Mat Fraser x IKONICK Collaboration

"Hard Work Pays Off (Sport Edition)" Motivational Canvas Art by IKONICK

In 2009, Mat Fraser broke his back in two places. Seven years later in 2016, he won the title of Fittest Man on Earth. The driving force behind his return to form: Hard work.

The same dedication that fueled his recovery continued to push him to win the CrossFit Games five years in a row, increasing the margin of victory all but one time. His ability to consistently widen the gap between him and the competition comes from his belief that every ounce of effort leads to greatness down the road.

It comes down to sweat equity. The more you put in, the more returns you'll see.

When we flew out to see Mat train leading up to the 2020 Games, we saw that hard work firsthand. Anyone who has watched him compete can see the sweat equity Fraser puts into a workout. What stood out to us was the effort he put in outside the gym. Every spare moment surrounding his two-a-days was optimized to let him train at his hardest. The meals he ate, stretching sessions, ice baths, saunas, mobility exercises, right down to black-out curtains, and a specifically set thermostat to ensure optimum sleep. It all pays off.

Anyone can push themselves to their max come competition time. It's the hard work you put in day-in, day-out that determines how powerful your max can be. Every day you're not working to get better, faster, stronger, smarter—whatever your goal—is a chance for the competition to get ahead. Don't get lazy.

It won't be easy. If you think Mat wouldn't rather be watching Netflix than climbing into a freezing tub of ice before bed, you're fooling yourself. But champions have to be willing to do what's uncomfortable. You just have to trust that it pays off. The small sacrifices add up. If you can do what others won't, you're already ahead.

"Hard Work Pays Off" isn't just a motto, it's a commitment to your goals. It's knowing that championships last longer than discomfort. Hang this original canvas wall art from the Mat Fraser Collection in your gym or office, and let it instill a sense of dedication in you. Excuses might make life easier, but only hard work pays off.