# @pvellner on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DdMZMy2ldV4
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/70322223-pvellner-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/f134355085.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-09-12T16:16:13.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Vellnerd (@PVellner) — https://gondola.cc/PVellner

## Caption

#SaturdayStoryTime - Helping Hands
Sometimes people have said that the elite games athletes kind of exist outside of the greater CrossFit community. I get it. We’re not always in classes and it looks a bit different but here’s a story about our community. You’ll recognize that the heart is the same.
2 weeks ago I tore my Achilles at WFP tour stop 2. I was immediately assessed behind the scenes by multiple doctors who diagnosed a full Achilles tear. Major bummer.
I was there that weekend by myself. No coach, no family, just me (I’m a grown man, don’t feel too bad for me). Based on the nature of my career I’ve had lots of interactions with medical, were tight, and they took care of me. They sent someone out to buy a boot for me and kept me until I was set up then spent the next 2 days phoning all over the state trying to get me an MRI before I left. Legends.
Before I was released thetravismayer messaged me. He had already gone home but was coming back to the venue to pick me up. “We’re gonna get you some food, whatever you need”. While I waited outside a concerned citizen passed me a beer and some condolences.
Trav got me and we picked up a sandwich and milkshake from chik-fil-a (I’ve never been). Life changing. And when we got back to the hotel we stumbled across tyjenkins75 In the Dining area eating by himself in the dark. We all sat together and had dinner, joked around and swapped stories from the day.
Soon the room filled with some more athletes, coaches, agents, etc. And some pizza which was nice.
My phone rang and it was 321gomd , he’s been the lead ortho for the CrossFit games many years and has helped me on more than a few occasions. It was his birthday, but medical crew is tight and he heard what happened and wanted to check in. He’s helped a few of my peers with Achilles injuries already and passed along some advice.
Like any good surgeon he really wanted to get his hands on it and I tried to feel around for him but it was awkward at best. “Is there anyone else around?” He asked. Good news. 
I asked jonnekoski and Ty if they could help me with something quick, and they both readily agreed.
(Swipe to cont.)

Next thing I know I’m face down on the flo

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## Tags

saturdaystorytime

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