August Athlete of the Month || Elijah Hamrick
Each month we spotlight a different CFA athlete who stands out and shows just how awesome they are. What is it that makes up an Athlete of the Month? It may not be the person that finishes the fastest, Rx’s every WOD, or gets a PR every time they walk in the gym. Although we love and celebrate when those things happen, the Athlete of the Month is made up of much more than physical ability. This person shows up, gives their best every time, and then gives a little more. They are hungry to learn and always ready to do the work. They support their fellow classmates and encourage them to reach their goals. This athlete embodies what we believe the CrossFit Austin Community should be about.
Our August Athlete of the Month is Ivan Ayela! He has been a part of the crew for years and what we really appreciate about Ivan is how much time he spends on the extra stuff. He’s consistently in the gym 30 minutes to an hour prior to class just to do the work to improve his individual needs. It takes a lot of focus and drive to put in the time for the “not so sexy” stuff, but he has no problem doing it! Ivan is also a friendly face and one of the first to say hello and welcome any newbies that walk in the door! He makes everyone feel welcome! Ivan, we are proud to introduce you as the August Athlete of the Month and as an awesome part of this team. Thanks for your all your hard work and we look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the years to come! Congratulations!
State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Elijah
Words to live by?
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t you’re right.” Henry Ford
What is your fitness background?
Marital arts and Military physical training
How long have you been CrossFitting?
4 years
4 years
Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel?
My first day I thought I could do 135 strict press in a WOD. I ended up hurting myself bad enough I had to stop training for the next 3 days.
How do you compare it to workouts today?
While I push hard I am much more tempered with how I approach a WOD to avoid serious injury.
What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
There is so much to love about CFA.
My favorite is the friends I made and the amazing coaching staff.
Current Training Goals/PRs?
Improve my squat snatch to a solid 135lbs and not die during a WOD on a hot day.
What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?
Keep in mind everyone started off at different fitness levels.
Pick a small goal then once you reach that goal set another and another.
You will surprise yourself by how far you can go.
What is your cheat meal go to?
Indian food or thin crust pizza
Indian food or thin crust pizza
How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?
I typically use my fitness when I have to do a labor intensive blacksmithing project or construction related project.
Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
Carrying the flag during the first lap of MURPH and finishing it in 34:30 with the weighted vest.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?
Changing that voice in my head that tells me I won’t, to I will
If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
5 rds
25ft overhead barbell lunge
20 burpees
400m run
20 Russian KBS
1 min rest
What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?
(LUCK) Laboring Under Correct Knowledge
No matter if I take 1 step or 10 as long as I am moving, I am progressing.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
Fiction writing, poetry, blacksmithing, traveling
Tell us something we don’t know about you…
For 2 years I performed poetry several times a month while I was stationed in the middle east.
Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
Always have a goal in some part of your life the satisfaction never comes from the destination
Its always from the journey it took to get there.