Emma Cary might be a young competitor, but that doesn't mean she is any less determined. She faces each challenge with a full heart, and there's no telling what she'll do in the future, considering how much she has already accomplished. She got her start in CrossFit when she was only 10 years old. Now almost 7 years later, she's been named the World's Fittest Teen and is training to compete in her third Open with an eye for a spot at the 2021 Games. We got a chance to talk with Emma about her fitness journey and goals. Here's what she had to say:

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How did you get into CrossFit?

I started CrossFit when I was 10 years old in May of 2014! My dad had started CrossFit a month earlier. When he came home from the gym, I wanted to hear every detail. I would make him teach me the movements with a broomstick and a milk jug in our front yard! After learning how much I enjoyed moving my body, I tried the kids' class and fell in love. I was pushing myself as hard as I could but having so much fun. I knew without a doubt that I had found my passion! That day, I decided that I wanted to be the best I could be at CrossFit. This fire still burns bright, but now I want to be the best in the world too!

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What do you love about CrossFit?

I love seeing improvement! It sets my soul on fire when I can lift a little heavier, go a little faster, or hang on a little longer. Improvements aren't always measurable. I'm just as proud when I can give a little more effort, stay a little more positive, or be a little more grateful. The relentless pursuit of small improvements, day after day, is the only way to achieve a massive goal. Competing is my favorite thing because this is where the improvements truly come together! In training, I earn my confidence, and in competition, I show how fierce, fearless, and unstoppable I have become. 

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What challenges have you faced in CrossFit?

I've faced an injury that required me to modify my training for multiple months. It was frustrating, but this season of my life taught me the importance of maximizing everything within my control and letting the rest go. I took this time to build a stronger foundation, dial in my recovery, and spend extra time strengthening my mind. I gave my best to everything I could control and came back stronger because I refused to let adversity stand in my way! On my first day able to clean and jerk again, I hit a 13-pound personal record! Adversity made me stronger, physically and mentally, and I wouldn't trade the challenges I've faced for the world.  

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What motivates you to keep training and competing?

I don't like referring to anything as motivation. Motivation isn't consistent. Being the best requires your best every single day, no matter how you feel. Instead, my drive and passion keep me going. I am driven to achieve my goals. I want to win more than I want to be comfortable. In a workout, I want to go faster more than I want to breathe. I am also extremely passionate about what I do. When I'm tired, sore, and alone in the gym, I'm still having fun and loving the process. 

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What has CrossFit taught you?

CrossFit has taught me that I can do hard things! In all aspects of my life, nothing worth having comes easy. Challenging myself is the only way that I will become who I want to be! CrossFit has taught me to chase this discomfort rather than avoiding it. Because of CrossFit, I see that I am strong, powerful, and nothing is going to stand in my way. I'm not going to give any less than my best effort in training, school, and in my relationships.

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What is your message to other athletes?

Tell people your goals. Not in an arrogant or entitled way, but confidently make them known. Write them everywhere. Speak about them in casual conversation. Visualize your biggest goals until there's not an ounce of fear left in your heart. Practice how you will look while achieving your goals, then savor how you will feel. My goal for this season is to qualify for the 2021 CrossFit Games as an individual. I have one more year eligible for the teen division, but my biggest dream is to step out onto the elite competition floor next year. Telling people your goals is scary; maybe you will fail, but you will definitely inspire others to dream big along the way.

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