Health First Health Plans Played Vital Role in Ken Ogden’s CrossFit Competition Success

Odgen credits his health plan with giving him proactive tools to live his best life

Ken Ogden, 71, of Indialantic, is living proof that being active – and proactive – with health pays hefty dividends, no matter your age.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Ken Odgen just can’t stay away.  The 71-year-old is a constant figure at CrossFit Own It in West Melbourne. Four CrossFit competition flags bearing his name hang proudly from the walls. 

After competing in the global CrossFit Games Cleveland in August, Ogden, an Indialantic resident, scored third place in his age group – 70 and up. 

And he’s far from done.

“I laugh because my coach says, ‘You need to take a day off every now and then,’ ” Ogden said. “I’m usually doing something six days a week.”

Even on his active recovery days, you’ll likely find Odgen at the gym.

“I’m not going to stop working out,” Odgen said. “This is my family.”

It’s what works for Odgen – keeping a social connection, working out regularly and staying on top of his health. As a Health First Health Plans Medicare Advantage Plan member, Odgen credits his health plan with giving him proactive tools to live his best life. 

Odgen began testing out his CrossFit skills at a gym more than a decade ago. He’d go into his fitness facility and work out, but he admits there were certain things he didn’t know how to do. 

“After 2017, I kind of hit a wall,” Ogden admitted, who realized “I need to be coached by some real CrossFit coaches if I’m going to get where I want to go.”

And that was the start of a dream – and determination.

A Decade of Dedication

Odgen’s fitness journey has been a lifelong one. Always an exerciser, he was working out at a beachside gym when the CrossFit craze caught his attention. Ogden began his CrossFit journey in 2015, sparked by a one-day competition where he said he did “pretty well.”

Encouraged by others, he entered the CrossFit Open in February 2016 — the first step toward qualifying for the international Games, which evaluate the mettle of the world’s fittest athletes.

“I did it and was able to move on to the next session. I wasn’t able to get past the second round. ‘I need to learn how to do this,’ ” he said of CrossFit. That realization led him to join CrossFit Own It West Melbourne. “I decided I needed to go to a CrossFit gym.”

When he hit the aforementioned wall, he approached Matthias, a trainer. That conversation changed everything. 

“I told him, ‘Just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it,’” Ken recalled.

By 2018, Odgen qualified for the CrossFit Games. 

“It was an amazing experience,” he said. “I finished in last place (though). I didn’t want to finish last again.”

That only fueled the fire for more. With each workout, he was building strength, smarts and determination. 

Health challenges, not roadblocks 

Like most people, Odgen has faced setbacks. Surgeries for his rotator cuff, a torn meniscus, skin cancer, and even a hip replacement. 

“It’s been a journey of ups and downs,” Odgen said of his health. “I have had a lot of good experiences.”

Despite those challenges, after each, he eased back into his workout routine, determined to keep going.

Odgen said his Health First Health Plans’ Medicare Advantage plan has kept him on track with preventive visits – catching things that could have been potentially deadly had he not been on top of his health. 

“The preventive part of it is so important,” Ogden said. “I see my doctors regularly. If I’m not sure about something, I get it checked out.”

Even after major procedures, Ogden’s proactiveness helped him recover quickly and get back to training. After his 2024 hip replacement, he was back at CrossFit, scaling his workouts and focusing on upper body strength until he was cleared to resume full training. 

A Trainer’s Legacy – and Continuing Impact 

Odgen knows he’s lucky. Just recently, he underwent another skin cancer procedure, something he’s been incredibly vigilant about.  Especially because of Brett. 

Brett Kaminski formerly trained Odgen, and the two were great friends. Brett, he said, always pushed people to give it their all when training. 

Brett’s wife, Erin, was the one who spied the mole on back of Brett’s neck, urging him to get it checked out. He did—and it was already advanced. 

“He lived for two-and-a-half years,” Erin shared, the diagnosis coming just before she gave birth to Isaiah, their son. So many people were fond of Brett – and devastated when he passed in March 2013 at age 35.

