In this raw conversation, CrossFit icon Sam Dancer lays out a direct, identity-first framework for beating fear in competition—and in life. He explains why anxiety isn’t from the light, how to name it fast, and the exact language shift he uses to flip panic into productive excitement. Sam also shares the pivotal moment on a long run that led him to buy a ticket the same day to get baptized—a reset that changed how he competes, leads, and serves.

What you’ll learn

• How to beat competition anxiety on command

• The identity check that kills fear at the source

• Fast reframe: fear → excitement (without self-delusion)

• Practical cues for training under pressure (breath, language, posture)

• Turning fitness into service: the Dancer Love Foundation & adaptive sport

  
  

About Sam Dancer

CrossFit Games athlete and coach; founder of Dancer Love Foundation, empowering special-needs/adaptive athletes through competition, community, and real training.

Who this episode is for

Athletes, coaches, and high performers who want faith-backed, no-fluff tools to compete calm, sharp, and confident.

If this helped, follow The Keep Chasing Podcast on Spotify, drop a 5-star rating, and share it with one person who needs this today.

Keywords: CrossFit, performance anxiety, competition mindset, identity, faith, baptism story, mental skills, breathing, reframing fear, adaptive athletes, Dancer Love Foundation, CrossFit Games, Sam Dancer, high performance, sports psychology