Invictus Athlete Rockstars: Michelle Kinney and Amanda Schwartz!
Interview by Nichole DeHart
I want to introduce you all to some of the rockstar Invictus athletes coming out of the Central East and South Central Region. Michelle Kinney is no stranger to Invictus and has been part of the Sea of Green for a few years. Amanda Schwartz is new to our family, so let’s make sure to give her a huge welcome!
Michelle and Amanda did amazing at Regionals, securing them both a spot at the upcoming 2014 CrossFit Games. This will be Amanda’s 1st year competing at the Games and Michelle’s 4th year! They were both kind enough to let me interview them so you all can get to know them a little better before you cheer them on at Games.
Amanda Schwartz
Nichole:Â So tell us, Amanda – how did you become a part of the Sea of Green?
Amanda: I was looking for great programming and CJ, in my opinion, is the best at that.
Nichole:Â What was your athletic background before CrossFit?
Amanda:Â I played and tried about everything growing up as a kid. I came to the United States from Australia to play soccer in college.
Nichole:Â This is your first time competing in the CrossFit Games; what are you most looking forward to?
Amanda: The entire experience! Meeting people I’ve only watched before. Getting to perform in front a HUGE crowd. Trying to survive the workouts they throw at me!
Nichole:Â How has being a part of the Sea of Green helped you compete?
Amanda: I’m not sure how the Sea of Green does it, but I feel like they are behind me even though I compete miles away. Their community may not see me in their box training, but they accept me as one of their own.
Nichole:Â What workout would you be so happy to see at the CrossFit Games?
Amanda: I actually haven’t given it any thought. My goal is just to survive them all.
Nichole:Â How do you mentally prepare yourself for competition?
Amanda: I think it’s calming to know that all I can do is the best I can, with any given workout. My full effort will be full victory. And I’m happy with that.
Nichole:Â What is one tip you would give to someone who is looking to be a more competitive CrossFitter?
Amanda: Find a coach who you trust 100% and who understands the demands of your daily life. And understand the motivation behind why you want to be a competitive CrossFitter. Be prepared to work on days you don’t feel like working.
Nichole:Â How has becoming an Invicti helped you improve inside the gym and outside the gym?
Amanda: I feel like I have a standard to uphold! I also have a cool t-shirt! And get to use the phrase #FullEffortFullVictory a lot! This past year has been one of the most difficult; physically with injuries and emotionally within my personal life. I’ve struggled with whether or not to even compete. And almost walked away from CrossFit completely. In the end I’ve come out stronger, achieved some major goals, and more importantly learned to love what I do again. I’m more mentally strong and have much better balance in my life.
Michelle Kinney
Nichole:Â Michelle, how did you become a part of the Sea of Green?
Michelle: I met Josh Bridges when he stopped by my gym in Memphis back in 2011. After talking about his training and coach, CJ Martin, I was super impressed by the community and coaching direction. So, I decided that I wanted to become a part of the Sea of Green and was very excited to be picked up as an athlete and honorary Invicti.
Nichole:Â What was your athletic background before CrossFit?
Michelle:Â I grew up playing softball but was forced to run cross country in high school as well. During this time, I discovered that I had a knack for running, won the individual state cross country title, and accepted a track and cross country scholarship to Mississippi State University. After two years of running on the distance team there (and javelin, as well), I switched sports and played softball for the remaining three years of NCAA eligibility I had. I played a couple years of tackle football after college, but once I found CrossFit, I hung up my cleats and pads.
Nichole: This isn’t your first trip to Games; how many times have you been before and what was your favorite year?
Michelle:Â I have been to the CrossFit Games three times: 2010, 2011, and 2013. My favorite trip was my last one in 2013, not because it was my best Games finish (8th) but because it was my first trip to the Games as a part of the Sea of Green. It was an amazing experience because of CJ, Karen, Pops, Tara, and the crew. The support was unreal and made for one hell of a ride!
Nichole:Â How has being a part of the Sea of Green helped you compete?
Michelle:Â The Sea of Green is such a supportive group in every way imaginable! Not only do I get a top-notch program from the wizard himself, I also receive psychological support and inspiration through Heidi Fearon, Nichole DeHart, and all of the other killer Invictus athletes. The entire crew at Invictus have helped mold me into a mentally and physically stronger athlete with a much deeper perspective on life and how to live it. This comprehensive approach has made all the difference.
Nichole:Â What workout would you be so happy to see at the CrossFit Games?
Michelle: The return of the softball toss would be great! I wouldn’t mind a half marathon run either.
Nichole:Â How do you mentally prepare yourself for competition?
Michelle:Â I focus on my ability and my game plan. I spend time meditating and visualizing as well. I also make sure to have my mind totally embracing that full effort is full victory.
Nichole:Â What is one tip you would give to someone who is looking to be a more competitive CrossFitter?
Michelle:Â My first tip to someone looking to be a more competitive CrossFitter is to reach for an understanding of why they want to be one.
Nichole:Â If you could be one animal, what animal would it be and why?
Michelle: I would be the Great Horned Owl. It’s my spirit animal.