Photo Source: Michael P. Murphy

Maureen Grady is one of the many gymnasts who felt the athletic itch after quitting.  As a level 10 gymnast, she trained with great success at Richmond Olympiad. Rating 23rd nationally by USA Gymnastics, Maureen moved on to train with the Ohio State team.

Unfortunately, getting sick her Freshman year lead to her retirement.  But as many ex-gymnasts know, it’s not easy to stop something that has been part of your life for so many years.  Maureen desired a new sport that would challenge her in ways only gymnastics had. 

While watching ESPN one day, the business marketing and sports industry major was awe-stricken by the Crossfit games.  She decided Crossfit would be the perfect fit for her and looked up gyms in the area. Maureen joined Crossfit Gradview in Columbus, Ohio and noticed that her gymnastics background gave her a training advantage.

Photo Source: Michael P. Murphy

Gymnastics has helped Maureen with workouts that included handstands, pull-ups, push-ups, rope climbs and handstand walks.  She joked that it was fun to be the best handstand walker at her gym.  However, the muscle-up has proven to be a difficult skill to get, even with her gymnasics stength.

Maureen has qualified to Crossfit Games where she met other ex-gymnasts competing along side her.  The similarities between Crossfit and gymnastics have allowed many gymnasts to find a new athletic home.  Maureen added: 

“Crossfit is a sport I can continue for the rest of my life, and it allows me to channel my love of gymnastics into a new challenge.”