CrossFit’s ‘Professor’ Brent Fikowski turns to mindfulness for extra edge heading into Atlas online semi-final

The 30-year-old Canadian is looking to get back to the CrossFit Games where he previously finished fourth, second and fourth from 2016 to 2018

Fikowski, who will compete in the Atlas online semi-final from June 18-20, says he’s been focusing on ‘mindfulness’ and realising relaxing is part of his job

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Brent Fikowski has a new, more relaxed mindset heading this season as a CrossFit athlete. Photo: CrossFit Games

Published: 9:00pm, 24 May 2021Updated: 9:00pm, 24 May 2021

Canadian CrossFit star Brent Fikowski has the nickname “The Professor” for his methodical approach to the sport, his attention to detail and constant fine-tuning of his game. He’s known for quietly climbing leader boards throughout competitions and keying on his strengths with an acute sense of what he’s good at, and when to strike.

Turns out for the 2021 season, the 30-year-old is trying to “chill out” – just a bit, of course.

“You’re always trying to add something and take something out, and constantly refining and looking at every little thing to make yourself one per cent better,” said Fikowski, whose best finish was second in 2017. “So there are definitely some new habits that have come in for me over the past year, and one thing is for me between the ears.”

The Kelowna, British Columbia resident, who has been placed in the online semi-final, the CrossFit Atlas Games, which will take place from June 18-20, said in the past few months he’s made a concerted effort to be more conscious of his stress level.

Brent Fikowski said a new component in his game is simply trying to relax more. Photo: CrossFit Games

Fikowski said along with dialling in his diet and sleep regime, he’s also making sure he makes time for mindfulness. The professional sporting landscape is embracing mental health en masse lately, as athletes realise one’s brain can be a key component in winning and losing. One North American study found up to 35 per cent of professional athletes suffer some kind of mental health crisis during their careers, which usually manifests as stress or anxiety related to performance.