How CrossFit Changed My Life: Jeremy Johnston

I was always that big fit kid who played football and wrestled in high school. Then after graduation, I wanted new direction in my life, so I enlisted in the US Navy, where I served almost eight years. While serving in Iraq during 9/11, I went on leave November 7, 2001, to visit my grandparents. After leaving the airport we were hit head-on by a drunk driver. I fractured my neck, ribs, femur, and ankle. I also shattered my pelvis and hip. I was told by doctors that I would never walk again without assistance. Over the next 11 years I gained over 120 pounds, making my total body weight 360 pounds. I became depressed and felt lost in life.

My family tried everything they could to help me. One day my mom introduced me to CrossFit. After several days of talking about it, I finally got the courage to go to my local box, Five Rivers CrossFit in Morristown, Tennessee. The coaches were amazing with helping and motivating me. I struggled every day with fear, my weight, pain from my injury, and feelings of inadequacy.

After being scared of attending my first class, I came back for a second and then a third. After a year and half, I had lost over 140 pounds, but most of all, I got my life back–mentally and physically. Now I know that if you can dream it, you can achieve it. My new dream became opening my own CrossFit box. In 2013 that dream become a reality. CrossFit Sevier opened and became an affiliate. I now have my L1 and mobility certifications, CrossFit endurance, and CrossFit football. Through opening my own box, I can now help people become the best version of themselves they can be.