Southwest Regional

Athlete Profile: Ben Hopkins - Southwest Regional

SoCal track and field athlete turned CrossFitter.

Name: Ben Hopkins
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 167lbs
Affiliate: Paradiso CrossFit
Regional: Southwest
Cindy: 26 Rounds
Fight Gone Bad: 361
Clean & Jerk: 245lbs
Snatch: 180lbs
Deadlift: 430lbs
Back Squat: 380lbs
Pull-ups: 52
400m Run: 49sec

What is your athletic background?
I started with wrestling at a middle school age, and became interested in Tae Kwon Do at an early age as well (13 years old). I competed in the Tae Kwon Do Nationals in 1999. I did martial arts on and off leading up to, and after attending college for 4 years at Bemidji State University in northern Minnesota, where I grew up. My senior year of high school, I joined the track team, and discovered I had some speed. This led me to run track throughout college as a sprinter in the 100, 200, and 400m events. I was a Division II All Conference athlete. Having this background has helped prepare me for the intensity of CrossFit, as well as the mental aspect of pushing through tough circumstances, and keeping calm nerves in the process.

What is your history with CrossFit?
I started doing CrossFit in September of 2008. I am not a trainer or affiliate owner. I am a designer by profession. I design furniture, retail spaces, and office environments. I am also a graphic designer.

What is unique and/or interesting about you as an individual or athlete?
I have just always had a passion for people coming together, stepping out of their comfort zone, and taking risks. I believe we were made to support one another, and love one another. To me, CrossFit is a great example of that. People are so supportive of each other. They help one another and create amazing friendships and communities. There is something about going to an extreme that leaves us vulnerable and exposed. The beautiful part is when people step in and carry you to the end. That is what I see in CrossFit.

Rogue Fitness Again Faster Equipment CrossFit Journal

Proudly supporting the 2010 CrossFit Games

Photo Gallery

Follow crossfitgames on Twitter

Follow the CrossFit Games on Twitter

The CrossFit/USA Weightlifting Open

The CrossFit/USA Weightlifting Open

18 comments on this entry

1. J SUV wrote...

Ben, You are AMAZING!!! I am glad to be a part of your community!!

2. Aims wrote...

Ben, you are SO awesome and a huge inspiration to me and many others. I am very proud to have you as a member of our Paradiso CrossFit family and love being there to cheer you on!

3. Aaron Johnson wrote...

Nicely put. I believe there is a whole lot of people in this community that share those same thoughts but have just not had the words to express them quite so well. Cheers to you and the best of luck. AJ- CrossfitAI, Canada

4. Sweet Assassin wrote...

Ben, it's an honor to call you my friend. Your humble dedication will take you far wherever you apply it.

5. Suzy wrote...

So well put! It's an honor to be a part of Paradiso CrossFit and be able to train with a phenomenal person and athlete.

6. Martina wrote...

Hopper, you have raised the bar at Paradiso CrossFit and we all cherish the opportunity to train along side you. I am so excited to see where this adventure takes you.

7. Zeb wrote...

Hopper, your performance, consistency, humility, and friendship not just Paradiso CrossFit but any CrossFitter you meet is truly a class all it's own. It's an honor to train along side you and watch your progress skyrocket. Many happy returns.

8. Sondraj wrote...

Ben you are one of the most awesomest badasses around. Your an amazing inspirational athlethe and I'm proud to be your friend and be apart of your Crossfit community. Paradiso Crossfit is awesome. I can't wait to scream my head off cheering for you at regionals. Way to bring it everytime!! You are truly an exemply example of what a Crossfit athlethe is plus your one of the nicest guys around.

9. Ben Hopkins wrote...

Thanks guys. Couldn't do it without my awesome friends supporting me.

10. theburch wrote...

Congrats Ben!

11. deniz wrote...

Ben; Thank you so much for being who you are! I am honored to train with you and learn from you. You are an excellent role-model and thank you for bringing constant positivity to our unique and exceptional community.

12. Reed wrote...

Ben,
I'm an affiliate owner in Victoria, Canada. Your comments and attitude are inspiring and based on the support of your fellow athletes, genuine. Good luck at regionals. Bad ass numbers you have there.

13. shirley wrote...

Ben--- awesome. Looking forward to watching you compete at Regionals. great work!!

14. Sue Hopkins wrote...

Your mom is beaming with pride, not only for your athletic accomplishments, which are incredible, but for your mental and spiritual attitude which makes you a true role model. I know what a gentleman you are, and evidently so does everyone who knows you. I'm sending you all of my positive thoughts and prayers constantly. You've already made me prouder than I can express. Keep showing 'em what you got!

15. Ed Hopkins wrote...

I have always taught my children that whatever you do in life always do your best and if possible go above and beyond. Also to never say you can't or give up. You have continually proven yourself in every area of your life. I am extremely proud of you and for what you believe in. Good luck, be careful and most of all, enjoy every moment.

16. Dave Leys wrote...

Hey buddy I guess all our log carrying in Zambia is finally paying off. Look forward to seeing you there!

17. Z wrote...

Awesome job at the SoCal Sectionals, Ben! I know that you will be an awesome representative for Southern California at the Regionals. Kick some ass!

18. C-Rose wrote...

Hops, as I say so often, you are a MACHINE! I'm so proud of all you've accomplished so far, and can't wait to see you kill it at regionals!!! *Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. - Psalm 105:4*

-->

The 2010 CrossFit Games Official Sponsors

For more information on how to sponsor the CrossFit Games, see the sponsorship page.

  • PROGENEX
  • Under Armour
  • Rogue Fitness
  • Again Faster Equipment
  • MiR Pro Weighted Vest
  • Concept 2
  • WeightVest.com
  • Vibram Five Fingers
  • OMG*Omega3
  • Stud Bar
  • Regupol America
  • Mindbody Online
  • Forged Clothing
  • GarageGym
  • Gymboss Interval Timer
  • Inov-8
  • At Large Nutrition
  • LifeAsRx
  • LifeAsRx
  • Undefeated Sports Nutrition
  • SEAL FIT: Powered by NAVYSEALS.COM
  • Rage Fitness Supply: Leader in Functional Fitness Equipment
  • Stronger Faster Healthier
  • Watermans Applied Science
  • Rocktape
  • DeFeet
  • AquaHydrate