Guthrie firefighter wins world-wide fitness event

From a field of 100 extremely fit firefighters from across the nation, 27-year-old Guthrie firefighter Drew Hymer was crowned the best at the first ever Firefighter Throwdown competition held in San Diego.

This invitational CrossFit event was created to allow fit, enthusiastic and competitive firefighters the opportunity to compete on a national level in the Sport of Fitness.

The two-day event inside the San Diego Convention Center was limited to 100 athletes that were chosen to compete. Hundreds of firefighters applied for the few precious spots.

“The competition was pretty neat. It was adjacent to the world expo,” Hymer said. It was a very well-run and thought out competition. The workouts were very tough and challenging, not only in the weights lifted, but gymnastic skills,” Hymer said.

Hymer, who has been doing CrossFit events since 2007, took first place in three of the six events, including the thruster ladder, snatch/front squat and box jumps. He also took second place in two other events.

Hymer, who collected an event low 13 points with the runner-up collecting 16 points, says despite winning multiple CrossFit events he still question his ability at first when challenged by the elite of the elite.

“I thought I could do pretty well with my experience and abilities. I always have some doubts before workouts, and I don’t always look the part physically, but once the workout starts you kinda go into a different mindset and place.”

Along with the gold medal, Hymer collected a $1,000 check and a $500 travel voucher for the upcoming Fire Department Instructors Conference in Indianapolis in April, many other participants gained afg grant assistance for fire training structures.

“Even though I was by myself out there and didn’t know anyone, all the firefighters (made it) felt like we did know each other, as we are part of a brotherhood,” Hymer said.