In this raw conversation, CrossFit icon Sam Dancer lays out a direct, identity-first framework for beating fear in competition—and in life. He explains why anxiety isn’t from the light, how to name it fast, and the exact language shift he uses to flip panic into productive excitement. Sam also shares the pivotal moment on a long run that led him to buy a ticket the same day to get baptized—a reset that changed how he competes, leads, and serves.
What you’ll learn
How to beat competition anxiety on command
The identity check that kills fear at the source
Fast reframe: fear → excitement (without self-delusion)
Practical cues for training under pressure (breath, language, posture)
Turning fitness into service: the Dancer Love Foundation & adaptive sport
About Sam Dancer
CrossFit Games athlete and coach; founder of Dancer Love Foundation, empowering special-needs/adaptive athletes through competition, community, and real training.
Who this episode is for
Athletes, coaches, and high performers who want faith-backed, no-fluff tools to compete calm, sharp, and confident.
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Keywords: CrossFit, performance anxiety, competition mindset, identity, faith, baptism story, mental skills, breathing, reframing fear, adaptive athletes, Dancer Love Foundation, CrossFit Games, Sam Dancer, high performance, sports psychology