Strongman, CrossFit legend, and M&F contributor, Rob Orlando has handed away on the age of fifty following a courageous battle with most cancers, per an announcement by way of his official Instagram account.
Orlando’s presence in CrossFit started in 2009 when he certified for the person division three years in a row, and later in 2016, when he returned within the masters division, however he’s also referred to as the person who designed the “Pig”—a 300 to 500 kilos weighted field that has been a staple of the video games CrossFit Video games since 2013. And, even earlier than crushing it in CrossFit, Orlando had constructed a strong fame as a strongman.
“Rob was inventive, multi-talented, and entrepreneurial,” wrote his pal and fellow athlete, Dave Lipson. “He would assist design quite a lot of strongman tools we see in gyms in the present day. He was a well-spoken announcer for a lot of CrossFit Video games occasions. Rob even discovered a ardour later in his life for organizing race automobile occasions. In his personal phrases, Rob at all times had ‘one thing cooking.”
Rob Orlando’s Battle With Most cancers and Last Days
A person of many abilities, Rob Orlando was additionally a preferred contributor with Muscle & Health journal, sharing revolutionary ideas for constructing muscleenhancing endurance, or just breaking by plateaus. “On Jan. 20, 2025, Orlando was recognized with Stage 4 most cancers, affecting his decrease jaw and lymph nodes in his neck” defined the official CrossFit Instagram account, whereas paying tribute to considered one of their MVPs. “Only a day prior, he achieved a private finest powerlifting whole, lifting 1,525 kilos.” The icon sadly handed away on April 6, 2026.”
Rob Orlando Tributes From the CrossFit Neighborhood and Prime Athletes
Rob Orlando was a longtime affiliate proprietor of CrossFit Hybrid Athletics in Connecticut, main the model for 15 years, and was cherished by all for sharing his ardour with the health group, even creating the CrossFit Strongman specialty course, the place he launched legions of CrossFit athletes from all world wide to occasions such because the Atlas stones. Because the tributes flooded on this week, many pals and followers took to social media to pay their respects.
“Relaxation in energy, my brother,” wrote fellow CrossFit star, Noah Ohlsen. “Thanks for all of the inspiration,” wrote one other pained colleague. “A really great human,” commented one more.
The whole staff at Muscle & Health wish to categorical our personal disappointment on Rob’s passing. His enthusiasm and simply accessible life-lessons, for turning into a greater human, proceed to make an impression. For that motive, Orlando will stay immortal throughout the health group.
