MissFit May Spotlight
Age: 23
Sport: CrossFit
In an attempt to branch out and find more MissFit’s, my
friend and fellow Texan, Adam Longoria, told me about a friend of his that is a
fierce CrossFit competitor down in San Antonio, Texas. He mentioned that she had only been competing
locally for a short time before she became a serious CrossFit contender in the
South Central Region. She seemed like a
perfect MissFit Candidate, and I became more and more curious about her, and
needed to speak to her first-handed to learn more about her.
I was finally able to speak to Chely Galvan over the phone
to talk about her life as a CrossFit competitor.
What is your athletic
background?
Chely: I played many sports growing up; basketball,
volleyball, track, but mainly soccer. I
thought my competitive sports career ended after high school. I wanted to stay active so I started running
half-marathons and marathons. I ran four
marathons to be exact. I liked the time
to myself during the runs. I was getting
bored though.
How did you find
CrossFit? What drew you to the sport of
CrossFit?
Chely: I was introduced
to CrossFit in March of 2010. My
cousin’s boyfried told me about a new workout he was doing called
CrossFit. He talked me into giving it a
try. I was instantly hooked, and wanted
more. The funny thing is that “death by”
burpees was my very first WOD. I loved
CrossFit. I don’t know what I’d be doing
right now with my training if I didn’t find it.
Not only do I do CrossFit, but I have become a CrossFit coach at
CrossFit Mettle. I love the CrossFit
culture and community.
Do you compete?
Chely: Yes. My first competition was called Oktoberfest Obliteration
down in Houston in 2010, where I met Adam.
I actually went to be a spectator, but at the last minute a spot opened
up and I filled it on a whim. To my surprise,
I came in 6th! I competed in
2011 in the Hammer and Chisel competition and finished in 2nd. I have also competed in the South Central
Regionals of the CrossFit Games in 2011, 2012, and if I do well enough this
year will make my 3rd appearance at regionals.
What motivates you?
Chely: I have always
been very active, and before CrossFit I was self-motivated. I think now it’s just a little different
especially since I have started competing.
Now, I feel like if I don’t put myself out there and give 100% of myself
I will let people down. I know that
people look up to me and I want to be an example of what’s possible with hard
work. Personally, I don’t feel like I’m
the best but I have made it this far and I will continue to work to be the best
I can be. I guess you could say other
people motivate me.
What advice can you
give to young women out there that might be hesitant about trying something
new?
Chely: Whatever it is
you want to do, just do it. It is okay
to be nervous, but don’t be scared. You
have to face your fear and just attack it with determination. Anything is possible. Also, find someone to look up to and mimic
them. When I first started CrossFit I
wanted to be like the CrossFit girls from my area that kicked butt like, Lisa
Thiel from CrossFit Central and Lindsey Smith who is currently living in Ohio. I would imagine myself working as hard as
they do during my training to stay motivated and focused. Also, don’t ever hold back on the goals that you want.
Why are you a
MissFit?
Chely: I’m not good with describing myself. I would say that I commit myself to live with
passion every day and I am determined to succeed.
As I spoke with Chely one thing was crystal clear, she is
extremely honest and humble in her athletic abilities. She understands her gifts and isn’t afraid to
work hard to reach her goals. Chely is a
prime example of what a MissFit is.
Side note: I
contacted Chely a few days after the 2013 CrossFit Open closed to find out
where she placed in her region. She
finished in 20th, guaranteeing her a spot in the 2013 CrossFit Game
South Central Regionals. Good Luck
Chely!
If you would like to learn more about the CrossFit, you can
click on www.crossfit.com and find a
local CrossFit gym near you.
Are you or someone you know a
MissFit? Share your story. E-mail me at info@themissfitmovement.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment