What inspired you to become an adaptive athlete, and how has CrossFit impacted your life both physically and mentally?
When I started CrossFit in 2018, I was amazed at how quickly I saw improvements. Watching early buttery bros documentaries of the CrossFit Games hooked me on seeing what my body could do, even before there was a competitive neuro division. Once this division was introduced, I was all in.
Before starting CrossFit, I had a more negative view of my Cerebral Palsy. CrossFit has helped me develop a healthier perspective on it. It also helps me manage anxiety and has significantly improved my daily energy levels.
Can you share some of your biggest achievements in CrossFit competitions and what those moments meant to you?
I can think of a few times when I paced an event well. Seeing competitors go out fast can make it easy to fall in line. However, I’ve passed competitors toward the end of events to win. I’m happy I trusted my fitness and knew myself as an athlete.
How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges during training, and what advice would you give to other adaptive athletes considering CrossFit?
I stay motivated by being thankful and remembering how far I’ve come. Recently, I’ve experienced more neurological issues in my legs due to lifting heavier weights, leading me to ease up on training them. This can be frustrating for someone who is competitive. However, I always remember my goal to be mobile and pain-free as I age. Avoiding injury is a top priority. At the end of the day, fitness is for life, not just for competition.
Who are your biggest inspirations within the CrossFit community and beyond, and how do they influence your journey?
Stephanie Roach was one of the first visible athletes with Cerebral Palsy doing CrossFit. Her presence on social media and in competitions like Wodapalooza helped me gain confidence in my decision to compete. I also found inspiration from Ben Bergeron and Brent Fikowski, who emphasized knowing yourself as an athlete.
How do you use your platform to raise awareness and advocate for adaptive athletes, and what message do you want to share about the importance of inclusivity in sports?
Social media is a great way to connect with people with similar disabilities. I encourage coaches to be more willing to work with people with disabilities. Often, people with disabilities only receive enough physical therapy to become independent, but fitness can significantly improve their quality of life. I also encourage people with disabilities to contact their local CrossFit gym—they might be more willing to work with you than you think.
Austin Roth’s journey as an adaptive athlete in CrossFit is a powerful reminder of the limitless potential within us all. His story of overcoming obstacles, setting ambitious goals, and advocating for inclusivity in sports serves as an inspiration to many. As Austin continues to break barriers and achieve new heights, he remains committed to promoting awareness and encouraging others to embrace fitness. His message is clear: with dedication, support, and the right mindset, anyone can transform their life through the power of sport. Austin’s journey is far from over, and we look forward to seeing what he will accomplish next.
Follow Austin Roth on Instagram here. Stay connected with CrossFit Invictus by following our main Instagram account here.
Want to help offset the cost of Austin going to the Adaptive Games? Scan below:
