Sled Pups Athlete, Taitn Gray, can now be safely called one of the fittest kids in the world. Just a few weeks ago, he competed at WODapalooza one of the nations largest CrossFit Competitions. The event is one of the three largest competition for any athlete his age; or should we say, for athletes around his age.
The CrossFit Games is the biggest competition for a CrossFit athletes, but it isn’t open to youth competitors until they reach the age of 14. WODapalooza on the other hand, allows youth competitors starting at age 10. They even make exceptions for those athlete who are above an beyond. Like 9 year old, Sled Pups Athlete, Taitn Gray.
This was Taitn’s second year competing at WODapalooza, and to earn his spot, he first had to compete in a nation-wide open. The open tested his skills against all CrossFit athletes in the age group he was trying to compete in, 10-12. It used a set WOD and set weights, to make sure to test all the kids skills evenly. Taitn came out on top earning a spot to compete, despite his age.
At the competition itself, Taitn proved that making the list was no mistake. He placed in the top 2 for 6 of the 9 WODs, and placed 3rd, 4th, and 7th in the remaining 3. A performance earned him the 3rd place spot on the podium, and him a clear shot at the title of the fittest 9 year old we’ve overseen.
Here is an interview with Taitn we did just after the competition.
Interview with Taitn
Sled Pups: How did you train specifically for the Wodapalooza?
Taitn: I trained by following my programming from Coach Nick. I went swimming on Friday mornings, went to CrossFit 8035 and Spartan Strength to workout in the mornings.
Sled Pups: How did you feel about being the youngest competitor?
Taitn: It didn’t really bother me at all. I just know I’m strong enough to compete with them. So in my brain I was as old as them.
Sled Pups: What was the hardest or most challenging part of the event?
Taitn: The most challenging part was running on the TrueForm, biking on the Assault bike and rowing because it takes your breath away so fast.
Sled Pups: What was your favorite part about the event?
Taitn: My favorite part of the event was meeting new people like the ones that I’ve met over social media and working out with them.
Sled Pups: What was your favorite event?
Taitn: My favorite event was the rope climbs, lunges and double unders. Unfortunately, it didn’t count but, it was still a fun one.
Sled Pups: What’s next for you? Any big events coming up that you’re excited about?
Taitn: For wrestling I have districts and state, CrossFit I have a kids competiton coming up. Weightlifting I’ll be going to Youth Nationals in a couple months. Soccer, I’ll be starting that again in Fall and baseball will be starting soon.
Sled Pups: Who is your biggest inspiration?
Taitn: My biggest inspiration is my dad.
Sled Pups: Was there anyone at the event you were really excited to meet?
Taitn: Probably Kettlebells4Kids, Jason Khalipa was cool and all the kids on social media that I got to see in person.
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