment that hahaha he's literally having her do his job

[@emmaliz5484]

Opened the comments as soon as that phone call…. Scammy

[@hr5641]

Tia needs a new sport psychologist. That phone call at the end of day 1 was not what she needed.

[@big60aa]

Hamid R i am a therapist and was thinking the same thing.

[@hollyeriksen6245]

She needs one that picks up when she calls during her most important competition of the year

[@zoetleven]

I agree that guy meant nothing for her in that time when she needed hin

[@lamalditaverdad9243]

Nobody needs a sports psychologist

[@MichaelCronan49]

@@lamalditaverdad9243 every athlete needs one

[@UncleDeppy]

I feel like there are other athletes more deserving for a road to the games other than Tia Wright, I understand they probably already filmed everything before her regional performance but still. Just my 2 cents :\

[@TMKFilmsCH]

Okay how EPIC is the transition at 57:10!! The CF film making team killing it again.

[@justine6794]

This was by far the best road to the games episode! so much more great content!

[@twocakez]

That’s the difference between a games athlete and a non games athlete. Vellner knows how to push through the pain in unfavorable events while Tia flops and mopes on her burpees. Stop whining and bust it.

[@wally8867]

Love tia. But theres a fine line between confidence and arrogance. To have no nerves at all is unnatural

[@NateQB14619]

Wally I don't think it was arrogance. Competition is a mental game and some people get super calm or relaxed because that's what works for them. I can relate because I do that as well.

[@rachelclifton4821]

I have a sense that she's trying to avoid her nerves

[@basx3]

this is better than any movie at the moment, 1 hour and 8 minutes was worth it.

[@ResoluteMedia]

"Im confused that you can put in such good work and not see the outcome that you're looking for." Take your loss and go get better. There's nothing to be confused about.

[@LANCECASTLE490]

Ramon Mejia YES!! bahahhahaha

[@YouTubeUserAlbert]

Ramon Mejia right? I thought she was kidding.

[@BurgundyandBlue1111]

Ramon Mejia Agreed. All of the regional level athletes train hard. Tia needs to accept that this time many others were better than she was. It's time for her to train harder and improve.

[@Heretical_Theology]

you can tell throughout the whole documentary she's not taking her training seriously. There is no intensity. No methodology. No heart. She was just laughing it all off and acting like it was all fun n games. Shes fit and can do wonderful things if she actually got focused and didn't treat it like a joke.

[@angelaleiter5252]

48:45 conversation. What we all thought watching the South regional. Watch everyone who has trouble qualifying move to the South next year.....

[@vikareu50]

Is it me or Tia's face and the way she talks resembles Jason khalipa. Uncanny!

[@AlvinHazelton]

that was the first thing I thought when I saw her talking 😁

[@scottymac8888]

Good on you Tia. I can't imagine how hard this is and you rocked it regardless. And thank you Xfit production for showing what goes on for all those top notch athletes who miss out. I'd love to see more

[@kristofujvari7694]

The best Road to the Games so far!

[@Sophieannnna]

I'm a big fan of Vellner! Really enjoyed this series of videos

[@jahnavirudrakshala7308]

Oh my gosh I love that the refs' break chant is "no rep!"

[@Yes2LifeShow]

Great Episode. Absolutely love these

[@drpiano777]

The preview for the next episode gave me the chills

[@kataconcepcion774]

23:01 "My chesticles" 😂😂

[@ringtoolDRIVER]

Great Episode, the best so far. Good idea very well executed!

[@HUVideoer]

Vellner is amazing..looks a bit like a really nice and happy guy from the average joes gym..but still with a performance that is out of this world!

[@thetheRedundant]

Dude, Tia’s an absolute mental case. Her mind will keep her from the Games, not her body.

[@MichaelCronan49]

How come?

[@phatzonki]

@@MichaelCronan49 mind of a sheep

[@markleal16]

All the mindset stuff has to be causing crazy amounts of anxiety, stunting performance.

[@Kenji.1ChessPiece]

Yey, this made my day, thanks CF! 🔥

[@harryisamuggle]

I'm so confused with their choice of filming Tia.

[@kevinli7339]

literally 26:29 in and i just realised this was an hour long... life never seises to surprise me hahaha

[@gabrielfelixmunoz739]

that sports psychologist is such a rip off lololol he just had her tell him everything he couldn't.

[@coreysmith4542]

I love watching these great content!

[@bascal133]

An hou!!r 🔥🔥 yaaasss 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@andrewbenson640]

What a contrast in mindset.

[@ritzafrancois4863]

Pat is so great!

[@paradox5391]

Tia who?

[@susanahurtado2140]

Pat has a female coach!!! LOVE!!!

