Colten Mertens is a name that’s making waves in the CrossFit world. As an American CrossFit athlete, Colten has gained attention not only for his relentless pursuit of excellence but also for his inspiring journey of overcoming health challenges.
Standing at 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) and weighing around 180 pounds, Colten’s stature may be shorter than many of his competitors, but his work ethic and determination have earned him a solid reputation on the global stage.
With his intense dedication to training, recovery, and nutrition, he has made a name for himself in the CrossFit Games. This blog post will take a deep exploration into his bio, personal life, career, and more.
Colten Mertens Bio
Born and raised in the heartland of America, Colten Mertens has established himself as a four-time CrossFit Games athlete. His journey in nutrition and recovery has been as meticulous as his training, incorporating high quality supplements to maintain his competitive edge.
Standing at 5’4″ (163 cm) and weighing 180 pounds, Mertens has built a muscular build that defies conventional athletic standards.
| Attribute | Detail |
| Full Name | Colten Mertens |
| Age (2024) | 20 years |
| Height | 5’4″ (163 cm) |
| Weight | 180 lbs |
| Profession | CrossFit Athlete/Farmer |
| Notable Achievement | 18th at 2023 CrossFit Games |
Early Life and Background
Growing up on a family farm in Iowa that dates back to 1903, Mertens developed his extraordinary work ethic through years of agricultural labor.
farm, which manages 7,500 pigs annually and spans 2,000 acres of cropland, became his first training ground. His foundation in farming taught him the value of discipline and perseverance long before he entered the CrossFit arena.
Colten Mertens’ Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
Despite being shorter than the average female CrossFit Games athlete, Mertens has turned his unique physical attributes into advantages.
His compact 5’4″ frame carries a powerful 180-pound muscular build, optimized through years of dedicated training and recovery. With brown hair and eyes complementing his athletic physique, Mertens demonstrates that elite performance comes in all sizes.
| Physical Attributes | Measurements/Details |
| Height | 5’4″ (163 cm) |
| Weight | 180 pounds |
| Body Type | Dense, muscular build |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Notable Feature | Compact, powerful frame |
Career Beginnings and CrossFit Journey
Mertens’ path to becoming an elite CrossFit athlete began during his college years, following successful stints in wrestling and football. His dedication to athlete nutrition and commitment to using quality supplements has been crucial to his development.
Training primarily alone in a gym he built himself on his family’s Iowa farm, Mertens has crafted a unique approach to balancing farming responsibilities with elite athletic preparation.
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Overcoming Challenges: Diagnosed with Autoimmune Disease
Perhaps the most inspiring chapter in Mertens’ story came when he faced a devastating health crisis. While preparing for Wodapalooza 2023, he was diagnosed with MOG antibody disease, an autoimmune disease that attacks the nerves in the eye, brain, and spine.
The condition caused temporary vision loss and resulted in a loss of 20 pounds of muscle mass. However, through sheer determination and dedication, Mertens not only returned to training but made a remarkable comeback to competition within just four months.
Achievements in CrossFit Competitions
Mertens’ competitive record showcases his exceptional talent and hard work:
| Year | Achievement |
| 2024 | Winner of CrossFit Open Workout 24.1 (5:19) |
| 2023 | 18th Place at CrossFit Games |
| 2022 | Team CrossFit Games Appearance |
| 2020 | 9th Place at Rogue Invitational |
Colten Mertens’ Family and Farming Life
The intersection of farming and fitness defines Mertens’ daily life on his family’s century-old Iowa farm. Their operation, spanning 2,000 acres dedicated to corn and soybeans, plus raising 7,500 pigs annually, demonstrates the family’s commitment to agricultural excellence.
This work ethic translates directly into his CrossFit performance, as he often puts in 13-hour farming days before completing his rigorous training sessions.
Working alongside his father and brother has instilled a unique sense of discipline and dedication that sets him apart in the CrossFit Games community. The family’s Swiss heritage, dating back to their 1903 immigration, has embedded strong values of perseverance and hard work into their daily operations.
Personal Life: Relationships and Hobbies
Beyond his identity as a CrossFit athlete, Mertens maintains a rich private personal life filled with unique interests. His passion for Dachshunds stands out – he owns five of these dogs and even breeds them occasionally.
In 2020, he demonstrated his intellectual curiosity by reading over 90 books, showing that his pursuit of excellence extends beyond physical achievements.
What is Colten Mertens’ Net Worth in 2024?
As of 2024, Colten Mertens’ estimated net worth is around $300,000. His earnings come from various sources, including competition winnings, sponsorships, and endorsements from brands like Swolverine.
In addition to his success in CrossFit competitions, Colten’s partnership with high-quality supplement companies and other brands has helped boost his net worth. His financial success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
Interesting Facts About Colten Mertens
His story with Paper St Coffee exemplifies his character of being bold and uncompromising. Despite facing severe health challenges with his MOG antibody disease, Mertens has consistently shown remarkable resilience. His recent victory in CrossFit Open Workout #24point1, achieved while grieving his mother’s passing, demonstrates his extraordinary mental strength.
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Memorable Moments and Lessons in His Career
Among the most significant moments in Mertens’ career was his comeback from the autoimmune diagnosis. His approach to nutrition and recovery became even more crucial during this period.
The experience taught him valuable lessons about balancing intensive training with proper recovery and the importance of quality supplements in maintaining peak performance.
Future Goals and What’s Next for Colten Mertens
Looking ahead, Mertens continues to pursue excellence in both CrossFit and farming. His goals include:
- Improving his placement at future CrossFit Games
- Expanding the family farming operation
- Developing new training methodologies that combine farming strength with competitive fitness
- Inspiring others through his unique journey of combining agricultural heritage with elite athletics
Conclusion
Colten Mertens’ journey from a farm in Iowa to the global CrossFit Games is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles like MOG antibody disease. Despite personal losses and health challenges, his dedication to training, recovery, and athlete nutrition keeps him excelling in CrossFit.
Standing at 5’4” with a strong work ethic, Colten has become a force in the sport, inspiring others with his story. His future in CrossFit looks bright, and fans can expect even greater things from this determined CrossFit athlete.