“He always kept hope,” Erin said, noting if there was one thing to take away from Brett’s story, it’s “to never lose hope.”

Melanie Kaminski, Brett’s mom, said she was in awe of her son’s strength and faith as he battled the disease. 

Brett, a Navy veteran, was always rooting for the underdog. He was active in church, filled with faith, accepting of others – and did whatever he could to help people in need or crisis. 

“Brett was just so giving,” Melanie said. “He had a heart of gold. He was an empath.”

Melanie recalled a couple of stories where Brett intervened when he saw others in trouble. After a friend in high school called to tell him, “I just want to tell you to have a good life,” indicating she had taken a drug overdose, he immediately called 9-1-1, then showed up at the girl’s doorstep to alert her parents. 

“The parents were flabbergasted,” Melanie recalled, adding the City of Rockledge honored him for his proactivity – and possibly saving the girl’s life. “Had he not thought on his feet and cared…”

There are more stories, just like that. Melanie and Erin continue to hear them – or meet people who were inspired by Brett, be it about fitness or keeping up with their regular health screenings. 

Melanie, who met Ogden through her son at the gym, said that before his passing, Brett lived his life to fullest – and told her to continue to do the same.

“Ken was such a blessing when Brett was going through his fight,” Melanie said. “There’s a huge hole in my heart, but the edges are starting to soften.”

Hearing these stories brings joy to Melanie’s heart.

“I don’t want Brett to be forgotten,” she said. 

He won’t – especially if Ogden has anything to do with it. 

After Brett passed, Odgen had T-shirts made, featuring Brett’s mantra: “Give 100% of your 100%.” He passed them out to others at the gym to continue to share the power of positivity. It’s a message Ken lives by — and shares with others.

Because of Brett, Odgen shares his friend’s story with anyone he can, hoping to inspire people to be advocates for their own wellness and health. 

“Brett would be the kind of person to tell me to share his story,” Ken said. “So I do. I tell everyone, ‘If you’re not sure about something, go get it checked out.’ ”

Coaching, Community and Mental Fitness

Odgen’s journey is far from over. He coaches at another beachside gym and keeps up with his training at CrossFit Own It, too. A passion for helping others fuels him, inspiring people – especially older adults – to find their strength, confidence and zest for life.

“It doesn’t matter where you are right now,” he said, noting people should clear any new workout routine with their doctor. “Start where you are. Be consistent. Work with a coach. You’ll get stronger, more mobile, and feel better.”

Another added bonus to working out? The mental health benefits. For Ogden, the gym is his community. His support system. His family. 

He gets ribbed when he’s back in the gym right after a minor health procedure. 

“Every time I come in here, they’ll say, ‘What are you doing here? You know you’re not supposed to be here,’ ” Odgen reflected. 

But it’s the camaraderie that pulls him in. Even if he can’t perform a full workout, he can at least ride the bike for a bit, or pet one of the dogs there with their owners.

“If I had to stay home for a week and not do that, it would just drive me crazy,” Ogden said. “I said, ‘Look. You guys are my family, my friends.’ ”

Jamie Forrest, interim President of Health First Health Plans, said Ogden’s journey reflects the heart of the health plan’s mission — empowering individuals to live well and stay well.

Forrest reflected on how Odgen’s journey demonstrates how community, coaching and comprehensive care – with the care and tools provided by his Medicare Advantage plan – can come together to create a truly vibrant life.

“Ken’s story is a powerful reminder that preventive care isn’t just a benefit — it’s a lifeline,” Forrest said. “We’re honored that Health First Health Plans has played a role in his wellness, helping him to continue doing what he loves. That’s why we’re here – and do what we do.”

But Odgen isn’t done yet. Competing, coaching, and inspiring others remain life goals. 

“Maybe I don’t qualify next year,” he said. “But I’ll do my best. And I’ll still be healthier than I would be if I didn’t try.”

To learn more about Health First Health Plans and its Medicare Advantage plans, visit hf.org/medicare or call 1.800.716.7737.

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