Marcus McClain (CF-L3) was serving a tour in Afghanistan when he got hit in the hand with small arms fire during an attack by Taliban insurgents.
McClain, known to many at the time as “Sergeant Mac,” said he didn’t know what the future would hold as he left the base and entered a rehabilitation program.
“I was overwhelmed,” he said.
McClain had been training CrossFit with others on the base to supplement the regular Army physical training. While in rehabilitation for his injury, a friend told McClain he had started a CrossFit gym at the medical center and McClain should check it out.
Once McClain returned to the U.S., he started on the path to becoming a professional CrossFit coach.
Here he describes his journey from master sergeant to CrossFit Seminar Staff head trainer.
McClain’s message to active-duty military is that CrossFit is “only going to improve you as a leader.”
After retiring, McClain said it was CrossFit that empowered him to feel like there was life after the Army.
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Sergeant Mac's Story: Better Leader, Better Life With CrossFit