Calgary’s Brett Marshall has a long history of CrossFit competition going back to 2007, when he finished second at the very first CrossFit Games, held at The Ranch in Aromas.

He competed in 2008 as well—on a bit of a whim—and was a member of the CrossFit Calgary team that finished fourth in 2009. He qualified for regionals in 2010 and 2011, and he’s back for more in 2012. After Event 12.3 of the Reebok CrossFit Games Open, he was 22nd in Canada West.

Even though he’s a great athlete, Marshall is really motivated by coaching and creating a community at CrossFit Calgary.

“I leave every day from here feeling better than when I came in,” he says.

In this look at Marshall and CrossFit Calgary, the firefighter explains what drives him and why he’s passionate about CrossFit, coaching and competition—in the CrossFit Games or in the box during the 5 p.m. class.

“Our purpose at CFC is lifting one another one workout at a time,” Marshall says.