We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” – Albert Einstein

Lee Anne Underwood is a superstar. She is an accomplished skier and CrossFitter. Lee spent over thirty years as a teacher helping thirteen and fourteen year olds through the rigours of grade seven and eight. She grew up in the heartland of Ontario in Bracebridge. Her lunchtime classes have become synonymous with laughter, kindness, outstanding knowledge of CrossFit, and a deep sense of support for the growth of its participants by their coach. Lee is a quiet legend.

When Canadian CrossFitter Carolyne Prevost and CrossFit coach/competitor Jose are asked about their experiences with Lee, they smile quietly before responding with words of love. Some of their comments include “super proud”,“a second mom” and a “true competitor”. After spending a mobility class stretching with Lee, and asking the odd question of her and her wonderful husband Ron, what I come away with is a deep sense of how lucky Crossfit is to have Lee carrying its banner.

Lee started crossfit with a strong sense of trepidation. Lee was recovering from an achilles injury at the age of fifty-three and was directed towards crossfit as an activity that would aid with her recovery. Her first response was “I can’t do this?!! I’m 53”. Little did she know that it would be as good for CrossFit as CrossFit was for her.

Carolyne Prevost is one of Canada’s greatest Canadian CrossFit athletes. Whether she is participating in the games or setting an incredible example for athletes at our own gym, Carolyne has been the poster child for CrossFit’s growth in Canada. When I asked Carolyne about Lee, Carolyne stated that many of her earliest/strongest memories of CrossFit include Lee. From their initial connection sharing a teaching background, to taking part in online CrossFit competitions, Lee and Carolyne have pushed one another to heights that may not have seemed possible alone. Carolyne and Lee should be considered as pioneers of CrossFit because the examples they set now will be the benchmarks that others will follow as CrossFit continues to grow.

When I set out to write this article my angle was going to be that Lee is the person in the background that people don’t give as much credit as they deserve. Now, (as I rewrite this for the fourth time!) I see the mother of four children, grandmother to three grandchildren, and “second mom” to countless adopted children at the gym –  a lesson that our journeys are never truly at an end. Anyone can start again. Anyone can smash their self imposed limits. Anyone can come back from unimaginable tragedy to make a truly wonderful life.

Lee says that her love of CrossFit stems from community, watching people transform themselves, and ultimately setting a course for yourself through physical fitness and supporting those around you. I asked Lee about something that she is selfish about. Her response, after a long pause, was her meal portions which she stringently controls so she can fuel her continually impressive trip to wherever she decides to head next.

We all know that person. The person who is the quiet backbone of an office, community, or gym. The person who does all the little things that keep everyone moving forward. The person who supports the shy ones, cautions the overeager, and is the thread that binds everyone together. Unfortunately, that person often avoids the spotlight, sneaks out the back before kudos are given, and never gets the credit they deserve. If you have that person in your life, go tell them how much you respect and care for them and how much their support means to you. They might give a shy smile or try and wave off the kind words, but the world would be a better place if we took a few moments to praise them.

The world needs more people like Lee.