Crossfit
Games

What fascinates you about CrossFit?

Sam: I love that CrossFit pushes the boundaries on what humans are capable of. In the past, you would think that only the big guys lift the massive weights and only the lighter small guys can run fast, but who could do all of it? And do it well? CrossFit encompasses all aspects of fitness and sport to find the best super-humans on the planet.

How did you experience your journey to, and your debut at the Games?

Sam: My Journey to the CrossFit Games started 10 years ago in school, slowly and surely progressing. This year’s journey was the most enjoyable yet, but unfortunately I hurt my bicep at the Games and had to withdraw. It is what it is, I’ll be back stronger next year!

The sport asks a lot of you — and your shoes. What makes the PUMA FUSE a perfect shoe for CrossFit?

Sam: The PUMA Fuse is versatile, which matches the CrossFit Games philosophy. You need to be ready for anything, the PUMA Fuse has you covered for weightlifting, running, climb ropes, jumping, pushing sleds … the list goes on. Its comfortable, durable and is ready for anything.

What is your favourite CrossFit workout and why?

Sam: Tough question! In recent memory, I really enjoyed this year’s Open Workouts. Part one having lots of gymnastics and high intensity and then part two had heavy lifting. So a great overall test of many aspects of fitness.

How has your ambition helped you in your career?

Sam: My ambition has kept me going in times when it was easy to get discouraged. My ambition is to be the best athlete I can be. To compete at the CrossFit Games has kept me pushing forward when things don’t go my way; injuries, losses – they are just minor inconveniences you must face on route to the big picture goal.

Who motivates you to be the best athlete you can be?

Sam: My coach, my training partners, my girlfriend, friends, family, coaches I’ve had in the past and of course my competitors. I think motivation is fleeting, you need a deep burning passion and that has to come from yourself. My ‘motivation’ is to find my absolute limit. The thought of completely and utterly exhausting my potential as an athlete fires me up.

What drives you in CrossFit?

Emma: I love the challenge – learning new skills and pushing my body to limits I thought weren’t capable of achieving.

How was your journey to the Games different to the years before COVID-19, and how did you cope?

Emma: It was a lot more challenging with all the restrictions in place to years previous which left a lot uncertainty in the lead into competition. At one point it looked like we weren’t going to get at all.

How did it feel for you to represent (and present) PUMA, a new brand in CrossFit, at the highest possible stage – The CrossFit Games?

Emma: It was awesome for it being such a new shoe into CrossFit. It was really cool to get to be a select few wearing them on the competition floor.

The sport asks a lot of you — and your shoes. What makes the PUMA FUSE a perfect shoe for CrossFit?

Emma: It’s light, comfortable and stable. You can run, lift and perform all CrossFit movements in it.

What is your favourite CrossFit workout and why?

Emma: I don’t really have a favourite workout as such but I love anything with power cleans and HSPU as a combo.

How has your ambition helped you in your career?

Emma: I always want to push myself and see what my body is capable of achieving. That keeps me chasing goals every year.

What motivates you to be the greatest athlete you can be?

Emma: The desire to win.