Industry

Mat Fraser’s Handwritten Note to Jayson Hopper

August 4, 2021 by
Photo Credit: Jayson Hopper
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A little more than a week ago, CrossFit Games rookie Jayson Hopper announced that he joined the NIKE team as their newest athlete. When a box of NIKE Metcon Mat Fraser editions showed up at his house, it came with a handwritten note from the five-time champ himself.

  • Hopper finished 19th in his rookie season, making the top 20 cut.

What it said: “Welcome to the Nike Team! I’m grateful that our paths crossed and excited to see what you do in your rookie year. You have all the tools to have a very bright future in CrossFit, it’s up to you to make something of it. The people in your life are there regardless of [the] result, so make sure to go out there and make YOURSELF proud. Above all, Hard Work Pays Off!” 

  • “I’ve talked to him a bunch over the last couple months. [I] was excited for him to tackle his rookie year and see what the future holds for him,” Fraser told us. 

The big picture: After retiring, Fraser has transitioned to a role as more of an elder statesman to up and coming athletes. He spent time in the off season working with Justin Medeiros, and now he’s passing on advice to Hopper. 

  • It’s not uncommon for legends in other sports, especially in basketball, to train with new team recruits, or just anyone who asked. 
  • Kobe Bryant was well known for training with even non-Laker athletes who just called and wanted to pick his brain. 

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