June Athlete of the Month || Cesar Sotelo!!
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 2024 June Athlete of the Month is Cesar Sotelo! Cesar is coming up on his one year anniversary with us, but honestly, it’s a little hard to believe, given what a fixture he’s become at CFA. He was no stranger to fitness when he first came to us, having come freshly off of a fitness challenge win at his former gym, but CrossFit was a new challenge. Beginning with Fundamentals, Cesar has never stopped learning. You’ll find him in all over the gym at all times of day — whether it’s CrossFit in the morning, Weightlifting in the afternoon, or R&R on the weekends, he’s taken a very well-rounded approach to his fitness. This year, he participated in his first Sweat With Your Swolemate, his first CrossFit Open (and incurred an injury that taught him how to work around obstacles, not quit completely), and his first weightlifting meet! Cesar is a kind and caring classmate, and he’s a joy to coach. Thank you for letting us share in your journey, Cesar!
State your Name and/or Nickname please:César Alan Words to live by?Stay grateful. What is your fitness background?I played soccer, and have been running and lifting for a few years. How long have you been CrossFitting?Almost a year! Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?I thought I was going to be a bad ass but I quickly got put in my place! I realized I was hitting all my lifts wrong and just how bad I was at rope jumping. But now I feel like my performance is getting better and that my skills have improved! Thankful for the journey! What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?Honestly, this is the most welcoming community out of all the gym’s I’ve been a part of. So, it’s the people! Current Training Goals/PRs?Getting stronger as well as hitting my Olympic lifts more consistently and efficiently. What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?Just compete with yourself. Learn your strengths and weaknesses and try to get better each day! How do you balance staying focused in your training when life gets busy?I will always prioritize time for sleep as well as getting in some physical exercise or training. Don’t mess with my beauty sleep! A rest day is just as important as getting in a good workout. What is your “cheat meal” go-to?I don’t usually eat desserts so probably just indulging in some cheesecake. How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?The 5:30 AM class is the best alarm clock I’ve ever had. After getting a good WOD in first thing in the AM I feel awake and mentally prepared to take on the rest of the day. What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?Learning not to ego lift! I’ve had shoulder injuries from trying to lift more than I should be doing and it’s been a hard lesson to learn. Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.I’m equally surprised and proud every time I survive a WOD. If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?WEIGHTLIFTING The Workout: 5 Rounds for Time (FRT) of: 3 Snatches (60% of 1RM) What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?Tomorrow’s regret hahahaha. What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?Hiking, playing video games, reading. Tell us something we don’t know about you…I was a huge Orchestra Dork and played violin for 15 years. Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…Y’all motivate me each day and it’s truly a pleasure being able to lift with you guys. Stay fresh! |
|