Hendrix places fourth at event

FAYETTEVILLE — Jody Hendrix of Fayetteville finished fourth in the Masters Division (ages 50-54) during the finals of the International CrossFit Games in Madison, Wis.

Hendrix, 51, qualified for the finals after placing in the top 10 during CrossFit competition that began in February. The field was reduced from 200 then to 10 in his age group than began with over 8,000 men participating from around the globe.

The finals were held Aug. 1-4 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, where the participants were judged for three days on their athletic prowess and perseverance during a number of obstacle course type events.

“You’re judged on your work capacity and fitness,” said Hendrix, who is owner of CrossFit Commence in Fayetteville. “You have to prepare for anything because you’re not told what the events are. I was happy just to qualify (for the finals). It was a huge accomplishment for me and I credit that to having good workout partners and a support structure.”

Hendrix, 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, is originally from Russellville and he sells real estate in Northwest Arkansas. But his real passion is CrossFit, where the athletes submit videos and score sheets from prescribed workouts that are judged by CrossFit officials.

Hendrix was invited to the finals in Wisconsin after placing seventh worldwide in his age group. Hendrix became interested in CrossFit after competing in distance racing and Triathalons in his 30s and 40s.