“The Open is a fun event, and it’s an opportunity to participate in something we’ve never considered before."
~Mike Morris, 74
Retire? Slow down? Relax? Not for Mike and Ursula Morris. At 74 and 73, these two are participating in the 2014 Reebok CrossFit Games Open for the first time.
Mike and Ursula’s daughter, Jen Morris, is the owner of CrossFit Altitude. When they moved to Burlington, Canada from Montreal, Canada in July 2013, they were quick to join her gym.
“It was a no-brainer to get personal training from Jen to support and improve our main athletic activities,” Mike said. “Ursula is hoping to maintain her mobility and gain strength to help her to continue to beat all the young people she plays tennis with.”
While Ursula enjoys the court game, Mike is a masters-level sprinter.
“Power, strength and mobility are key for our sports,” Mike said.
The community members at CrossFit Altitude encouraged both Mike and Ursula to do the Open.
“The atmosphere is also friendly and supportive,” Mike said. “The Open is a fun event, and it’s an opportunity to participate in something we’ve never considered before. It’s about trying new things.”
“The first time we ever heard of a “double-under” was Feb. 27 during the webcast,” he continued. “It looked too easy. We found out it is not.”
Mike was able to complete 32 reps on 14.1 even though he had never done a double-under before.
While much of CrossFit was new to the couple, they are familiar with the science and methods necessary to avoid decrepitude.
“Loss of muscular strength and power can be an issue with increasing age,” Mike said, “but it can be, and should be, slowed down. We believe fitness is the key to a happy and healthy life.”
Jen said she is excited to have the opportunity to help her parents through fitness.
“My parents are my inspiration and heroes,” she said. “I am thrilled that they have moved to Burlington so I can help them maintain their youthful energy, strength and vitality. I am extremely proud of their progress so far.”
“Our squat, deadlifts, box jumps and similar movements have improved dramatically since we started,” Mike said. “Some movements are still difficult, but that’s OK. We will get there.”
As a youthful 74-year-old, Mike has plenty of time. The Open might just get him there faster.
“We will both be doing as much as we can and a little bit more with the encouragement from the members,” Mike said.
“Next year, we will do the Open again and then we can see how far we have really come!”
