It is time to announce the first Athlete of the Month for 2018. This individual joined in the second half of 2018 and has been a great addition to our Noon class (primarily). As an older athlete, he has made huge gains in regaining strength and mobility that were lost over the years. Just recently, he proved once again that placing your trust in the system works. He received his yearly physical that showed his body is functioning like it is 20 years younger. He is positive, friendly, and alway encouraging. The January 2018 Athlete of the Month is:
TODD GIBSON
- Where are you from originally?
I grew up in Northern Virginia.
- If not from Pittsburgh, what brought you to Pittsburgh?
After completing undergrad at WVU, I attended law school at Duquesne University, married a girl from New Castle that I met at WVU and went to law school with, and started my first job in-house at a local investment management company.
- Where do you work?
I am a partner at K&L Gates LLP in the Investment Management, Hedge Funds, and Private Funds practice group.
- What is your favorite hobby?
I enjoy spending time with my family and reading, mostly historical military fiction (Bernard Cornwell, Patrick O’Brien, Christian Cameron, etc.).
- How did you discover CrossFit?
I was tired of the same treadmill and weightlifting work and was looking for something different. I then came across a CrossFitter’s vlog channel on YouTube (TeamRICHEY) that sparked my interest.
- When did you start CrossFit?
I started CrossFit in July 2017.
- Why did you start CrossFit?
After some health issues in February 2017, I needed to make some serious and permanent lifestyle changes.
- What is your favorite thing to do in CrossFit?
I like any of the barbell work, particularly deadlifts and cleans.
- What is your least favorite thing to do in CrossFit?
Easy one….burpees! Which means I should do more of them, right? - What is the number 1 thing you want to get better at?
I know this question is asking for an activity, but I really want to improve my shoulder and hip mobility this year. However, activity-wise, I really, really, really want to do double-unders. - What is your favorite part about coming to CrossFit at Industrial Athletics?
The coaching and the people are great. Coaches are patient, and fellow CrossFitters are supportive and friendly. I have dropped into to several boxes in other cities in the US and Europe (another thing I like about CrossFit) and can state unequivocally that IA is the friendliest box I have been to.
- What is your favorite CrossFit WOD?
I have not been doing CrossFit long enough to have worked my way through the named WODs, but I generally like WODs that combine loaded exercises (dumbell/barbell/KB) with unloaded exercises or cardio.
