Valley man qualifies for Crossfit Games

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - A 61-year-old Scottsdale man has qualified for a very prestigious sporting event.

Next month, Gordon Chase will be participating in the CrossFit Games in Carson, California.

This time a year ago, Chase tells ABC15 he couldn't do even a single pull-up.

Now, he'll knock out a hundred while barely breaking a sweat.

When I first got here I was deadlifting 160 lbs," said Chase. "Now I can do 255."

Chase joined CrossFit Tempest in Scottsdale last July.

11 months of rowing, squats and push-ups later, he finds himself at 61-years-of-age in the best shape of his life.

"Level of fitness, I'd say it's as strong as it's ever been," said Chase.

Recently, Chase joined 60-thousand people across the country attempting to qualify for the annual CrossFit Games.

Not only did he make it, Chase finished in the Top 20 of his age group in the entire world.

"Him showing what's possible over a year is great for anyone to see but especially at 61, it's all the more impressive," said Shane Edrington with CrossFit Tempest .

Next month, Chase will take on some of the greatest athletes on the planet.

He wants to finish in the Top 5 but more than that, he hopes his story will serve as an inspiration to others.

"It's all a matter of desire and how much you want to push it and have fun with it," said Chase. "It's a choice every day when you wake up."

By making that choice, Chase is proof that it's never too late to start.

The CrossFit Games run from July 13th to 15th.

Stay with ABC15 and ABC15.com for updates on Chase's performance during the games.