I was a competitive gymnast for over a decade, and when I decided to retire from the sport that consumed my time for most of my life, I needed an alternative form of exercise. I decided that CrossFit would ‘fill the void’ that gymnastics had left behind.
My first impression was that CrossFit had a very similar atmosphere that I had felt back at my gym, so I felt right at home. I could feel the camaraderie that everyone held for one another and that gave me great comfort. Personally I wasn’t intimidated by the workouts thrown at me because I had been conditioned in gymnastics to suck it up, do what I gotta do, and get it done even if it hurts sometimes.
Currently I’m working on building up my technique in the different weight lifting methods. I’m also working on my squat depth and hip flexibility.
One of my greatest achievements was competing in my first CrossFit competition. Ever since quitting gymnastics, I had missed the thrill of competition. So when I got the chance to enter into a CrossFit competition I was ecstatic. I had found a way to be competitive again and push myself to be better.
My favorite CrossFit memory was at the Beer City Beatdown. I was competing in this WOD called ‘Breadcrumbs’ with my three teammates. Earlier that day, I had slipped on a box and just nailed my knee. It was bothering me throughout the day and I was worried that I’d hold my team back, ‘Breadcrumbs’ was a relay running WOD! I wanted to say something, but I’m not one to complain about injury. My gymnastics coaches had taught me to ‘suck it up’, so I kept quiet and told myself to do just that. Before the final lap I was hurting pretty badly and my teammates definitely noticed. But I decided to push myself through it, for them, because they believed in me. They encouraged and pushed until the finish line. If it weren’t for them I wouldn’t feel as much pride as I do now. Thanks guys!