Everyone knows I’m not one to post, blog, tweet or do things like that, but I do want to send out a “thank you” to all of the athletes and coaches involved with CrossFit Ocean Isle Beach for making the 2015 CrossFit Open a success in our box. Over the past five weeks, we have seen many different workouts come at us. Some which included our strengths and some which included our weaknesses. Just as in years past, all of our athletes and coaches stepped up to take these challenges head on. I got to witness several athletes participate in the Open for their very first time. Some of these athletes were unable to do an air squat or jump rope last year, and now, in 2015, they were competing against the top athletes from around the world and did a fantastic job in doing so. My hat’s off to everyone who gave it their all. In my opinion, it’s not the skill level you possess or where you finished in the games, or even if you logged in all your scores. To me, it’s about having the mental strength and willingness to measure yourself against some of the most demanding workouts you will ever see. All of you who did so need to hold your head high and truly believe that you made a huge step forward in your goal to be fit. I also want to thank the athletes who came every Saturday morning to cheer on those who were competing in the open. I got to witness tears of pain and tears of joy from athletes and judges.
The 2015 CrossFit Open will always hold a special place in my heart as it was my daughter Camdyn’s first year competing. She didn’t get to enter her scores due to only being 9, but she attacked each and every workout with mental preparation and a desire to win. I would especially like to thank Coach Karen for providing her the best coaching, a loving gym, and for being a true role model. Coach Karen took on the challenge to coach Camdyn as a one on one client. This wasn’t something that Camdyn was forced to do, it was what she asked Santa to bring her for Christmas. Coach Karen took the task just as serious as she would for any athlete that was seeking her guidance. Camdyn took the opportunity and ran. She attends private sessions, team training and even asks to go work with the ITP. I have caught Camdyn many nights in her room working on movements and calling out the coaching points that Coach Karen has taught her. Trust me that it makes me smile from the inside out when I see this, not only as a Dad but also as a Coach. I would like to thank Coach Karen on behalf of myself and my family for being a great coach, great friend and mostly a positive role model for Camdyn. You know you trulyinfluence someone’s life when they dress up as you “Coach Karen” for Halloween. I would also like to thank the Athletes of CrossFit Ocean Isle Beach who allow Camdyn to work in when we are doing our normal weekly classes. You all influence her daily by showing how hard work pays off and how to be an athlete with great sportsmanship.
One may ask what influenced me to sit down and write this? Well here it is, I went to the dinner last night celebrating the Open being completed. It was awesome to watch and listen to everyone look to see where they finished and to hear the positive feedback that our athletes were sharing with each other. Then when I got home last night and tucked Camdyn in bed, she told me how much fun the Open was and her goal was to make regionals when her scores could be entered. With that being said, Coach Karen get ready. You have created a monster! To all the Athletes and Coaches of CrossFit Ocean Isle Beach, I challenge you to continue on the path you’re on and work nonstop to achieve your goals in fitness and again, thank you. -Jeff Beck