In CrossFit
August 12, 2009
Mike Deavers went from being a White House photographer to a CrossFitting law-enforcement officer, bringing along his love of T-shirts.
I am a T-shirt guy.
Let me explain. It all started with cop shirts—smooth, clockwork-operator, high-speed cop shirts. You’ve seen them. Something with a witty slogan and some sinister illustration that loudly proclaims, “I’m a cop.” Thankfully, that phase was short-lived, and I’ve survived long enough to tell this tale.
My quest for real fitness eventually led me to the CrossFit main site, and as my journey progressed, I was given my first affiliate shirt. That’s right, the mythical GSX shirt with Melissa Byers on the back doing a pull-up in a mini-skirt, with “Got Pull-Up?” on the front. Straight to the deep end.
I loved that shirt and felt like I earned it with blood, sweat and tears. You couldn’t buy it. No way, dude. You had to fight for it or know someone. How cool is that?
I quickly found that wearing the shirt would encourage people to ask me about it. Here was my chance to spread some love for CrossFit and tell how it can lead you from sickness to wellness to fitness. I was a disciple spreading the word of functional fitness on my back.
You can all relate. Ever see a stranger at a coffee shop or an airport wearing an affiliate shirt? That person probably wasn’t a stranger for long. The ice was broken instantly: “Know my story without hearing a word. See it in my eyes and on my back—we’re of the same tribe.”
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8 Comments on “Anything for a T-Shirt”
1
wrote …
My question is....where did coach get the t-shirt he was wearing in the previous video?
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2
wrote …
i know exactly how you feel, im some what of a shirtaholic money shortage keeps me from buying to much. Im just waiting for other crossfit stuff such as wrist bands, beenies, shorts, socks, ipod covers, flags..............any other ideas
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3
wrote …
I know how it feels, I love collecting shirts from other affiliates and the crossfit.com store and it all started with my friend giving me one of the original infidel shirts, now my wife wears it because im actually in shape now!
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4
wrote …
Funny thing is, I get people approaching me all the time with questions ranging from, "Is CrossFit some type of marathon?" to "I do some of those workouts every now and then" to "I workout at (XYZ crossfit copycat)! We're just like CrossFit!" Yep, t-shirts are quite the icebreaker!
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5
wrote …
Mike I recall the day you walked into GSX and we had merely begun. I have seen you grow as a person and crossfitter. I for one am honored you are a part of our GSX family. What you do for our community, our GSX CF blog, and the service you offer as an officer is merely a part of your many facets. I more honored to call you my friend. Great article dude! Guess I need to pay up with the wine now huh? Bastard! How many bottles of wine do I owe you now?
Much Love and Respect,
tucker
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6
Michael Chase wrote …
Great reminder ... I collect ballcaps. Like what you said about the heraldry. Sounds like you are the Guidon.
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7
wrote …
I'm just excited our shirt made the article! CrossFit CLE -- HARDEN THE F*$# UP! Freakin' rad!
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8
wrote …
I like crossfit one world t-shirt where it has printed in the back "fit as f**k". Will be getting that soon.
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