Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: My name is Marcelo Eduardo Lopez Altamirano, I am 28 years old. I was born in a border town in South Texas, McAllen and moved to Monterrey, Mexico to get my degree as a Dentist. I started playing Rugby in college, where I was part of the national 7’s team of Mexico for a couple of years. Thanks to my performance in rugby, I received a scholarship to get a Masters degree at my  university, and keep on playing on the universities’ rugby team. A year ago in March 2016 I moved to Dallas, to fulfill my dreams and a better life. I am a happily married, to Miriam, she also does CrossFit, and we have a 7 year old JRT, called Juno. I am a very competitive person, but I think competition is necessary for improvement. My goals in the near future are to become a Licensed Dentist in Texas and get to CrossFit regionals as an Athlete.

Q: Why did you decide to pursue CrossFit?
A: It’s funny, because I’ve read online how athletes and coaches in Professional Rugby, where following this CrossFit training method. I wanted to become a better player, and be in the best shape for tournaments and nationals. So I started to follow the CrossFit web page, but I couldn’t keep up with the exercise posted, since I would train on the universities’ gym, where we didn’t have bumpers and we couldn’t drop weights. So I decided to join a CrossFit gym, and the nearest one to home.

Q: How long have you been a member of Crossfit3040?
A: I joined 3040 at the end of March 2016, I had just moved in to Dallas 2 days before, I didn’t even have a job, but I was already looking for a CrossFit gym. Its funny how this was the first place I ever visited, and after going through other gyms in the area, I felt that 3040 was the place to stay. The coaches and the community were so nice and everyone introducing to me I felt like I was home.

Q:What is your favorite benchmark/hero WOD and why?
A: It has to be Fran. Two movements, no breaks, Body vs Mind. Who will win?

Q: What do you consider your proudest moment or greatest accomplishment at Crossfit3040?
A: My greatest accomplishment at 3040 is to know that there are people I inspire to become a better version of them, but also there are people that I am inspired by to become better. I believe this mutual relationship helps me come everyday to the gym and show that hard work pays off. Pay the man!

Q: How has getting in shape changed your life?
A: Taking care of my body will pay off in the future.

Q: What are some of your favorite things to do outside of CrossFit?
A: I love to watch sports, hang out with my friends, and recover from all this CrossFit.