Doug Murray Ranks Fourth Among World’s Fittest 70-Year-Olds

Doug Murray, a 70-year-old athlete from Brandon, Manitoba, achieved an extraordinary feat by securing fourth place in his age group at the 2025 Age-Group CrossFit Games, held in Columbus, Ohio, in mid-August. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone for Murray, who has spent years striving to qualify for the prestigious competition.

Murray’s fitness journey has been guided by his coach, Jenn McMillan, co-owner of Rocked Community Fitness. McMillan expressed her unwavering confidence in Murray’s abilities, stating, “It’s an amazing accomplishment.” After five years of attempting to qualify, Murray finally made it to the top 10 in the world, solidifying his place among the fittest seniors globally.

Overcoming Challenges

In a sport often associated with younger athletes, Murray’s success serves as an inspiration to many. “I got into it thinking that it would be fun because I have always enjoyed competing,” he reflected. “I don’t have to win; I just enjoy the process.” His perspective underscores the importance of participation over competition, particularly in an age group where physical challenges can be more pronounced.

The Age-Group CrossFit Games introduced a male and female division for competitors aged 70 and older this year, allowing Murray to showcase his skills alongside other seasoned athletes. Over four days, he faced a series of rigorous events, including a five-kilometre run, various types of burpees, and multiple weightlifting challenges. Athletes were evaluated based on strict standards such as range of motion, form, and completion time.

Murray detailed his experience, saying, “For weights, I did Olympic lifts like the snatch, the clean and jerk, and the deadlift.” His diverse skill set enabled him to excel in both endurance and strength events, ultimately leading to his impressive ranking.

A Legacy of Fitness

Murray’s journey into fitness began in his teenage years when he played for the Brandon Wheat Kings and later for the Calgary Dinos during university. His active lifestyle has included participating in triathlons, and he currently balances his athletic pursuits with his role as CEO of Murray Auto Group, which operates over 30 car dealerships across Canada.

Despite his busy schedule, Murray emphasizes the joy and camaraderie he finds in working out. “I just like the way I feel after a good, hard workout,” he said. “It seems to be more fun and easier to do with other people who you interact with every day in the gym.” His commitment to fitness not only benefits him personally but also serves as a powerful example for younger generations.

McMillan noted the societal hesitance many feel towards physical activities as they age, stating, “We’re scared to fall or do this, and so we just stop doing things.” She believes that Murray’s accomplishments highlight the importance of staying active and engaged, regardless of age. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t ever make it to the CrossFit Games; if we are feeling better than we did a week, a month, or a year ago, then that’s all that matters,” she added.

As Murray reflected on his fourth-place finish, he expressed a sense of pride and contentment. “I was pleased and, you know, proud and happy, but I wasn’t expecting to be best in the world.” His modesty shines through as he acknowledges the remarkable talents of other competitors in his category.

While celebrating his achievements, Murray also humorously acknowledged the reality of aging, quipping about the saying that “70 is the new 55.” He noted, “That’s the bad part of this whole thing. It reminded me I’m 70, because I really do think I’m 50.” This light-hearted approach to aging adds a relatable element to his inspiring story.

Doug Murray’s journey not only illustrates the potential for physical fitness at any age but also serves as a reminder of the joy and community that can be found in pursuing one’s passions. His remarkable achievements will undoubtedly inspire others to embrace fitness, no matter their age.