Will Powell, the Greensboro, North Carolina personal trainer and world-renowned CrossFit Games champion, has passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Powell, who was the founder of Powell Fitness Training and Wellness Studio, formerly known as Fitness Zone, was not only a fitness expert but also an inspiration to countless individuals in his community and beyond. He was 50 years old.
Will’s journey began with a passion for fitness that transformed into a lifelong mission to help others live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Known for his expertise in both fitness and nutrition, Powell was a pillar in the CrossFit community, a former CrossFit Games athlete, and a champion of natural bodybuilding. His impact went far beyond his accolades; he was loved and respected by his friends, clients, and colleagues for his kindness, generosity, and humility.
Powell’s battle with cancer began in 2015, when a grapefruit-sized tumor was discovered in his lung. Over the following years, Will underwent multiple surgeries to remove tumors, eventually being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Despite the physical toll of his illness, Powell remained a beacon of strength and resilience, displaying the same warrior mentality that had characterized his career as a coach and athlete.
Will’s greatest achievement, however, may have been his work as a mentor and coach. He coached countless athletes in both CrossFit and bodybuilding, including several Yorton Cup champions. Notably, Powell and his daughter, Jessica Powell, became the first-ever father-daughter duo to win the prestigious OCB Yorton Cup. This milestone highlighted the special bond between father and daughter, with Will’s influence playing a key role in Jessica’s rise to the top of the bodybuilding world.
Powell was also deeply involved in the fitness community beyond his personal training. As one of the first promoters of the OCB, he played a significant role in bringing drug-free bodybuilding to the forefront, particularly in North Carolina. He helped launch the OCB No Gear Classic, which has grown to become a landmark event in the bodybuilding community, attracting over 150 athletes annually and changing the lives of countless participants.
In addition to his professional achievements, Will Powell was a friend to everyone who knew him. His community remembered him not only as an exceptional coach but also as a humble and inspiring individual who truly cared about others. His generosity extended beyond fitness, as he was always willing to lend a hand to those in need.
As Will Powell’s family, friends, and clients grieve his loss, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched. His impact on the world of fitness, natural bodybuilding, and CrossFit will be felt for years to come, and his example of perseverance, kindness, and dedication to his craft will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
