At CrossFit Riverfront, we want to take a moment to tell the story of Mark Peters, a masters athlete at our gym who inspires many and embodies the magic and spirit of CrossFit.
Peters, a masters athlete and coach, has a journey that’s as inspiring as it is impressive. His introduction to CrossFit in 2016, following a successful career as a national-level rower, was met with skepticism. However, his initial doubts were soon replaced by a deep love for the sport, the competition, and the community. His rapid progress saw him competing at a high level in the CrossFit Open, and he soon became one of the fittest in his age group globally. His hard work and dedicated training culminated in two consecutive trips to the CrossFit Games in the Men’s 65+ division, where he achieved seventh- and 17th-place finishes, respectively.
In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Peters pursued coaching credentials to deepen his involvement in the CrossFit community. In November 2024, he earned his Certified CrossFit Level 3 Trainer (CF-L3) credential, a milestone that required six years of coaching and learning.
Peters’ impact on the CrossFit Riverfront community is immeasurable. Despite his impressive athletic achievements, he remains humble and approachable, earning him the endearing title of “gym dad.” His willingness to offer mentorship and guidance — not only in the gym but also in personal matters like finances, housing projects, and relationship challenges — is a testament to his character. His consistency, work ethic, and rational thinking make him a trusted advisor for many in our gym.
What makes Peters a role model for most of us has nothing to do with his personal or professional accomplishments within the sport but rather his rationale for working as hard as he does in CrossFit. Upon meeting him, it’s hard not to see him as “the competitive masters athlete,” especially with the success he’s had in his athletic career. Many of our athletes (young and old alike) will often ask Peters about his fitness goals for the competition season or where he’d like to finish in a qualifier workout or competition. Without fail, he always prefaces his answers to these questions with something like: “Well, my ultimate goal is to dance with my granddaughters at their wedding.” He’ll then talk about his fitness goals, of course, but his emphasis on family speaks to the kind of man that he is.
Mark embodies the essence of CrossFit — despite being an elite athlete and one of the best in his sport for his age, his primary goal has been to use his fitness for his family. We look up to him for many reasons, but his perspective on fitness is what has changed my life more than anything else. You’ll hear something similar if you speak to anyone else who’s interacted with him.
CrossFit has been surrounded by controversy in the last few years, but Peters is an example of the true magic of CrossFit. He’s a community and family man first, and an elite athlete and coach second. He shows that the heart of CrossFit still beats strongest in the people who lead with purpose and integrity and who use their fitness not just for personal glory but to inspire and support others in the community.
about the author
Mike Eckrich (CF-L1) is a coach at Riverfront CrossFit in Wilmington, DE. With a lifelong love for sport and movement, he discovered CrossFit in 2019 while looking for a new challenge after graduate school. Initially skeptical as a physical therapist, he quickly realized CrossFit aligned with everything he valued — smart training, strong relationships, and lifelong fitness. Mike started coaching in 2021 to give back to the community that changed his life. When he’s not coaching or treating patients, you’ll find him lifting heavy, enjoying live music, or out on a hike.
Note: Mike wrote this article on behalf of the coaches and athletes in the Riverfront CrossFit community.
More Than Muscle: Mark Peters and the Purpose Behind Elite Fitness