In Athletes, Rowing, Sports Applications, Videos
July 27, 2012
In 2007, Erin Cafaro had been rowing for three years and had been on the U.S. national team for a year and a half.
The next year was an Olympic one, and Cafaro needed to get stronger. Through her brother, she discovered CrossFit. Not only did Cafaro make the team, but her team won gold in Beijing.
This year, she’s headed back to the Olympics.
“If you’ve been to the Olympics before, it’s not a given that you get to go again,” explains Cafaro, who also helps with CrossFit Rowing seminars. “You have to prove yourself every single time.”
For the past four years, her brother, mobility guru Kelly Starrett and now-boyfriend Brian MacKenzie of CrossFit Endurance have been coaching her in one form or another.
In addition to sport-specific training, she does CrossFit workouts “whenever my body feels like I can handle the additional work,” Cafaro says.
“I don’t think I would probably be back on the Olympic team if I hadn’t found CrossFit and hadn’t met the people I’ve met,” Cafaro says. “It encourages you to challenge yourself and evolve.”
Video by Again Faster.
13min 23sec
Additional audio: CrossFit Radio Episode 133 by Justin Judkins, published Aug. 18, 2010.
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8 Comments on “Headed to the Olympics: Erin Cafaro”
1
wrote …
Had the opportunity to meet Erin a few times….she also put on a workshop at our gym a while back. Great athlete, great instructor and a super nice person. Would love to see her bring home a gold medal this year.
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2
wrote …
Great video and I wish her the best of luck in the Olympic Games.
What type of nutrition program was she following leading up to the Games?
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3
wrote …
Congratulations to Erin and the rest of the ladies 8 team who destroyed a world class field in their qualifying heat to reach the Olympic final with strength and style!
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4
wrote …
Wise words Erin. As a short ex-rower turned Crossfitter you are making me want to dust off my single scull!! All the best at the Olympics :)
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5
wrote …
Congratulations Erin and the ladies 8 rowing team 2012 Olympic champions!
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6
wrote …
My son asked this morning when would we see CrossFit in the Olympics. I told him I was not sure, if ever. But I have no doubt we will see more CrossFitters on the medal stand in the future.
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7
wrote …
Just saw your 8-team row 4 gold....Sick power. Thought of this article immediately. Havent lost a race since '06...too sweet! Multiple Gold Medals!!!!! Way to go!
Congrats Big Time.
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8
wrote …
CONGRATULATIONS ERIN!! That was an awesome race. My family sat in front of the T.V. and we all screamed and hollered for the team. Your boat rocked! (No pun intended) Very inspiring. Hope to see you again in Rio.
P.S. keep the calenders coming, I will def' buy more from you next year, my friends loved the last one.
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