The Big Adventures of the Amazing Nairobi
Interviewed by Jaimie Bougie, with comments from her coach, Nichole DeHart
Jaimie: So Nairobi, the rumor going around Invictus is that you are about to be swept away to become a princess in China. Care to address these rumors?
Nairobi: Haha yes, this is true. My Dad lives full-time in China and I only get to see him a couple of months a year, so he wanted me to come live with him for a year and learn the language.
Jaimie: Well that’s very interesting. What does your Dad do in China?
Nairobi: He does some kind of import/export for international business…type stuff. Haha, I don’t know if that explains it well or not. He’s been living there since I was five and I would visit him throughout the summers and I really liked it!
Jaimie: That does sound awesome but we’re really going to miss you here at Invictus! For how long will you be gone?
Nairobi: I’ll be there for the school year.
Jaimie: What will you miss most about Invictus?
Nairobi: Wow. Well, of course the community because it’s like the BEST community in the universe. It has the best energy, ever. Also, the way the trainers push you to work hard and of course, the workouts. They are amazing. I love everything – absolutely everything about Invictus.
Jaimie: Are you going to be able to keep up with CrossFit while you are over there?
Nairobi: My Dad does Crossfit with a buddy of his, who is a CrossFit coach, so I’m going to see about maybe getting online training from Coach Nichole while they watch and coach me. Because I can’t go a week without working out – it’s terrible!
Jaimie: Do you have anything cool planned for when you move to China?
Nairobi: I’ll be close to Hong Kong and I really want to Bungee Jump off of the Macau Tower again – it’s the world’s highest bungee jump.
Jaimie: Wait wait wait – “again”?! As in, you have already experienced this amazingly scary experience before?!
Nairobi: Yes! It was so fun!
Jaimie: Oh. My. Gosh! That’s pretty amazing for only being 14 years old! Well Nairobi, we wish you safe travels, stay in touch and we can’t wait for you to rejoin with us next summer!
Nairobi: I’m going to miss Invictus with all of my heart!
From Coach Nichole DeHart:
I have been working with Nairobi for about a year and a half now. I am sad to see this shining young girl leave, but am so happy to see her flourish in China. If you have had the privilege to meet Nairobi, you know that she is a special person. Not only is she one of the youngest members at Invictus, but she has one of the biggest impacts on our members. If you watch her workout, she never stops smiling. She bounces into the gym, all smiles and giggles, ready to attack a workout. And by attack, I mean, demolish workouts (she regularly uses the rx’d weight for our women). She usually has some inspirational quote written on her arm for when she needs an extra boost of motivation. This girl has one of the most positive mindsets and she never stops believing in herself. Talk about having a champions mindset! She can teach us all a lesson or two in having self confidence that can boost us to do greater things. I will miss my wonderful friend, but am so excited for the new opportunities she will be presented with. Please wish Nairobi safe travels and introduce yourself to her if you haven’t already, and let yourself be graced with the essence of youth! – Coach Nichole
From C.J. Martin:
Nairobi has been part of the Invictus community for exactly 3 years. It has been an honor to see her grow as an athlete, and an amazing young woman. At just 14 years old, Nairobi is accomplishing things athletically that would make competitive adults jealous. She’s strong, fast and skilled. But her athletic talent isn’t what makes her so special, it is her unrelenting optimism and enthusiasm. She is unique in her ability to pair the exuberance of her youth with the maturity that many adult athletes lack – the commitment and patience to set a goal and take all of the necessary steps to achieving it. I have no doubt that Nairobi’s amazing outlook on life will serve her well in everything she does. We will miss her dearly while she’s away, but know with certainty that she will make the most of the year abroad. And while she’ll only be 15 years old, don’t be shocked if you read the CrossFit Regionals Asia Leaderboard and see her name.
Nairobi, it’s always been a pleasure seeing you at the gym. Your happiness is beautiful!
Nairobi makes me smile! Last week we did the noon class together. During round three of a rowing/toes to bar workout I found myself sitting next to her as I was strapping on the erg. Of course Nairobi was well into round four, smiling and cheering me on.
Nairobi, every time you come in the gym, you bring happiness, energy and enthusiasm. Happy travels. Enjoy many adventures and bring alot of stories to share when you come back to San Diego.
Nairobi is beyond amazing – she’s been attending our track nights regularly for the past 6-9 months and she’s a shinning light. Everyone from Invictus Endurance wishes you well on your adventure – we know this is going to be an awesome opportunity and we look forward to your return
Nairobi, you are a shining star! Have a blast in China, and keep us updated on your awesome adventures!
Nairobi Rocks!! She’s inspiring, sweet and one tough cookie!! Have a great time in China!
Seconded! She totally rocks. What a great chance to expand your horizons, Nairobi. Enjoy your time in China and with your Pops!!!
Thank you all so much for everything! I want you all to you know that each and everyone of you is truly and inspiration to me! I mean that with all my heart! Leaving will be exciting yet a bit sad. But knowing that I will come back to this AMAZINGLY FANTASTICALLY GREAT Community sooner than I think gets me pumped!
And always remember you can do anything and everything you set your mind to…because the body won’t go where the mind doesn’t push it! ;D
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU ALL
Just wanted to note that my question about her becoming a Chinese princess was a joke – more along the lines of her Daddy’s princess and not an actual member of Chinese royalty. (*cough* Cody Burgener *cough*)