Sara W. is BBCF’s November Athlete of the Month
Sara W. is one impressive youth. From the day we met her this Summer, we have been wowed by her. She was brave enough to be the only girl amongst a bunch of guys all from a different high school than her in Blackbird’s Summer High School Strength & Conditioning Program. She quickly impressed her coaches with her positive attitude, coachability, determination, attention to form and mechanics, motivation and raw strength. Since this Summer, she has become a regular, smiling face at Blackbird. Her dedication brings her to the 5:30am class before school on some days and has her doing homework at the box while waiting for the 7pm class on others. She sets her mind to her goals and doesn’t let the time on the clock or being the last one finished get in her way of achieving new PRs or mastering new skills. She is a joyful and inspiring member of our community! The most touching show of her character and love of CrossFit was when she gave up 2 full weekends to help us prepare the new space for the expansion. She showed up early each weekend to paint, clean, move equipment, and do anything that was asked of her. What teenager does that?
Sara just completed the Paleo Challenge with BBCF. In an effort to not only be fit, but get healthy, she tried new foods, overcame peer pressure, and had an awesome attitude throughout the month. In the end, she saw good performance improvements and the personal results she was looking for!
We are so proud of Sara for everything that she does, in and out of the box. She is a model student, has strong character and morals, and an unwavering dedication to everything she puts her mind to. Meet Sara W…
1. Tell us about yourself.
My Name is Sara W. I am 16 years old and currently attend South Carroll High School. I have a younger brother named Stephen and wonderful parents named Ben and Paula.
2. What made you want to start CrossFit? How long have you been doing it?
I was forced into starting CrossFit by my mother to help prepare me for basketball season. One of our English teachers, Mrs. Brothers (Evans), was going to be starting a girl’s strength and conditioning class after school two days a week for those who wanted to use the weight room and be like the boys. After taking a chance with this class, I have been doing CrossFit for about a year and a half. I have started going five days a week after finding this amazing gym!
3. What were your thoughts after your 1st WOD?
The first WOD I ever did was a 20min AMRAP with a 1000m run and count the number of burpees completed after the run. When I finished that workout, I just remember dying inside. It was one of the hardest things I had ever done. Then, there I was the next day sitting in the lobby waiting for the next WOD to begin.
4. What were your goals when you 1st started?
I think when I first started my goals were to not die. Maybe I thought about hitting a new one rep max here and there, but to me CrossFit at the time was something to help me get in shape for basketball tryouts. I never thought that I would miss it once the winter and spring sports started.
5. What are they now?
Currently my goals are to completed unassisted pull-ups, ring dips, and pistols. I would also like to completely master double unders and not be stuck doing singles in between each double.
6. What do you enjoy most about CrossFit?
What I enjoy most about CrossFit is getting PR’s on my lifts and completing workouts prescribed. I also enjoy the people at the gym who make me feel at home, challenge me to do my best, and are usually good for a laugh.
Why did the CrossFit affiliate fire the new trainer? Because he didn’t know squat.
7. What is your favorite CrossFit movement/lift? Least favorite?
My favorite CrossFit lift is deadlift because when I pick up that much weight, it makes me go WOW!! “I pick things up I put them down.” Just like Arnold. My least favorite movement is burpees. Down and up, down and up. IT NEVER STOPS!!
8. What is the one tip you would give someone considering CrossFit or new to CrossFit?
I would tell them that it’s fun and totally worth trying. Yea it might suck sometimes but in the end, you’re surrounded by great people who are always cheering you on.
9. Results? Tell us about your results.
As far as results go, I have found myself getting stronger every day I step into the box. A few months ago I couldn’t do a pull up to save my life and now I’m using a red band. Another result will be completing the Paleo Challenge! My dad is doing the challenge with me, but the other half of my family and my friends have enjoyed teasing me and making it pretty hard. By completing this challenge it shows me that I can do anything that I set my mind to. Nothing is impossible.
10. What has CrossFit done for you in and out of the box?
For me, CrossFit has shown me that I can accomplish anything no matter where I am. Whether it is getting a PR in the box or smashing a homerun over the softball field fence, I can do anything I set my mind to.
FREEWRITE:
I would just like to start out by thanking Mr. and Mrs. Titus for running an excellent gym and creating a great community for anyone who walks through the door. Without them, none of this would have been possible in the first place, so thank you for the time you put in. It means a lot to everyone. I would also like to thank Coach Metzger and Coach Weatherholt for helping me throughout the High School Strength & Conditioning Program this summer. I learned a lot from both of you. To be honest, I was nervous walking through that door on the first day and being the only girl in the class. After that first week, I felt like I fit in and was full steam ahead in the world of CrossFit. Both of you helped me a lot over the summer and there was never a dull moment in that gym. I will say that I will never carry my textbooks like farmers carries but I will always “highya!” when doing toes to bar. As for everyone else who goes to Blackbird, thank you so much for always making me laugh and putting a smile on my face when I walk through the door. Whenever I have a stressful day at school or just need to escape the house, I can’t wait to walk into the gym and see a room full of friendly faces. I feel blessed knowing that I have a huge support system at Blackbird and I’m very glad to be a part of this great community. Thank you all so much for the help and support.