CrossFit Has A New Superstar, And She's 90 Years Old

The most unlikely CrossFit superstar ever has emerged, and she is 90 years old. Avril Legault has used the high-intensity fitness program to ditch her walker and become an incredibly inspiring figure for people of all ages.

How This 90-Year-Old Became CrossFit's Unlikely Superstar

On April 13, 2026, CTV covered the story of Avril Legault, the 90-year-old woman who has been dubbed the "CrossFit Queen" by many at the Ottawa gym she frequents. She may not be famous in the fitness community yet, but she is already a superstar based solely on what she has accomplished. People will have lots of chances to be inspired by her since she plans to keep training for a long time to come. "I’m just going to continue to come to CrossFit until I’m 100."

After 60 years of marriage, Legault's husband passed away. After she suffered that major loss, a friend of her daughter introduced her to CrossFit nine years ago, when she was already in her 80s. At the time, her goal was simple: to be able to get up by herself if she fell. After reaching that milestone, she went on to tackle burpees and other challenging movements. Video of her in the gym also shows how strong she has become.

There is another aspect of her story that makes her even more remarkable: she had never been to a gym during the first eight decades of her life. Legault offered simple encouragement to anyone else who is thinking about starting their fitness journey. "All you have to do is get off the couch and join CrossFit, and you'll feel a lot better."

Legault started out in a class for seniors, but that changed after COVID, as she was the only participant who returned after the shutdowns. “They had a class for seniors, but then after COVID, nobody bothered coming back except me. I’m the only senior here.” Still, that doesn't mean she trains alone. Younger gym member, Ashton Tessier, spoke about why working out in the same classes as Legault is so motivating. “She’s not afraid of anything, and it’s such an inspiration. I hope that I can be even half of her when I am her age.”

On her 90th birthday, Legault's regular class transformed into a celebration with cake and gifts. CrossFit NCR co-owner Reza Mashkoori had a special present for her as he surprised her with a free lifetime membership. He perfectly captured how she has changed when he said, “She’s come a long way. I remember when she first joined the gym, she walked up those stairs with a walker. After coming to the gym for about three weeks, she didn’t need it anymore.”