Rising Together: The Journey of Two CrossFit Athletes
After a challenging 2024 season, CrossFit athletes Olivia Kerstetter and Chris Ibarra are geared up for the 2025 CrossFit Games, bringing with them compelling stories of resilience and camaraderie.
A Testing Season
Last year, 19-year-old Olivia Kerstetter narrowly missed her shot at the Games, finishing ninth at the West Coast Classic—just shy of the cutoff for qualifications. Her training partner, Chris Ibarra, celebrated his sixth-place finish that secured his spot, but emotions were mixed. While Ibarra was thrilled, he felt a sense of loss not being able to compete alongside Kerstetter, who was grappling with the disappointment of missed opportunities.
“It was tough,” Kerstetter shared. “I thought qualifying once meant I’d always qualify.”
Both trained apart during the summer, with Kerstetter balancing her freshman year at the University of Arkansas. As Ibarra expressed, working out alone made tough training sessions even more daunting.
Back in Sync
Fast forward to today, and the duo has not only overcome previous setbacks but has flourished. After outstanding performances at The Fittest Experience Invitational, both athletes will be heading to Albany, NY, revitalized and ready to take on the 2025 Games.
“We’re finally training together again,” Kerstetter remarked. They managed to sneak in training sessions between busy schedules, allowing their bond as teammates to shine even brighter.
“By week three, we were exhausted but having each other helped a lot,” she added. This dynamic duo epitomizes the power of training partnerships, where both competition and support drive each other to excel.
Unlikely Allies
At first glance, the pairing of Kerstetter and Ibarra may seem unconventional. Nonetheless, their competitive yet supportive relationship fuels their success. “We push each other in different ways,” Ibarra noted, emphasizing their distinct strengths and weaknesses, which balance their training.
Ibarra’s experience allows him to guide Kerstetter, especially in mental toughness and nutrition. “He makes me eat!” Kerstetter quipped. Their collaboration is a testament to how teamwork can elevate performance and personal growth.
Coaching Matters
A significant aspect of their success at recent competitions stems from fresh coaching. Teaming up with CrossFit Games veteran Tim Paulson, both athletes have been able to refine their skills while maintaining trust in their training process.
“He really knows what he’s doing,” Kerstetter stated regarding Paulson’s impact. Ibarra echoed her sentiments, highlighting the importance of motivation during workouts—a vital component in a sport that demands so much physically and mentally.
Reflecting and Looking Ahead
As Kerstetter prepares for the 2025 Games, she’s learned to cultivate a positive mindset, a crucial skill in any athlete’s journey. “It’s not easy, but looking back, I’m glad for the challenges I faced,” she shared.
Both athletes are now enjoying some downtime, but the anticipation of their training trips to Nashville with their crew keeps the excitement alive.
Key Takeaways:
- Resilience is Essential: Overcoming setbacks can forge stronger athletes.
- The Value of Training Partners: Emphasizing support and healthy competition can elevate performance.
- Trust in Coaching: A good coach can help athletes refine their skills and build a positive mindset.
For fitness enthusiasts embarking on their own journeys, remember that the path to success often involves working through challenges together—because behind every medal is a story of friendship, perseverance, and growth.
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