This past weekend, we welcomed CrossFit Leyland member and 2017 CrossFit Games Athlete Cathy Wilson back to the box. We caught up with her to get her thoughts and reflections on a truly unique experience for a UK masters athlete.
Q. It’s just over 2 weeks since the 2017 CrossFit Games finished and just a few days since you returned home to the UK after your much deserved family holiday. Now that you have had time to reflect on your experience, how are you feeling?
“It’s been an amazing experience, even the run up to the games itself, training at other boxes in the USA, everyone was really welcoming”
“The opportunity to compete against my idols… and even beat them on a couple of the WODs was special.”
Q. What expectations did you have going into the competition for your own performance?
“The aim of this comp was for me to do my very best, competing against the clock, rather than other athletes”
“with the exception of one event, i think i did that”
“I am pleased that my finishing position (14th) wasn’t lower than my qualifying position (14th), but I would have liked to have done better. Im hoping I’ve left a good impression of the UK Masters athletes.”
Q. What were the highlights from your games experience?
“I spent most of my time in the biggest warm up area ever!!! Which gave me time to soak in my surroundings”
“There were a few surreal moments….watching Rich Froning and his team warming up, Tia-Clair Toomey listening to her coach and even brushing my hair next to Annie Thorisdottir!”
“I loved having the guys from Leyland there cheering me on….it made a big difference and just seeing familiar faces was nice”
Q. Which aspects of your performance are you most proud of?
“My highlights would have to be; my performance on the Swim, a PB on my 1RM Snatch (59 kg), a PB on handstand walk distance (25 metres), winning my heat on the obstacle course and a top ten finish on the final WOD.”
Q. What did you find the most difficult?
“The ‘assault lunge’ event was disappointing. I had practised this loads in training and completed it well within the time-cap, but lunging to lines threw me. I made lots of mistakes and got sent back so many times, which I put it down to inexperience.”
Q. Shall we expect to see you at the 2018 CrossFit Games?
“Before the games, i went through a period of feeling unsure about whether I wanted to do this anymore. The training hours were long and at times lonely. Having returned home now, the experience was well worth it, I learned so much”
“I realised that if i want to be competitive at this level i need to be better. I do LOVE this sport and I can commit to trying my best again next year, especially now I know what I need to do.”
“I just want to to say thanks again to everyone who has supported me on my journey, from the fundraising, to the t-shirts, to the facebook messages, to the coaching and advise that everyone has offered me. It has all contributed to my achievement. Thank you all!”
Congratulations on a fantastic achievement Cathy, you are an inspiration to many! We look forward to following your progress.
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