Maddy Myers: Athlete Phenom from CrossFit to Olympic Weightlifting
Interview by Nichole DeHart
Maddy Myers is not only a stud athlete, but also an exceptional student at UCSD. She juggles training competitively with a rigorous school schedule and still makes time to pursue other non-athletic or non-brainiac things that bring her happiness, like her love of baking. She has a quick wit about her that is often not seen in many youths, so we are very lucky to have her and her energy bouncing around the gym! She was kind enough to squeeze me into her schedule to do a short interview.
When did you start with CrossFit?
I started CrossFit late into my Junior Year of high school; I think… it was so long ago!
How did you find Invictus?
I met you (Nichole), CJ, and Nairobi at my first weightlifting competition (Youth Nationals) in 2014. I then followed the blog for a little while and ultimately switched over to one-on-one remote coaching with CJ.
What motivated you to become competitive?
I more or less became competitive by accident! I loved training and ended up doing well in my first open, making it to Regionals and then Games. I had no clue that I would make it so far that year.
You have had success in both the Olympic Weightlifting and in the CrossFit world. How did you balance the two sports?
I love both sports, so choosing one over the other would be rather difficult. Although when it comes down to it, I consider myself a CrossFit Athlete first and Olympic Weightlifter second. That being said, I think competing in Olympic lifting has been incredibly beneficial to my CrossFit. In a short two years, competing in Olympic lifting has made me exponentially stronger and more confident. Â
How do you mentally prepare for competition?
I try to keep things as similar to a normal day as possible. I try to eat a good meal the night before, go to bed early, and then keep the morning of low key, which usually means lots of Netflix! Â
If it is a lifting meet, I make sure to eat teriyaki chicken and a milkshake after I weigh in (scientifically proven to be PR food) and then just keep calm and relaxed by hanging out with old man Martin.
You are currently a Sophomore at UCSD; how do you manage your training with your school load?
Managing both has been a challenge, but it is most definitely doable! The key is time management of school and training, but also making time for social activities.
And when it comes down to it, school is my priority (because there is more to life than exercising fast).
What advice would you give other teens who are looking to become more competitive?
There is NO rush. You only get to be in high school once – CrossFit will always be there. So take time to focus on school work, make friends, do fun things, join school clubs, go to prom and so on.
My biggest regret is focusing too much on CrossFit through my last two high school years. Everyday was about school and CrossFit, and there was no life balance. These are your last childhood years, make them one to remember.
CrossFit should be fun and enjoyable – it should not feel like a job. Never underestimate the importance of having fun.
If you had a theme song to walk down the street to, what would it be?
Trouble by Taylor Swift. Durh. (Insert hair flicking girl emoji).
Also Check Out…
Maddy Myers: Making Waves at 18
Maddy Myers Wins at the Junior Pan Ams