Competing As A Master’s Athlete
By: Nuno Costa
It’s been almost 16 years since I started doing CrossFit and my first year competing at the CF Games was in 2009. I have seen the sport evolve over the years and feel lucky that I have been a part of it. I fell in love with the sport when I attended the CF Games in 2008, and never imagined I would get a chance to compete for so many years to come.
My Goals Over The Years Have Pretty Much Stayed The Same As A Master’s Athlete:
My first priority is always to stay healthy. If I can do so, then my body and mind are capable of doing incredible things. I had a chance to compete on a Team for 8 years (7 representing Team Invictus) at the CF Games. The focus then was to do our best, give full effort and let the chips fall how they will.
Nowadays competing as an individual in the Masters division, my goals have changed somewhat, but only slightly. Years ago, I realized that I had a chance to inspire others by redefining what’s possible with my health and fitness. Being able to push my body to do some amazing things over the years and continue to compete at the highest level.
There’s So Much That Goes Into Competing:
My advice is always going to be “control the controllables” and there’s a lot that goes into that. Nutrition, Mindset, Rest, Recovery, Breath…These are mostly within our control – if we can get these things dialed in, we give our chances the best chances of maximizing our performance.
It’s been a blast to compete over the years – having had a chance to compete in Aromas, Carson, Madison and this year coming up in Birmingham, AL. The Masters started in 2010, but it wasn’t until 2019 that I competed in the 40+ age division. Nowadays training for the Games looks a lot different than in 2010. Personally, there’s more time and energy put into it because the level of competition is so much better. The sport has continued to evolve and so has everyone’s fitness.
As for this year’s Games, it will be a little strange competing apart from the rest of the CF Games, since they are separating them. I understand why it’s being done, but I still wish it was all done together. It always felt like our Super Bowl, and I hope it still has that magic this year. I am looking forward to my 11th year competing at the CF Games, and I hope the 4 days of competition will be well balanced and push us to our limits and effectively crown the Fittest on Earth for each of our age divisions – see you all in Alabama! Come out and support us!
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