I know we’re late posting this, but most of you know James as they guy who does the most random exercises around the gym.  No matter what class you visit, you’ve probably seen him doing deadlifts, carrying odd objects, or wearing a gas mask.  He’s one of the hardest working guys around the gym and we’re honored to name him our athlete of the month!  Click here to read more about him!

Name: James Hardin

Started Crossfit: April 2012

Favorite WOD: Linda, or any WOD that kicks my ass.

Least favorite WOD: any WOD that I do well on.

Favorite lift:  deadliest

Least favorite lift: overhead squat

Story: I have to start by saying I am truly honored to have been chosen.

I was evacuated from Afghanistan in late December 2010 due to wounds sustained in an IED blast.  An MRI revealed that I had a tumor in my c4 vertebrate along with the traumatic injuries sustained from the blast.  I was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma. The tumor was growing rapidly and was putting pressure on the main arteries running to my brain.  They told me they had to start treatment immediately or I would end up having a massive stroke and die.  Over the next 9 months I underwent 6 rounds of chemotherapy and 20 rounds of radiation.  In that time I dropped from 225 to 160 lbs. In February 2012 I had officially beaten the cancer.  Eager to get back in shape, I decided to try crossfit. I checked out a few different boxes in San Antonio before coming to mission.  Although some may not realize it, mission stands well above any other box I’ve been to.  But it is not the facility or equipment that sets it apart.  It’s the coaches.  The amount of time and effort that they will put in to help someone is unparalleled.  This time last year I had just finished chemo and had begun radiation. I weighed 166lbs.  With the coaches guidance on lifting and nutrition I am now 195lbs and in better shape than I ever was.  Ill end this by saying thank you to all the coaches for everything they’ve done and I wouldn’t be where I am today with out them.