Athlete of the Month: August 2019

Matt Wilbur

On top of being a husband, father and business owner, Matt shows up at Windy City every day ready to put in the work—and it shows. Since 2016, his dedication, kindness and willingess to push his limits (and cheer on his crew) has earned him a spot as this month's athlete of the month. We're lucky to have him here and hope he doesn't move to Montana quite yet. Congrats, Matt!

Nickname: They used to call me ‘Unbroken’, but those days are behind me

Member Since: 2016

“Anything worth doing at all, is worth doing well.”

Born in Chicago, and have been here all my life. I originally started CrossFit training at Chicago CrossFit, and moved to WCSC when my company relocated to the north side of the city. WCSC was recommended to me by both Rudy Tapalla and former coach, Mat McQueen Crawford (great guy). Prior to CrossFit, I moved from gym to gym, and spent several years running. I started CrossFitting in 2013, and was hooked immediately. 

I am married, with three kids in their 20s, and work in Real Estate and Construction.

CrossFit for me is more mental than physical, and it has definitely made me more focused and helped me with stress relief. It is a great two hour escape for me, which I look forward to on a daily basis.   

I have made some great friendships at the gym, and have improved myself both mentally and physically.     

What does living BIG mean to you?

No regrets.

What would you do and where would you go if time / money were not object?

I would move to Montana, and live in the mountains near Big Sky. I would spend more time with family and friends, and try to invest more time in helping others.

What adventures, events, trips, races do you have planned?

Just came back from a fishing trip in the Florida Keys with my son. Heading to Wisconsin this summer for a weekend motorcycle trip with some buddies, and have a two week trip planned to India with my wife in the Fall.

What are your goals:

• Fitness: I came in 39th in my age group in the 2019 CrossFit games, and would hope to improve on this in 2020.
• Professionally: I have owned a small general contracting firm in Chicago for 25 years, and hope to hand this over to one (if not all) of my kids some day.
• Personal: Spend more time with my family and friends, and see more of the world (hopefully doing both at the same time) .

What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?

I’m adopted.

Words to Live By

Go BIG or go home.