Free Shipping For All US Orders $99 or Greater (RETAIL ONLY)

Josh Mattes: Pushing the Limit with Purpose

Josh Mattes: Pushing the Limit with Purpose
by Gina Vachon

Driven Nutrition Athlete Spotlight: Pushing the Limit with Purpose

Meet our featured athlete – Josh Mattes a true embodiment of what it means to stay committed, relentless, and unapologetically passionate about the sport of CrossFit.

From the Gridiron to the Rig

“I started CrossFit in late 2015 after finishing my football career at Missouri State, where I played from 2010 to 2014. Sports have always been a huge part of my life, and when I graduated in 2015, I knew I needed a new outlet to push myself. CrossFit quickly became that outlet. I started competing soon after getting into it, and by 2018, I made it a major priority. My goal was simple—compete at the highest level. After four years of Division 1 football, I wasn’t ready to stop testing my limits. I knew from the beginning I wanted to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best athletes in the sport.”

Epic Fail Moment: Face First in Madison

There are setbacks, and then there are CrossFit setbacks. Our athlete shares one of the most jaw-dropping “epic fail” moments we’ve ever heard:

“In 2023, I qualified for the CrossFit Games with my team. We had just checked in to compete in Madison, WI, and went to get a light training session in. I was practicing the Handstand Ramp on an unpadded surface, thinking nothing of it. My hand slipped, and I went face-first into the edge of the ramp. The result? A severe facial injury that required immediate plastic surgery. I was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, and just like that—our team couldn’t compete. A $30,000 hospital bill and a shattered dream. It was one of the worst moments of my athletic career.”

Brutally Honest Advice for Beginners

“If you’re just getting started and dreaming of going competitive, hear me loud and clear: your workout scores matter way more than your lifts. We just wrapped up the CrossFit Open, and not a single workout tested how strong you are. It tested how fit you are. At the Games last season, we only used a barbell in one event. That event had deadlifts—but they weren’t even heavy for elite athletes. Prioritize fitness, not flexing.”

Movements That Make You Rethink Life Choices

Every CrossFitter has that one movement they’d happily never do again. Or in this case, three.

“I’ve got a few that I just don’t enjoy. GHD Sit Ups, Pistol Squats, and Squat Snatches. When my competitive career winds down, I’m retiring those for good. I only do them now because they’re part of the sport—but for me, the juice isn’t worth the squeeze.”

Training Style: High-Octane, Full-Throttle

“If I had to describe my training style with a movie title? Easy: Rambo—or honestly, any Arnold Schwarzenegger flick. High energy, all-out action, no holding back. I’ve always attacked training with intensity, sometimes to a fault. It’s led to plenty of injuries, but that’s just how I’m wired.”

Driven Stack of Choice: Plant-Powered Performance

“I’m definitely a little weird when it comes to food and supplements. I’ve been eating plant-based for the last 2.5 years, and most people wouldn’t believe it looking at me. But that’s how I fuel 99% of the time. My go-to stack includes:

  • Driven Vegan Protein

  • Fish Oil

  • HIS Multi

  • Creatine

  • Fresh Electrolyte Supplement

It’s my daily lineup for staying sharp, strong, and recovered.”

Inspired yet? Whether you’re fresh into your CrossFit journey or eyeing the Games, remember—it’s not just about the wins. It’s about the work, the passion, and the resilience when things don’t go as planned.

Stay Driven.

Recent videos

Back to News