Canadian CrossFit veteran Patrick Vellner has confirmed that the 2026 season will be the final year of his competitive career, closing a chapter that has made him one of the most consistent athletes in the history of the CrossFit Games.
In a message shared on Instagram, Vellner announced that this season will be his last opportunity to compete for the sport’s biggest title.
“Well guys, this is it. The time has finally come. All good things must come to an end, and the 2026 season will be my final year of competition,” he said in the announcement video.
The nine-time CrossFit Games veteran added that he wanted to share the news early so fans could follow what he described as his “last lap” in competitive CrossFit.
One of the Sport’s Most Consistent Competitors
Vellner has built one of the most decorated careers in CrossFit over the past decade. Since making his individual debut at the Games in 2016, he has earned five podium finishes including bronze medals in 2016 and 2017 and silver medals in 2018, 2021 and 2023.
He also won the worldwide CrossFit Open in 2020 and has claimed victories at several major competitions including Wodapalooza and the Rogue Invitational.
Outside the competition floor, Vellner balances his career as a professional athlete with work as a chiropractor in Nanaimo, Canada, while also raising two children with his wife Michelle.
A Farewell Tour in 2026
Rather than quietly stepping away, Vellner plans to spend his final season competing at the events that helped shape his career.
“My plan for the 2026 season is to compete at as many events that have been pretty defining in my career as possible,” he explained. “Show up one last time for all the people who showed up for me over the years.”
His schedule for the year includes appearances at major competitions such as Wodapalooza Miami, the World Fitness Project season, the Rogue Invitational, and one final attempt at the CrossFit Games.
Ahead of this year’s Wodapalooza event, Vellner shared that the 2026 appearance would mark his seventh and final time competing in Miami, reflecting on the many memories built there over the years.
One Last Attempt at the Title
Despite announcing his retirement, Vellner made it clear that his final season will still be about competing at the highest level.
He plans to give the CrossFit Games title one final attempt, saying, “I’ll take one last crack at the CrossFit Games season,” hoping to finish his career with a better closing memory.
With a decade of podium finishes, major victories and memorable performances behind him, the 2026 season is shaping up to be a farewell tour for one of CrossFit’s most respected competitors.
About the Author
Jeremiah Oliva
Jeremiah Oliva is a writer passionate about fitness, sports, and active living. He has experience in songwriting and managing content and social media for online radio and magazine platforms.
He covers HYROX, CrossFit®, and competitive fitness, with a focus on performance, mindset, and athlete development.
Outside of writing, Jeremiah trains in boxing, cycles, explores the outdoors with his kids, and plays the guitar.
