Athlete of the Year for 2021

At the end of each year, we bring together the various Athletes of the Month for that year and have them vote on the Athlete of the Year. When they vote, the Athletes of the Month don’t just send a name, they send their reason for their choice. The Athletes of the Month voted for this year’s Athlete of the Year because she is a role model for consistent dedication to her health and wellness. She shoes up and tries her best every class whether she is on the top of the leaderboard or not. She has a constant positive attitude and attacks any roadblock in her way. Oh, and she is the queen of burpees. The Athlete of the Year for 2021 is:

Nancy Harhai

1. What does it mean to be selected Athlete of the Year? Honored and thankful.  IA has amazing athletes and coaches that create an energetic atmosphere.  It’s the energy in the room that always pushes me forward.  
2. What is one goal you have achieved in 2021?  Improvement with the barbell exercises.  
3. What is the #1 thing that contributed to you achieving that goal? Being coached to use the entire body to perform movements.  
4. What is the main aspect of CrossFit that keeps you coming back for more?  CrossFit is the best overall fitness program that I have ever been involved with.  The WODs have so much variety, the workout is never boring.  
5. What is the 1 thing that you have changed in your life recently that has led to more success in the gym? I am working to improve my nutrition.  
6. What is the best piece of advice you can give a current CrossFitter that you think will help with longevity in CrossFit? Be consistent in attendance.  We all have WODs when we don’t feel great about our performance.  The consistency will assist in finding the movements you are great at and improving the movements you are not.  
7. What is the best piece of advice you can give someone new looking to try CrossFit?  Don’t be afraid to try.  The program has adaptation to your skill level and a path for progress to your maximum potential.  The encouragement you will experience is amazing.  
8. What is the #1 way CrossFit has changed your life?  I am now “training” not “working out”.  That’s a very important distinction from my past workout routines.