From Engineer to CrossFit Crusader: Derek Banks’ Epic Fitness Odyssey

Once upon a time, Derek Banks was your average engineer, crunching numbers and tackling technical challenges. But in 2012, something extraordinary happened that flipped his world upside down, or more accurately, had him flipping tires and scaling ropes. Derek discovered CrossFit, and suddenly, the world of spreadsheets and schematics couldn’t hold a candle to the thrill of deadlifts and double-unders.

Fast forward to the present, and Derek Banks is no longer just another guy with a gym membership. He’s ascended to the elite ranks of CrossFit, becoming one of the globe’s top 200 trainers. That’s right, from the countless thousands of CrossFit coaches worldwide, Derek stands tall among the select few, a testament to his dedication, skill, and perhaps a healthy dose of obsession with fitness.

A Costa Rican CrossFit Pioneer

In the lush landscapes of Costa Rica, where the jungles meet the surf, Derek has carved out a niche as one of only three trainers to achieve Level 3 CrossFit Trainer status. It’s a feat akin to finding a rare, perfectly ripe avocado at the supermarket—exceptionally hard to come by. But Derek didn’t stop there. He’s also the only torchbearer of the CrossFit Seminar Staff in the whole of Central America, sharing his wisdom and passion with aspiring athletes and coaches alike.

Referee, Coach, and Family Man

Derek’s journey through the realms of CrossFit has taken him far and wide, even to the sands of the Middle East, where he spent two years spreading the gospel of fitness. His expertise and fair judgment have seen him donning the referee’s whistle at the CrossFit Games in 2021, 2022, 2023, and he’s set to return in 2024. It’s a role that requires a keen eye, a deep understanding of the sport, and the ability to withstand the intense glare of the competition lights (and the competitors).

But what truly sets Derek apart isn’t just his accolades or his international escapades; it’s his ability to make CrossFit a family affair. Training alongside his partner and daughter, Derek embodies the spirit of CrossFit as a lifestyle, not just a workout regimen. Together, they’re a trio of fitness enthusiasts, proving that family who squats together, stays together.

Looking Forward to the Games

Now, with the CrossFit Games in Texas on the horizon, Derek is gearing up for what promises to be another chapter in his extraordinary fitness journey. At the ripe age of “none of your business,” he’s living proof that it’s never too late to chase your passion, transform your life, and maybe, just maybe, do a handstand push-up or two along the way.

For Derek Banks, CrossFit was the catalyst that transformed him from engineer to elite athlete and coach. His story is a reminder that the path to fulfillment might just require a leap of faith, a barbell, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. And who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll all be cheering him on as he takes the stage at the CrossFit Games, a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and a whole lot of pull-ups.