Owner at CrossFit Victoria
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
My first WOD was in 2005 at my old kickboxing club. I thought ‘Cindy’ with strict pull-ups would be a good idea! I managed 15 rounds in 20 minutes and it took me a week to recover. I was instantly hooked!
What is your favorite component of CrossFit?
Tough choice. In my own training I love Olympic lifting, but I’d have to say for pure results-based training, the strength lifts are where I always see the biggest changes in people. It’s hard to beat the squat, deadlift and press! Watching people slowly get stronger month by month through committing to their training and following the program is extremely rewarding for a coach. As Mark Rippetoe said, “strong people are harder to kill and more useful in general.”
What do you most enjoy about coaching?
The people! A unique type of person comes into a CrossFit gym day in, day out and pushes themselves to the limit. I really identify with that type of person and have made life-long friends at CrossFit Victoria.
What are your own goals within the sport?
My main goals are all around coaching these days. I would love to get a team to the regionals again.
Do you have a favorite CrossFit moment that you’d like to share, or a story that you think would inspire others?
Competing in the 2009 CrossFit Regionals was amazing. Watching Commando Steve push himself to the limits (and halve my time in one of the WODs!) really inspired me and changed my perception of what true intensity and determination are. He ended up coming 4th in the world that year so I don’t feel too bad!