---
title: When Competition Becomes Community
description: Why Joe Linton loves running masters competitions.
image: https://blog.nexofit.com/hubfs/email%20images/blog%20newsletters/2026/25%20when%20competition%20becomes%20community-1.jpg
---
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# When Competition Becomes Community
1. [Home](https://www.nexofit.com/)
2. When Competition Becomes Community
- by [Hilary Achauer](https://blog.nexofit.com/client-stories/author/hilary-achauer)
- February 17, 2026
> *Why Joe Linton loves running masters competitions.*
In 2025, a new age group joined the CrossFit Games Masters competition: 70 plus. That year, the oldest female competitor, Pat Rhodes, was 75. The oldest man in the category, Clarke Holland, was 73, and that year he was competing in his ninth CrossFit Games.
Joe Linton, co-founder of the [Legends Championship](https://legendscomp.com), ran the event with his business partner, Bob Jennings, and said it was amazing to see athletes in their seventies compete at the CrossFit Games.
> “CrossFit headquarters has a good pulse on what the community wants and needs,” Joe said about the inclusion of this new age group, “and introducing the 70 plus age group was a really cool experience.”
Joe was able to witness firsthand the bond between the masters athletes, especially the group of 70 plus women, many of whom have been competing together for years.
“They are a close-knit friend group,” Joe said, “and they all met up in Palm Springs for a girls weekend, and just hung out, and they're all like best friends now.”
He said it was inspiring to hear about these women still making an effort to be fit, make friends, and have a good time together, even into their seventies. Joe added that he’s had a chance to observe all the adult age groups compete at the CrossFit Games, and he’s noticed a difference in their demeanor as compared to the younger age groups.
## The Gift of Age
The under-35 age groups are typically very serious, Joe said.
“They mostly just put their head down. They don't talk to each other, they are just there to get work done and that's it,” he said.
Joe said he understands why that age group is so serious, because they rely on the competition for their income. It’s their job.
It’s a different story for the master’s athletes. Once they hit age 45, Joe said, people start to loosen up.
> “Once you're in the 50 plus age group, everyone's there to have a good time,” he said.
However, recently Joe said he’s seen the supportive and collegial attitude that’s common among the older masters athletes spread to the younger masters athletes.
“I saw some of the former pros, including Spencer Panchik and Sam Dancer, helping the group band together, doing a prayer before their heats,” Joe said.
Those athletes do get a good amount of money for the weekend, and they are very serious about competing. However, since some of the pressure is off, they are able to connect with those around them.
> “The more people we can get to focusing on the experience and having a good time, I think is what's going to change their overall experience at the competition,” Joe said.
He feels that having a more relaxed attitude will translate to them being happy with their performance, doing better, and making more friends.
## Advice on Running In-House Competitions
Although he’s now heading up competitions that feature the best CrossFit athletes in the world, Joe started off [hosting in-house competitions](https://blog.nexofit.com/client-stories/making-legends-from-in-house-competitions-to-the-global-stage) to raise money to buy equipment for the gym. For anyone looking to host their own competitions, his advice is to get the gym community involved as much as possible and take advantage of their expertise.
> “Typically in a CrossFit gym, you're gonna have anyone from college kids to CEOs. So there are a lot of people in your community that have a lot more experience in running things than you do, most likely,” he said.
And once you get people involved, Joe said it’s important to try not to micromanage, allowing people to make mistakes.
“Some people like public recognition, some people don't want it. Some people like to be in the front. Some people like to be behind the scenes, so make sure to take the time to let them know that they are valued and that you care about them,” Joe said.
In the end, Joe said it’s a cohesive, motivated team that makes all the difference.
“They'll continue to come back every year. And when you have a solid team, you can do anything,” he said.
---
About Author, Hilary Achauer
Hilary is a renowned fitness business writer, marketing content writer, and journalist. She’s written content for start-ups, entrepreneurs, executive coaches, wellness providers, gyms, and CrossFit. Her focus is always on telling the best story with a clear, compelling style and being able to engage readers, bring in new customers, or build an audience.
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