Bainbridge Island firefighter and paramedic Carol Mezen made the most of her first trip to the international Masters CrossFit Games in Birmingham, AL., touching the top of the leaderboard in the early stages before placing eighth in the Female 50-54 age division.

Mezen said it felt great to compete at 100% after many workout sessions in the weeks prior at 70%, a training method that left her amazed with how far she’s come in her fitness. “In the end, I’m super thrilled with my placement,” she said after returning to BI. “To be doing so far above my own expectations of myself was so empowering.”

She sustained a “whiplash” injury in the sixth event that kept her from placing higher. “I was able to participate within the limits of my range of motion after that,” she said. “I had somebody there just taking care of my neck and back, and she was able to help just keep things at bay.”

The welcome home she received from her fire department and her gym let her know just how proud her supporters were. “There was never a doubt in my mind that I was 100% supported,” Mezen said.

A statement from Kitsap CrossFit says, “Carol has worked tirelessly hard for years. Her dedication to her training has been unwavering and that is why she was here this weekend able to showcase all she’s done.”