We’re super excited to announce our Athlete of the Month for May… KIERAN!!! Kieran has been high on the radar for most of 2017 with his consistency in training & dedication to mastering technique. He ‘respects the process’ and has been committed to attending both the weightlifting technique and mobility classes for many months now. Understandably these have paid huge dividends in both his strength gains and movement efficiency. Have you seen him squat lately?! We can’t count the number of times Kieran has been able to ring the PB bell over the past couple of months and we all know the commitment and work it takes to get even one PB especially when you’re no longer ‘new’ to CrossFit. Not only is Kieran one of the most coachable athletes going around, but he’s also is an absolute asset to the Niche community – always lending a helping hand around the box and never without a smile on his face. Let’s learn a little more about Kieran…
Why did you start CrossFit?
I had been going to the gym by myself rather infrequently as I had lost my gym buddy, my girlfriend suggested I try CrossFit as her cousins has been doing it and really enjoying it. I joined CFSW and never looked back, I found training with a bunch of other people in the class motivated me to keep going.
What is your most memorable moment to date?
The last round of testing was probably the most memorable to date, as I manage to hit 5 PB’s in one week but, mainly that I felt that I had really started to fix some of my technique issues and feel like I had some decent form, getting some consistent training in was paying off, not only in my numbers, but I have been enjoying training more as well.
What is your most and least favourite WOD or movement?
Snatch has just changed from being one of my least favourite to one of my most favourite movements, there is nothing better than the feeling of really nailing a Snatch. I have a lovely hate relations ship with rowing, I’m strong at it and technique wise I find it easy, but there is nothing that can empty my “tank” more than the rower, and I can gas myself really easily for the rest of a WOP.
What tip would you give someone just starting in CrossFit?
Stay light and master technique, having had to relearn and fix some significant technique issues at heavy weights has not been fun. Chasing RX weight for a WOD or extra kilos on the PB whilst they may seem great at the time initially just isn’t worth in the long run, sounds simple really but is easier said than done.
What is one random, non-CrossFit ‘thing’ about yourself?
Despite my love of all things water sport related, Diving, Sailing, Fishing and Surf Life Saving I’m horribly prone to motion sickness and unless I’m actively doing something on the water I get sea sick pretty quickly, which is less than ideal.
