Coach Highlight - Connor!

I decided to switch it up this month and highlight one of our newer coaches Connor! A lot of you morning peeps have gotten to know him over the last few months but I thought it’d be fun for everyone to get to know him even better. We all know he's really good at Crossfit, but do you know what one of his greatest Fears is?

Connor moved here in 2019 to start school at UVic and found our gym then, unfortunately a Pandemic forced him back home to Smithers, BC, but when he made it back to Victoria he came back and we knew when he was ready he’d make a great CrossFit Coach! His passion for CrossFit, his drive to be better, his approach to each training session, and his work ethic is one of the best I’ve ever seen. Plus his positive energy is always good to be around. Everyone can benefit from learning from him and having him as a coach. Read more below to get to know him!

What is your background in Fitness/sport?

Speed Crawler (Age 0.5 - 1), Men's Artistic Gymnastics (9-16)

When did you start CrossFit and At Vic City?

I walked into Vic City in 2019 and left a few months later because of COVID. I returned older and wiser in 2021 and then began coaching in 2023.

(Flashback to 2020)

How many CrossFit Opens have you done?

More than 3 but less than 5 (4)

Favourite memories in the gym?

I think I'm too young to be thinking about my favourite memories, my memories don't go back very far. But I'll try.

As an athlete - One time I thought a workout was going to hurt really bad but then it wasn't so bad. It's a vague memory, I don't remember the details but I know it happened and it's nice to think about.

As a coach - Every member who comes to my classes is memorable, they are all my children in a sense. But maybe it's because the classes I coach are pretty early in the morning but I haven't had a very memorable event happen yet. I hope something memorable happens soon (hint hint to those who come to M,T, Th, and Sat mornings). Ideally, this will be something funny and not something scary. I don't mind if it is rehearsed.

What is your favourite movement?

Anything upside down (HSW, HSPU, etc)

Least favourite?

The ones that make me tired (especially devils press and deadlifts for lots of reps)

Favourite WOD or type?

I don't have a favourite WOD but my favourite type is tiny reps and lots of rounds. I've never done a WOD that included swimming in the ocean but I would not be surprised if that was my least favourite type.

What do you enjoy the most about CrossFit?

I just enjoy getting fit with cool people and watching cool people get fit while I cheer them on and occasionally interrupt them to give advice.

Most recent achievement that you are proud of?

Most recent was that I drank 3L of water on July 12th which is pretty good. I'm also pretty proud about my placing in the Open and Quarterfinals this year but not as much as the water thing.

What goals are you working towards right now?

Short Term - Make my get-away-sticks a little stronger

Long Term - Qualify for Semifinals (Eventually the Games, even if it's not until I'm in the 65+ division).

What is your greatest fear?

Residual electricity in the toaster after I unplug it to get the toast out with a fork.

Connor, you are one of the most humble people I know, and since I know you won’t brag about yourself, I’m going to do it for you. Connor came 538th in the World in this year's CrossFit Open and 130th in North America West QuarterFinals.

As one of your training partners and friends, it’s been so fun to see how much you have improved over the few years I've known you and I know you will reach your goals. You push me to be a better athlete every time we’re in the gym together, but you also make it so much fun! I am very thankful you came to Vic City, and I know everyone else at the gym feels the same. You are a great coach and friend, and we are so lucky to have you!

Be sure to give Connor a high five next time you’re in his class, and maybe plan something epic for him to remember for years to come haha!

Coach Tia