[@jasonandrews7355]

susana hurtado it's Michelle Letendre, she's amazing Edit: didn't realize they showed her name lol, this comment was totally unnecessary

[@tanikafenton5209]

She’s a ex games athlete 🤗🤗

[@susanahurtado2140]

Jason Andrews 🤣

[@michaelstfort]

Michelle Letendre is Not a Female coach, Michelle Letendre is a Beast. #goals

[@bs431980]

Looks like Tia will have a different boyfriend for next years regionals after that

[@sarah-rubywilliams-ramouta8146]

bs431980 yeah, the casual way she talks about it would be a bit hurtful to him.

[@andrewduke6264]

I love these! But why in the mixing do you have the music so loud? at times it's so hard to hear what's being said.

[@MARKO-ls2kt]

Next one will be EPIC!

[@lillithsternin7428]

I do love Tia. I do. And I could relate to the mindset struggle so much. But after 7 years of trying to make it to the games...maybe time to move on to something else? Focus on being the best coach or owning a business or something. When do you keep pushing and when do you realize when something is just not for you?

[@gd8173]

when it comes to winning stuff like this, I don’t think it boils down to “positive or negative” mindset. I think it would behoove those who do not win to also acknowledge the competition. Sometimes the people you are going up against are better, stronger, and faster. It’s okay to acknowledge this and will make you a better athlete. Putting all the onus on “mindset” borders a bit on delusion. I saw a stark difference between these two competitors. One acknowledges their competition and gives props while the other doesn’t.

[@madip4167]

Anyone else *not so* patiently for Mat’s episode? 👀👀👀

[@amandamcdowell]

“The ricky garard rule” 😂

can't wait to see mat's road to the games!!!

[@JorgeBordam1]

its funny how Patrick still an intern... He looks like he's 40

[@HUVideoer]

can't wait for the next one!

[@seydousoumare8206]

Congrats V! 2nd Place RCG 2018

[@Trevor_Magers]

"I put in so much work and still didn't get the result I wanted, I'm so confused" says the 7-times regionals athlete that has never made it to the games lol honey why are u still confused 7 years later

[@Twofasthands]

true though

[@gabrielseele9486]

The next episode is the most honest title of anything ever, lol

[@josealbarran5409]

Fraser's video has to be at least 1 hour and 30 minutes, I want a full movie named Fraser vs the World!!!💪💪💪

[@saana555]

You got your wish! Matt Fraser v/s the World is out..its only 24 mins long though

[@humbertolozano2237]

And he has to fight the league of evil exes

[@jeffboycott3176]

RTTG just gets better and better. 1 hour 7 🙈

[@LegitDemod]

I hope Tia gets a coach for the next year, a good one. I really want to see her go to the games.

[@luisalbertopurizacatimana4980]

One hour Omg Now we talking this is awesome

[@puneetbisht9956]

Next Episode finally Mat 😍😍

[@masterslayr641]

Please Crossfit media release a soundtrack!!! These epic soundtrack scores pump me up!

[@Kyjo2024]

right I need to know that song at 21:20

[@floriannoak2735]

1 HOUR!?!? Lets go!

[@patrickhopkins5626]

15:20 issa me! Moving that chess piece was far better than being one of the judges that had to count the distance on the broken Air Runners!

[@neppari02brannfors]

1 hour? Oh yessss!

[@OGGO721]

Tia is super happy for 21st place. Meanwhile, Vellner is like I don’t want to come here just to participate, I don’t want to just get a participation medal. Difference between mindsets, winners from the losers.

[@nadialessard3138]

My God the Vellner gene is strong. Patrick and his dad look some much alike.

[@lindseyiman9052]

How do I find this perfectly mixed 80s mix!?!

[@stephenduhaime3099]

Mat Fraser, lets gooooo

[@sam_metal]

When Tia hangs out talking to that dude on a ladder 😂 😂 😂 😂

[@leroy-nn6tm]

Could have gone for about 20 less minutes of Tia self help.

[@bensand7732]

leroy82719 right..so boring

[@LANCECASTLE490]

she’s like sooo lame. get a real job Tia lol

[@Purveyorofawesome]

leroy82719 It shows the true struggle some of these athletes go through to accomplish their goal of going to The Games. Her biggest setback is her mental strength, but we wouldn’t get that story without the true depth shown to us in this video.

[@Sam18elnino9]

I thought Tia was awesome. Shows the struggles.. Not everyone has Mat Fraser's mindset

[@trlax31]

leroy82719 holy fuck that's hilarious

[@ghuff31]

I can't rip someone having a bad day...but you can't stay there.

[@Latissimus65]

Little late to the party here but THAT FRASER PROMO