From Rising Star to Outcast
Ricky Garard made a name for himself in the CrossFit community with his explosive athleticism and an unwavering desire to excel. Hailing from Wollongong, New South Wales, Garard’s upbringing was filled with competition, being the youngest of four in a family with a professional footballer father and siblings that never let him win without a true challenge.
After nearing the peak of his career in Australian rugby by the age of 21, Garard found his true calling in CrossFit. Inspired by watching his brother Ben compete at the 2015 CrossFit Games, Ricky declared, “Literally after I watched that, I was like, yeah, this is what I want to do—I want to be the Fittest Man on Earth.”
His debut at the 2017 CrossFit Games was nothing short of sensational, as he secured third place, catching the attention of the entire fitness world. However, shortly after this success, shocking news followed: Garard tested positive for banned substances, resulting in a four-year suspension and exile from the sport.
Four Years in the Wilderness
During this time, many deemed Garard finished. Yet, while he was out of the competitive spotlight, he dedicated himself to relentless training. “My reward was always so far away,” he recalls. “It makes it really difficult to turn up each day and put in the work.”
Even though the path to redemption felt daunting, Garard persisted, continuing to improve despite mental struggles. He remembered moments of doubt, admitting, “I remember texting Adam and I was like, I’m done. I’m not good enough. I don’t know if I’ll ever be.” These feelings, however, only fueled his determination to continue his journey.
The Return: Proving It the Right Way
Garard’s return to competition in 2022 was met with scrutiny. Questions surrounded his reception and ability to compete at a high level again. With a relentless spirit, he stated, “I didn’t give a [expletive] who was cheering for me or what people were saying. I was just so determined and focused to come back and try and win.” His efforts paid off as he finished third in his first year back, confirming his dedication to compete clean.
Setbacks and Setups
The 2023 season promised to be Garard’s most exceptional yet. Unfortunately, a mountain biking accident resulted in a severe shoulder injury that required surgery, sidelining him for the entire competitive year. Reflecting on this setback, he noted, “If I was to stay healthy, I still believe I could have won that year.”
Garard’s tenacity shone through as he bounced back in 2024, clinching the Torian Pro title and competing valiantly at the CrossFit Games, even while battling a bacterial infection acquired during a swim in a lake.
The pinnacle of his comeback came at the Rogue Invitational in 2024, marking his second victory at the event and reinforcing his status as a formidable contender in the CrossFit landscape.
More Than Physical: Mental Toughness and Support
Garard’s physical capabilities are apparent, but his mental resilience stands as his greatest strength. He attributes much of his mental fortitude to the time spent alone training in his parents’ garage after his Games experiences. “Being in a garage sometimes by yourself—actually, I think that made me tougher,” he shared.
Moreover, Garard has openly discussed his struggles with microscopic colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that complicated his training and competition. Recently, however, a new medication transformed his experience. “After one dose of that, I felt like a new person,” Garard said, now able to train and compete without pain for the first time in years.
A New Team, A New Level
A pivotal change in Garard’s career was his decision to join the Proven coaching team, collaborating with Shane Orr and Tia-Clair Toomey, one of the sport’s most successful tandems. “I’ve only been working with them for a short time, but once we put some good training blocks in, I think you’ll see the next level of Ricky,” he explained. The results are undeniable, with improved performance and stronger lifts compounding his mental preparedness in high-pressure scenarios.
Eyes on the Future
Now at 30, Garard is not merely hungry; he is laser-focused. The 2025 season is on the horizon, with both the CrossFit Games and the emerging WFP league on the calendar, providing an array of opportunities for elite competitors.
“There’s nothing left to chance,” his team asserts. “It’s all the fine details now—nutrition, recovery, what’s between the ears. Fitness-wise, he’s got it all.” Garard is acutely aware that time is of the essence, but he is far from finished. His aspirations have evolved beyond mere medal chasing; he is focused on crafting a legacy. “Being the world champion is the goal. The success from that, and the feelings I’ll have from achieving that, and everything I’ve been through over the last 12 years—it’s something I feel I could live on for the rest of my life.”
More Than a Comeback
Ricky Garard’s narrative transcends the typical tale of a cheater seeking redemption; it is a story of responsibility, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. His journey from obscurity in Wollongong to the pinnacle of CrossFit serves as a powerful reminder: setbacks do not define an athlete; their reactions do. And as 2025 approaches, the community should be prepared—Ricky Garard is just getting started.
