Blitz and Riddler – Remembering Original Empower Heroes

Perhaps a few of you have been at Empower long enough to remember Blitz and Riddler, a couple of Empower’s founding members at our Dunbar Street location.

You may recall that when they left Vancouver for Arizona, they generously donated an Airdyne to the gym, doubling the suffering available to Empower members.

Blitz continued CrossFitting south of the border, eventually celebrating a 500lb deadlift.

Or maybe you remember that during her time at Empower, Riddler conquered her terror of the box jump.

A few days ago, on May 25th, I sent my annual birthday greeting to Blitz, wishing him a happy 47th. Two days later, I received a message from one of Riddler’s close friends informing me that in 2025 Blitz and Riddler passed away a few months apart due to illness.

The news stunned and saddened me. They were both so young and looked healthy and active. And they were wonderful people with generous, joyful hearts.

This Saturday, May 30th, we will depart from our regular programming to do a HeroWOD in their memory.

In pairs, one partner working at a time, Empower members will complete the following 25 min AMRAP:

46 Deadlifts
46 Box Jumps
46 Cal Airbike

One barbell and one box per pair. Choose a deadlift weight less than 500lbs and a box height that both partners are comfortable with.

Please come out to join us if you are able in commemorating two of Empower’s original members and celebrating the generosity and joy they brought to our community.