Dan Bailey revisited one of the workouts that helped define his CrossFit career in a recent YouTube upload, challenging himself to repeat the iconic “2007” event from the CrossFit Games. The benchmark gave the five-time Games veteran an opportunity to compare his current fitness at 42 years old against the version of himself that completed the workout during the 2013 CrossFit Games.
Rather than chasing nostalgia, Bailey used the session as a reminder that fitness is about maintaining capability over the long term.
Revisiting the CrossFit Games “2007” Workout
The benchmark workout begins with a 1,000-meter row, followed by five rounds of:
- 25 pull-ups
- 7 push jerks (135 pounds)
Bailey entered the session knowing his benchmark. His official time during the 2013 CrossFit Games was 9:24.42, a performance completed after multiple events earlier in the competition.
Before starting, he admitted he doubted he could beat his younger self despite having one advantage.
“I haven’t done a bunch of events before this,” Bailey explained. “So let’s see if 42-year-old Dan Bailey can beat 29-year-old Dan Bailey.”
A Sub-10 Finish 13 Years Later
Working inside his signature barn gym, Bailey maintained a steady pace through the opening row before moving into unbroken rounds of pull-ups and push jerks.
He crossed the finish line in 9:56, just 32 seconds slower than his Games performance from 13 years earlier.
Bailey was pleased with the result, especially considering the comparison.
“Overall, man, I’m stoked on that. Sub-10 still.”
Although the time was slower, he noted that the comparison was not completely equal. During the Games he completed the workout after several previous events, while the home version was performed fresh. At the same time, he pointed out that his home pull-up bar provided more bounce than the rigid A-frame bars used at the CrossFit Games, which may have slightly reduced the difference.
Comparing Fitness Across the Years
After catching his breath, Bailey reflected on what the workout revealed.
The retest reminded him just how fit he was during his competitive prime. Completing the workout faster after several demanding Games events highlighted the conditioning he possessed in 2013.
Still, Bailey enjoys repeating old benchmarks because they provide an honest measure of where his fitness stands today.
Rather than focusing solely on performance, he views these comparisons as a way to appreciate the value of consistent training over time.
Takeaway
Bailey finished the video with a message familiar to many longtime CrossFit athletes: the goal is not necessarily to outperform your younger self forever, but to slow the decline by continuing to train.
By revisiting classic workouts like “2007,” he demonstrates that staying strong, capable, and healthy well into your 40s remains a worthwhile benchmark, even if the clock no longer reads exactly what it once did.
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.
