Jonathan Varela

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My name is Jonathan Varela. I was born and raised in Costa Rica but currently live in Wyoming, USA with my wife, 7-year-old daughter and 2 year-old son. I own and operate a  functional fitness(CrossFit) gym called Kura Fit  where I offer small group classes, personal training, nutritional coaching, home workouts and more. This space has helped me in accomplishing my dream of competing in the CrossFit Games again.

As a child I struggled with poor health, I was constantly sick and had severe childhood asthma. I grew up in the inner city of San Jose, Costa Rica – a beautiful country but often a challenging place to grow up for some. As I grew, I was very thin, had difficulty gaining weight, and battled anxiety and depression. In my early 20s, I discovered fitness. It became my medicine, changed my life, and shaped my adulthood, eventually leading me to compete professionally in the sport of CrossFit. Nine years ago, I tried my first CrossFit class in Santa Ana, Costa Rica and instantly was drawn to the sport. Since then, I’ve inched my way closer towards re-qualifying for the Games – once a dream I thought would never become my reality. It’s taken years of hard work, dedication, energy and money with many challenges and obstacles along the way – but a massive amount of reward and opportunity and I am forever grateful for the journey. 

Currently I divide my time between coaching group classes and personal training clients at my gym, and focusing on my training, health, and wellness. I train an average of 4 hours per day, in 2 sessions. I spend additional time studying the sport, strategizing, fueling my body and recovering. It’s a 24/7 commitment. The process comes with much sacrifice, and I am grateful for my family and friends who support me.

 After a global three stage qualification process, I have again qualified for the 2024 CrossFit Games. This is the Super Bowl/World Cup/World Series of CrossFit. Out of all the competitors who start in the CrossFit Open (stage 1), less than 1.5% advance to the Games. Top athletes must advance through the Open, Quarterfinal, and Semifinal qualification stages before advancing to the Games.

In August 2022, I competed at the Games, finishing 8th in the world - and the only athlete to represent Costa Rica and Wyoming.  It was an incredible experience, and I am so grateful for all the support and encouragement I received. That following December, I won 1st at the Legends CrossFit Championship.

My immediate goal is to now focus on competing in the 2024 CrossFit Games, which I am actively doing now, and to enter the coliseum again as a competitive, elite, professional athlete. I would like you to be a part of my team, for the 2024 CrossFit Games season, and for my professional career hereafter. 

Along with the proper training environment, I know I have the work ethic, motivation, and the drive to become a CrossFit champion, and represent my home country and Wyoming with pride. For me, this is not a one-time goal, I plan to continue training for return trips to the Games and beyond while still owning and operating Kura Fit.  

To excel, I need to constantly push my limits. I am ready to work hard, but at the same time, I know that the road to success will be time consuming and costly. By supporting me today, you are investing into something bigger than just a fundraiser and sponsorship. You're changing my life and helping me accomplish a long-time dream that will help me excel in my career as a professional athlete, coach, and trainer. 

You can support by making a donation via the button below or contact us direct for Custom Sponsorship Packages.