Summary: In this episode of Pursuing Health, I chat with three-time CrossFit Games athlete and chiropractic medical student Patrick Vellner. In 2016, Pat made a big entrance to the Games individual competition scene, placing third and earning the title Rookie of the Year. In 2017, he returned to prove his podium finish was no fluke, and turned in a solid performance that had him walking away in fourth place. However, after the Games, it was discovered that the initial third place finisher, Ricky Gerard, had tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. Following Gerard’s disqualification, Pat Vellner was awarded his rightful place on the podium, in a bittersweet turn of events.<br> <br> Pat comes from a broad athletic background, including competing on a national level in gymnastics, and playing lacrosse and rugby. He’s currently studying to become a doctor of chiropractic in his home country of Canada, and balancing his course load with training for the 2018 CrossFit Games.<br> <br> I caught up with Pat to talk about receiving his Games medal at the CrossFit Invitational, the controversy of performance enhancing drugs in CrossFit, how he balances medical school and training for the Games, and what plans he has for the future.
