“Good things come to those who work their asses off” – a quote that reigns so true for our very own strength goddess, and Athlete of the month for September…Fi! Consistently representing the 5:30am crew, you’re sure to find her pushing, pulling, or squatting something heavy. Fi surely is a strong little lady and has one of the best work ethics around! As a result, these days you’ll also find her busting out efficient double-unders, pull-ups and other gymNASTY skills she’s added to her repertoire. Not only is Fi a consistent member of the 5:30am crew, she frequents ‘The Mezz’ floor, working on her gymnastics strength, plus most recently she’s been focusing on her running, via the NHaR Running Program.
Why did you start CrossFit?
Been active most of my life, Swimming, Athletics, team sports, had various traditional gym memberships over the years, was living in Geelong Victoria when I did a couple boot camps with CrossFit Geelong, haven’t looked back, that was 8 years ago. People may thing I am an exercise junkie, because I want to move into my golden years and still be active, I know CrossFit is going to help me achieve that.
What is your most memorable moment to date?
So many PBs! So many first movements! Something that came up on my FB recently was the All Star team event 4 years ago. We had to so HSPU – I learnt them on the day – about 20 mins before the WOD, but could only do them strict! Doing the CF and Masters Open each year in the gym with everyone else – good times!
What is your most and least favourite WOD or movement?
Give me a barbell or weighted object any day! But also enjoy a long chipper, get into my mode and just work away. Least – normally it the movements that I suck at because of mobility or because of my lower than average height – overhead stuff & wall balls just to name a couple!
What tip would you give someone just starting in CrossFit?
Miracles don’t happen overnight, do what you can do, but don’t forget to push yourself either, don’t be scared to give something a try. Age is no barrier, nor is it an excuse. Enjoy yourself and the company of the people within the community! Mobility at any age is important. And of course listen to the coaches – they know what they are talking about.
What keeps you coming back to CrossFit?
The variety, the community, the coaches, it is the best way to start my day, and mainly because I want to be old and active. As most are aware I am a baseball umpire, when I attend tournaments I see my fellow umpires struggling on day 3 or 4, a week long tournament of umpiring every day is not an issue for me, I credit that to CrossFit. It also satisfies my competitive nature a little as well.
What is one random, non-CrossFit ‘thing’ about yourself?
• I did beauty pageants as a child.
• I am one of eight children and the only one actively doing sport of any description.
• I have twice swum over 50km in less than 24 Hours – Maybe a running marathon is possible!
• I have represented Australia as a baseball umpire three times at Women’s Baseball World Cup – hoping for a fourth in 2018
• I was the first female to umpire an Australian Baseball League (ABL) game – hoping for more of them too!
