Debbie’s Journey from Bootcamp to CrossFit Games
From Park Bootcamp to Global Competition
Debbie’s fitness journey didn’t begin inside a gym—it started in the dirt. At Boot Camp Las Vegas (now Camp Rhino), she trained outdoors using cinder blocks, tires, and sledgehammers. Over time, the community moved indoors, but that DIY grit stuck with her.
“I call it my fun job. I go every day—it keeps me grounded, mentally and physically.”
She eventually traded softball for sweat sessions and stepped fully into CrossFit, discovering a passion for competing, and ultimately qualifying for the Games multiple times.
Competing at 64: Training Smarter, Not Just Harder
Now 64 years old, Debbie still trains daily, coaches bootcamp classes, and runs Sunday “Choose Your Own Adventure” workouts that are beloved by the Camp Rhino community.
"Don’t stop moving. That’s my theory. If you use it, you won’t lose it."
She adapts training around injuries (like shoulder surgery and hip pain), listens to her body, and cycles her workouts to peak at just the right times—proof that smart training and recovery are key, especially for Masters athletes.
Mindset Over Muscle: Coaching the Next Generation
Debbie’s not just an athlete—she’s a leader in her gym. As a coach, she’s intentional about easing new members into workouts, scaling appropriately, and creating a welcoming, empowering atmosphere.
"I want them to feel successful. I want them to come back."
Her Sunday workouts have become a staple at Camp Rhino, attracting both newcomers and longtime members with a low-pressure, high-energy vibe that fosters camaraderie and fun.
CrossFit Games and Community Grit
From competing as an individual to joining a team at the Games, Debbie values the camaraderie that comes from shared suffering (think: Synchro Burpees and 1,000-rep challenges). She’s competed across the country—Miami, Alabama, Arizona—and keeps showing up, year after year.
“I love working out with younger people. It keeps me young. I forget how old I am sometimes.”
She’s proof that competitive drive doesn’t expire, and that consistency and community matter far more than raw talent alone.
Final Takeaways:
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Keep moving—regardless of age
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Pain is part of the process, but know your limits
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Community transforms workouts into relationships
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Coaching is about connection, not perfection
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Consistency beats intensity in the long game
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