Edith Hejberg
The “Beauty in Strength” campaign drew her in, and a single workout at a local gym was enough to hook her for life.
Fee Saghafi never set out to become a professional athlete. After years of playing sports through high school and college, she felt lost post-graduation, until a CrossFit promo video reignited her passion.
Twelve Years of Grinding—and Growing
Since that first workout in 2013, Fee has carved out a remarkable path. She’s now a three-time CrossFit Games competitor, with her best performance coming in 2025 finishing 17th overall and winning one event by a full minute.
For her, it’s not just about medals. “My goal is to be the strongest version of myself I can be,” she says, and her evolving training philosophy reflects that mission.
A Ruthless but Smart Training Schedule
Fee trains six days a week, twice a day, with sessions lasting up to four hours. Her mornings are split between powerlifting, gymnastics, and endurance work, depending on the day.
Afternoons focus on high-intensity intervals and accessory work with free weights. This varied, intentional approach helps her build both raw strength and explosive power.
Carbs Aren’t the Enemy—They’re the Fuel
Contrary to popular diet trends, Fee doesn’t fear carbohydrates, she embraces them. “Carbs are my primary source of energy,” she says.
With up to eight hours of training daily, meals are strategically packed with toast, rice, sweet potatoes, and fruit. While veggies are reserved for dinner (to avoid digestive discomfort), her eating is mostly intuitive and based on performance needs rather than rigid macro tracking.
Recovery Is the Real Secret Weapon
Training that hard requires just as much focus on rest. Fee’s midday break includes muscle stimulation therapy, hot showers, ice baths, and weekly sessions with both a massage and physical therapist.
Sundays are sacred rest days, spent walking on the beach with her husband. “It’s my happy place,” she shares, both physically and mentally.
A Community That Keeps Her Grounded
The CrossFit community first attracted Fee to the sport and it’s still her anchor. “They love me for who I am as a person, not just an athlete,” she says.
Over the years, she’s found best friends, mentors, and even her husband through CrossFit. In a sport where performance can feel all-consuming, that human connection is what keeps her balanced.
The Power of Mental Rehearsal
Mental preparation is as vital as physical training. Every night before bed, Fee visualizes competition day in detail, from stepping onto the floor to nailing her reps. This routine helps reduce anxiety and boosts confidence.
“By the time it’s game day, I’ve already run through it in my mind 10 times,” she explains. Visualization turns stress into strategy.
Strong Body, Strong Mind
Beyond physical conditioning, Fee trains her mindset daily. Her ability to stay grounded, grateful, and present is what truly sets her apart. “The most dangerous competitors are the happiest ones,” she says.
That positive headspace allowed her to thrive under pressure and walk away from the Games feeling transformed, not just physically, but emotionally.
What Success Really Looks Like
Fee’s third CrossFit Games wasn’t just her best finish, it was her most fulfilling. Her victory in one event and strong overall placement were satisfying, but it was the feeling of alignment with her purpose that mattered most.
“I walked away as my strongest self,” she says, highlighting that success is about more than rankings.
