CrossFit: Mat Fraser retires in shock announcement after fifth straight Games title

The American won five titles in a row, beating Rich Froning’s four, and said he is not sure of his next step but will launch YouTube channel

‘I don’t plan on opening my own affiliate, but I’m about to start construction on a home gym,’ he says

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The five-time champion says he is excited to show everyone Mat Fraser, the non-competitor. Photo: Duke Loren/CrossFit Games

Published: 8:21am, 3 Feb 2021Updated: 9:03am, 3 Feb 2021

Five-time CrossFit champion Mat Fraser announced his retirement from the sport in a shock move on social media on Tuesday.

The Vermont native is the most successful men’s competitor and widely regarded as the greatest CrossFit athlete of all-time.

“Like so many others that wandered into a CrossFit gym, I wasn’t expecting to find my best friends, business partners, wife, countless life lessons, and five gold medals,” wrote Fraser, on his Instagram account.

Fraser, 31, won his fifth consecutive Games title last season, beating four-time champion Rich Froning. Fraser came second in 2014 and 2015 before reeling off a string of five wins. He also wrote a piece for Morning Chalk Up, further explaining his decision.

“I’m still figuring out exactly how I’ll be a part of this community,” he said. “I don’t plan on opening my own affiliate, but I’m about to start construction on a home gym, which you’ll see plenty of on the YouTube channel Sammy (his fiancée) and I are launching soon. Other than that, I look forward to experiencing the season as a fan, just like the rest of you.”