June Athlete of the Month || Daniel Arredondo!!
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.
Daniel has been at CFA for over a decade, and we’ve had the privilege to watch him grow both as an athlete and in is profession. He’s completed the OG Challenge and has hit each and every class time offered, won the Iron Buffalo in 2022, and been nominated for the “Traffic” award multiple times😎. Daniel is always welcoming and and encouraging folks new to CFA, and giving a hard time to those that have been around for a while. Daniel, we’re so glad that you continue to drive down to the gym every day, even though you moved to Canada.
State your Name and/or Nickname please:Daniel – Tiny Dancer (college nick name) Words to live by?A path has always become clear when I disallow excuses and commit to being authentically and unapologetically myself. What is your fitness background?Originally a runner and proud son of a jump rope champion (mom). Now a sand volleyball enthusiast. How long have you been CrossFitting?10 glorious years with CFA. Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?I could not do a pull up and was so intimidated by how amazing the then OGs made everything look so easy. I remember redlining, and thinking maybe I wasn’t cut out for this type of workout but the coaches and box family kept encouraging me and slowly I saw progress and began to understand how to listen to my body and make adjustments to keep improving myself. I never thought I’d be able to do an RX workout, but now at least once if not twice a week I’m able to do them and this year I’ll do Murph RX with the 20lb vest in the Texas summer heat. The competition is with no one but myself. Everyday I battle my ‘inner saboteur’ (that voice that tells me I can’t) so that I prove that I can and will reach my goals. What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?The family and community especially now that 5:30AM has adopted me. Current Training Goals/PRs?Murph under an hour and a muscle up by the end of summer. What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?Do not give up! Stay fired up. I have never regretted coming to class but I always regret missing! How do you balance staying focused on training when life gets busy?We make time for what’s important. For me, this is a constant in my life that helps me stay balanced, sane, and whole so I make time for it. What is your “cheat meal” go-to?Pizza, apple pie, pecan pie, Dairy Queen, Coke, strawberry filled and chocolate custard doughnuts. Yes that’s all one meal. How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?To look good at the beach and pool parties…maybe I didn’t understand the question ha ha What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?Myself and lack of patience to trust the process. Technique and form are key! Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.During the open this year, I was proud to be able to do 2 workouts RX and find a good pace. I was able to see how I’ve matured and built endurance even with being less young and recovering from cancer. If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?Tiny Dancer’s Revenge 30:00 Clock @ 8:00 800 M Run (or choice of cardio) THEN 7 ROUNDS Opt. With time remaining cardio of choice…each 100M subtracts a second from your overall time. Scale entire workout as needed.
What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?Group Chats | Doing at least one thing even if it’s a short run or push ups and squats. What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?Music and dance are my other worlds. I sing, play piano, dance, judge color guard, and compose. Tell us something we don’t know about you.I became a dual citizen in 2025 and I have two of the fifty states left to visit; Oregon and Alaska. Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” – Pablo Picasso |
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