It’s just 12 days before the start of the 2021 Crossfit Games and we spoke with the oldest athlete in the field on the men’s side and 2017 rookie of the year Jason Smith.
Smith made his rookie debut at the age of 33 where he finished 10th overall in a stacked talent pool.
We asked him how his training has changed, how it feels to be an underdog, thoughts about the new season format, and etc.
Check out his answers below:
As the oldest athlete in the field do you feel like an underdog?
SMITH: I’m pretty sure I’d be an underdog cause no one expects me to be competitive.
How has training and life in general changed from when you won the rookie of the year to now?
SMITH: Training and life has carried on, such is life, we do what we can do under the circumstances. But I’m happy to be heading back to the Games.
Related: Where Are They Now? The Last 6 Crossfit Games Rookies of The Year
What did you think about the new season format?
SMITH: This year’s format was a lot better than last year’s. They (crossfit) still might have to fine tune it, but I think they’re on the right track with introducing a second or third step to get to the Games. Online just doesn’t cut it when deciding who’s fittest to get to the Games!
Are you shooting for event wins mostly, or just overall consistency?
SMITH: I would like to get 1 or 2 wins, if some events are in my wheelhouse, but otherwise I think consistency will pay off in the end.
What is your goal for the Games this year?
SMITH: I’m capable of top 5 I know it!
How does it feel to have a fellow South African (Michelle Basnett) compete at the Games this year?
SMITH: It’s good to have someone like Michelle Basnett to put South Africa on the map in the ladies division.
Related: Countries Represented at The 2021 Crossfit Games
Any advice to athletes who want to make it to the Games one day?
SMITH: My advice to anyone wanting to make it to the games would be work hard, and don’t stop working hard. The harder you work for it, it will eventually happen.
If you just started training for Crossfit what is the first thing you would focus on, knowing what you do now?
SMITH: If you’ve just started CrossFit, and you want to be competitive, work on weaknesses. The quicker you can eliminate your weaknesses the better off and more rounded you’ll be.
Do you think Crossfit has a chance to be a major sport in the next 10 years?
SMITH: If CrossFit can sort their shit out, then yes they will be a major sport one day. But if they keep trying to take money from the very competitors that are growing the sport, it will never happen!
If you won the Crossfit Games what is the first thing you would do?
SMITH: If I win the Games…..I will retire🤣🤣
Would you rather finish in the top 5 at the Games 5 years in a row or win the Games once but never make the Games again?
SMITH: At my age, win the Games and never come back 🙂
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