Every year in the sport of fitness, rookies and ‘underdogs’ rise to the top.

 

North East Region athlete Mat Fraser is one of ‘those’ guys.

 

A rookie at the 2014 CrossFit Games, Mat took the title of ‘2nd Fittest Man in the World’ with less than two years of CrossFit experience under his belt.

 

His success, prior to the CrossFit Games though, actually began several months prior, at the 2014 East Coast Championships (ECC), where he took first in the Individual competition as a ‘no-name’ to the competitive arena.

 

This weekend, he returns to the ECC to test his training this past year against the Elite of the Elite, and defend his 1st place title in Boston. Mat caught up with FloElite prior to the Individual festivities on Saturday.

 

Q. What was your experience like last year-first ECC? What were keys to your win?

My experience last year was amazing. I was new to the sport at that point, so it was exciting to see and meet a lot of the big names in the game. I’m not really sure if there were any 'keys' to the win. I love Coach Ben’s programming because there are no gimmicks to it. If you are fit, you do well.

 

Q. What's your strategy for attacking the event this year? And why no team competition participationon Sunday?

My strategy for this year is the same as last year—just constantly working my weaknesses and always trying to give training everything I have. I chose not to do team this year because Sunday is my birthday, so I’m looking forward to relaxing, enjoying some time with my friends, and being a spectator.

 

Q. How have you been feeling since the Games last year? what have you been working on? (especially with a more competitive season this year ahead)

I have been feeling pretty good since the Games. I’m trying to enjoy my time spent in the gym a bit more. I haven’t been working on anything in particular, just going into the gym and going with the flow.

 

Q. Since the Games, what have you been up to training wise? Any PRs this past year you are proud of?

I have been trying to go into the gym, and just do whatever workouts are posted, without modifying them. My coach that I see every day in the gym is the gym’s owner, Jade Jenny of Champlain Valley CrossFit. I also love working with Ben Bergeron whenever I get the chance, and always am bouncing stuff off him. No PR’s really. I hit a 375 Clean & Jerk a couple months ago, but other than that, nothing,

 

Q. You were pretty unknown last year as a Games athlete-what have you learned about yourself over the past year and your training?

I haven’t learned anything new about myself. I have always had a pretty good handle on what types of training work for me, and what situations to avoid.

 

Q. What are your goals this year for the 2015 season and what you are working towards?

 I’m not really sure what to expect this year for the Open and Regionals. I’m expecting some huge changes that are really going to mix things up. I just hope I come out on the right side of the cut when it comes to qualifying for the Games, and then once I’m at the games, I look forward to battling it out with some of the fittest guys on earth.

You can watch Mat throwdown this weekend in Boston LIVE on FloElite.com!

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