2024 Athlete of the Year

Athlete of the Year Announcement

Each year, our athletes vote to select the individual they feel best represents the spirit of our community. This year, we’re thrilled to announce that Joe Kennedy has earned the title!

Joe is a consistent presence at the gym—always positive, focused, and encouraging. We are incredibly proud of all he has accomplished throughout his fitness journey with us.

Congratulations, Joe! We’re lucky to have you as part of our community!

1. What does it mean to you to be selected as Athlete of the Year? I was surprised and humbled. It is really special to be recognized by other members. Thank you!
2. What is one goal you have achieved in 2024?  Keep my momentum going from the last two years. I was really inconsistent in my workouts and prior to 2021. A goal of mine has been consistency and I haven’t stopped.
3. What is the #1 thing that contributed to you accomplishing that goal? Being disciplined and coming to the gym even on days that I was tired or didn’t want to. 
4. What is the main aspect of CrossFit that keeps you coming back for more? The variable nature of the workouts, I love that one day it can be high intensity, or long endurance or Olympic lifting. The variety is what keeps me coming back. 
5. What is 1 thing you have changed in your life recently that has led to more success in the gym? My wife. She basically told me to get my a** in gear and to quit being lazy. I know 100% that without her I would not have the honor of being named athlete of the year. 
6. What is the best piece of advice you can give to a current CrossFitter that you think will help with longevity in Crossfit? Just keep coming back. Consistency is so important. No one cares how much you can lift or how fast you are—just show up and keep trying. You’ll be amazed at the progress you can make.
7. What is the best piece of advice you can give someone new looking to try CrossFit? Just because you went to one gym or one box that was a bad experience, that’s not necessarily indicative of each CrossFit gym try different ones and find your fit. My fit has been at IA for the last eight years.
8. What is the #1 way CrossFit has changed your life? CrossFit helps me live and maintain an active lifestyle from hiking to skiing to biking to water sports. I truly believe CrossFit allows me to do those things without hesitation.