What made you interested in CrossFit and how did you begin competing in it?

I started gym classes to enhance my fitness for rowing. My gym coach is also a CrossFit coach, and he was aware of the Cross Fit Games. He encouraged me to enter the competition and see how far I could progress through the qualifying rounds. The top ten athletes from each adaptive category are invited to compete in the annual Adaptive Cross Fit Games.

Tell us about your experience at the recent Adaptive CrossFit Games by WheelWOD in San Antonio, Texas.

It was such a great experience. I loved every moment. Whilst the event was highly competitive, I made many new friends who I now keep in regular contact. All the athletes were truly amazing despite their disability. The Adaptive Community supported all athletes whether they finished first or last, it didn’t matter. Some of the loudest cheering was simply for those who finished a gruelling event. Whilst I didn’t podium, I did set a number of PB’s throughout the four days of competition. They referred to me as a “Rookie” which spurred me on. I learnt a lot and hope to put it to good use and qualify for the 2025 Games.

What do you enjoy most about being a part of both the Para-rowing and CrossFit communities?

I love competing in both sports, and they are so different. Rowing, especially Para Rowing is very much a team and community sport. It can be very competitive at times, but it is the support personnel and the great community around me that brings me the most enjoyment.

Cross Fit is often one on one with the athlete and the coach, and I am lucky enough to have a great coach who I get on very well with. We both work hard to set and achieve goals which I find challenging and rewarding at the same time. What sportsmanship and comradery I witnessed in San Antonio from the Adaptive Cross Fit Community encourages me to strive to do better.

Are there any other sports you like to participate or compete in?

I really enjoy snow skiing. I competed for my school at State and National level but these days I ski on a purely recreational basis.

How do you use PainPod in your training and recovery practices?

I use the PainPod after most of my training sessions, especially after a long, hard session, and after competitions. In recent years I have had a re-occurring shoulder injury and I find that the PainPod assists with recovery. I used it every day whilst competing at the Adaptive Cross Fit Games.

Did you encounter any challenges on your journey to becoming a high-level athlete in adaptive sports?

Like a lot of athletes I have had a few injuries, the worst being Bursitis in my shoulder which has taken quite a lot of time and physio to get right. It still causes me a few issues, but my coaches and I have developed strategies to deal with it.

What advice would you give to athletes looking to combine Para-rowing with CrossFit in their athletic journey?

Be prepared to work hard, listen to your coaches, but above all enjoy what you are doing, and the rewards will come.

Do you have any aspirations for future Para-rowing and/or CrossFit events?

I continue to row with the Community Rowing Club and competed as a member of a mixed eight at the Head of the Yarra in November 2024. The aim is to also continue representing the club at selected regattas in the 2025 season. My Cross Fit coach and I are already preparing a programme with the aim of again being invited to compete at the Adaptive Cross Fit Games 2025.