Ryan Kent: From OCR to HYROX and Everything In Between

Ryan Kent has done it all. He’s a DEKA World Champion, a HYROX North American Champion, and a hybrid racing legend. If you listen to the hybrid racing world, there’s no question—Kent belongs in the top 20 all-time OCR athletes. But for him, it’s never been about titles. It’s about progress, resilience, and the pursuit of something greater.

We sat down with Ryan to talk about his journey through OCR, transitioning to HYROX, battling through personal struggles, and what’s next for him in the sport.

"I’ve Always Been About This Life"

Matt Mason: You’ve been in the hybrid space for a long time. What made you take on the challenge of covering the sport as well?

Ryan Kent: Man, I’ve been involved in this space for years. I live and breathe hybrid racing. When this opportunity came up, it just felt right. But I won’t lie—it’s been more work than I expected. It’s one thing to love the sport, but covering it and being involved on this level is a whole new challenge.

Matt Mason: Yeah, I feel that. But you’re built for this. You've got the athletic resume to back it up, but also the deep knowledge of the sport. Speaking of which, your garage gym setup is next level.

Ryan Kent: (Laughs) Oh, dude, I take my setup seriously. I’ve got my Mod Tub, my squat racks, my sleds—all of it. If I had the space, I’d probably add more. If I wasn’t racing, I’d probably be out here designing elite garage gyms for a living.

From Nomad to Hybrid Racing Star

Matt Mason: Not everyone knows this, but before OCR and HYROX, you lived the nomadic life. How did that happen?

Ryan Kent: Yeah, after college, I took a very unconventional path. I spent five years moving from place to place, working different jobs—lifeguarding, ski resorts, odd jobs—just exploring life. I traveled light, lived minimally, and just soaked in the experiences. It was fun, but at some point, I realized I needed something more stable.

Matt Mason: And that’s when you found OCR?

Ryan Kent: Exactly. I moved back home, started coaching high school cross country, and that’s when Spartan Race popped up on my radar. I signed up thinking I was going to dominate—turns out, I got absolutely wrecked. (Laughs) But I saw potential, and I knew if I dedicated myself to it, I could be one of the best.

The Transition to HYROX

Matt Mason: You were a top OCR athlete—what made you shift to HYROX?

Ryan Kent: In 2019, I was training for the Spartan World Championships when I heard about HYROX coming to the U.S. It was totally different—less about grip strength and obstacles, more about power, endurance, and functional fitness. I gave it a shot and quickly realized this was what I was built for.

Matt Mason: And now you’re one of the best. You’ve won major HYROX events, gone sub-57, and taken down legends. But last year, things got tough for you, right?

Ryan Kent: Yeah, I lost my dad right before a big race, and it crushed me. He was the reason I got into sports. He was a marathon runner, a bodybuilder—he got me running at four years old. Losing him, it hit different. Mentally, I just wasn’t there.

Matt Mason: Yeah, and people don’t always get that. Mental health is real.

Ryan Kent: Exactly. People would say, “Just get over it.” But when you lose the person who shaped your entire athletic career, it’s not that simple. It affected my racing, my mindset, everything. I’d show up physically ready, but mentally, I wasn’t in the fight.

What’s Next for Kent?

Matt Mason: You’ve been open about questioning your future in the sport. Where’s your head at now?

Ryan Kent: I’m not done yet. I still have a lot to prove to myself. I’m going to finish this season, reassess, and decide if I need some time off. But I can tell you this—if I come back, I’m coming back stronger than ever.

Matt Mason: I love that. One last question—if you weren’t a hybrid athlete, what would you be doing?

Ryan Kent: (Laughs) Probably building elite garage gyms or coaching full-time. But honestly, I don’t know. Competing, training—it’s in my blood. I don’t think I can ever fully walk away from this.

Final Thoughts

Ryan Kent has been through every level of competition, from OCR to HYROX to DEKA. He’s taken wins, faced setbacks, and is now at a crossroads. But one thing’s for sure—when Kent decides he’s ready, the field better be, too.

For now, he’s still here, still fighting, and still proving why he’s one of the best to ever do it.