How Capra Collective Is Rewriting the Athlete Support Model
Before Mirjam von Rohr became a two-time Games athlete, she was an Elite 15 HYROX racer. At the time, she missed several major events outside Europe, even though she had qualified, because she couldn’t afford to take time off work and cover the costs.
- She knew she wouldn’t necessarily be fighting for a podium position, so despite the other benefits of competing (experience, connections, and visibility), she had to opt out. The financial investment was simply too high.
Today, the support around athletes is stronger, but von Rohr tells us that this dilemma still exists for many in competitive fitness – most notably those who aren’t finishing on or near the podium.
- Financing international travel and competitions can still be extremely challenging and is keeping many up-and-comers from reaching their full potential.
Enter the Capra Collective
Capra Collective was founded on the belief that athletes need sustainable, long-term financial support to succeed. The organization began two years ago in Switzerland, after founders Julien Lazarus and Mike Bonzon saw many talented athletes with strong training programs struggle to make ends meet.
- The Collective helps meet athletes’ practical needs so they can focus on what they do best: their sport.
Capra Collective athletes hail from many different training camps and represent the diversity of the CrossFit world. They are Mirjam von Rohr, Aline Wirz, Paige Rodgers, Lydia Fish, Jorge Fernandez, Colin Bosshard, Manon Angonese, Debora Pignone, and Nici Heer.
How Does It Work?
Members invest each month and, in return, join the online member platform, where they interact with athletes, see behind-the-scenes content, join monthly member calls, participate in community pop-ups, and more. Anyone can join.
- “We want to personalize the relationship between athletes and the larger CrossFit community. As one of the only non-profits in the space, 100% of those member investments go directly back towards the athletes we know and love,” a spokesperson for the Capra Collective told Morning Chalk Up.
Von Rohr shared with us that being a part of Capra Collective is truly significant for her.
- “I think it is incredibly valuable to have an organization that is specifically dedicated to supporting CrossFit athletes. I feel that it brings athletes closer together and creates a community where there is a real understanding of what it means to pursue CrossFit at a high level,” von Rohr told the Morning Chalk Up.
She continues, explaining that, in her view, financial support for travel and competitions “gives athletes more confidence to dream bigger” and helps create a sense of security in a risky career.
If an athlete qualifies for the Games and then competes, there is no guarantee they will walk away with any prize money. It’s likely they will head home having spent far more on their season than they earned. This is the case for von Rohr, who finished in 26th place this year and did not earn anything from her effort.
- “Before, there was always the question: ‘If I qualify for the Games, can I actually afford everything that comes with it?’ With this support, there are more opportunities to compete at multiple Semifinal events, travel to competitions like Wodapalooza, and truly pursue the sport at the highest level,” von Rohr said.
But beyond financial support, the organization fosters a strong sense of belonging among its members. As more athletes have joined over the last two years, von Rohr has felt her community broaden – one that can share the same passions and understand a similar journey to one’s own.
The lifestyle and training schedule of an elite athlete can be very solitary, and the ability to share experiences, thoughts, and struggles has helped her tremendously. It’s been a constant reminder that she (and others) are not alone and have unconditional support.
- “What I appreciate most about the Capra Collective is that they support us as individuals. They do not tell us what kind of athlete we need to be or how we should approach our journey. The message is simply: ‘We believe in what you are doing, and we support you.’ That is something truly special,” von Rohr continued.
Closing Out the Season
Capra Collective rounds out the 2026 season strong and looks forward to supporting several of their athletes who are focused on competing at the Rogue Invitational. Additionally, on November 1, they are hosting their largest in-person event: The Capra Challenge in Switzerland.
- This is a community competition where members from different CrossFit boxes, who qualified in two online stages, participate in workouts programmed by the Capra Games athletes. It’s a powerful reminder that regardless of skill or fitness level, CrossFit truly is for anyone.
In 2027, the organization plans to continue growing its member platform and hopes to add new athletes worldwide to the growing Collective.
Von Rohr told us she hopes more people become aware of the Capra Collective and understand what they are building. A membership provides deeper insights and content beyond what athletes choose to share on social media. With more support, more talented and hard-working individuals can continue to pursue the sport of fitness at the highest level.
