The annual Crossfit Festivus Games was held at CrossFit Ripcord on Saturday, and as much as it was a competition, it was more about having fun and cheering and pushing each other along the way.
A few dozen competitors traveled for the event. With Columbus locked as one of the host sites, competitors within 60 miles feed into that host city.
The games are comprised of four different workouts with a teammate involving weightlifting and rowing. There are three types of divisions — novice, intermediate and master.
Crossfit Ripcord opened in 2016, and its membership has been on the incline. Co-owner Jeff Smith says that he hopes that hosting this event can open more doors to having more competitions in house.
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“It gives more recognition to the smaller gyms,” Smith said.
Jen Corsi never thought she would be a crossfit athlete until a few years ago when her father had quadruple bypass surgery. It opened her eyes about staying active and fit.
In March of 2017, Corsi started running and doing weightlifting because she also loves the spirit of competition. She’s lost approximately 35-40 pounds since.
In addition to Crossfit, she trains for distance races and will compete in the Mill Race Marathon on Sept. 28.
In addition to all of the training while being a 35-year-old stay-at-home mother, she also mentions the training to be a big stress relief to her busy schedule.
“It’s like my therapy,” Corsi said. “I’m a better mother, I’m a better human being after I’ve been (at CrossFit Ripcord) in the morning.”
Corsi’s teammate, 14-year-old Kailyn Smith, started Crossfit almost two years ago when a teens class was introduced. Kaylin Smith, who is Jeff Smith’s daughter, has been competing for a year now and has done three competitions.
One of Kailyn Smith’s long term goals is to hopefully compete in the top Festivus Games in the country.
Kailyn Smith is a freshman at Columbus Signature Academy-New Tech. She wants to continue competing, but also wants an education in physical therapy.
“I’ve enjoyed doing this so much. It’s the one sport that I really enjoyed,” Kailyn Smith said. “I tried gymnastics for four years, but then I found this, and it’s the only thing I really want to do for the rest of my life.”
No matter the skill level or age, Corsi says anyone is invited to give Crossfit a shot.
“There’s people here in their 60s competing, and nationally, some people in their 80s,” Corsi said. “The big thing with Crossfit is that everything is scalable. You can always dial it back to any fitness that you like. It’s such a fun atmosphere with everyone cheering on the newest athletes, encouraging them and motivating them. The community aspect of this competition is great.”
