"To prove that I can do things that healthy people can do," says British athlete Leila Ives.
We've said it before: CrossFit® is an inclusive discipline. High-level athletes are only a minority, and in their wake are practitioners of all ages and abilities. Some of them suffer from disabilities or chronic illnesses, and find in CrossFit® an ally to help them move forward and overcome their limits, or to rebuild their lives as part of a supportive community of practitioners, always ready to help their peers. Such is the case of Leila Ives from England. Aged 36, she discovered CrossFit® in 2018, a year after learning she was suffering from multiple sclerosis. CrossFit® was an escape for her, a way of showing that she was capable of being like everyone else. In 2022, she took part in the CrossFit® Games finals in the Adaptive category in Madison, USA. An experience that rewards Leila's resilience. For Hustle Up, Leila Ives looks back on her journey. Multiple sclerosis In May 2017, I lost sight in my left eye; I thought it was a migraine. After three days with no improvement, I went to an optician who noticed I had a blind spot in my eye and advised me to go for consultation at an eye hospital. I went to a private hospital because the waiting times at the NHS are long and can be several months. I underwent tests and in January 2018 the verdict was in: I was told I had multiple sclerosis. I then began treatment and, fortunately, my condition has remained stable ever since. CrossFit® I started CrossFit® in April 2018, after my diagnosis, at CrossFit® Humber in Hull, not far from where I live. In CrossFit®, I love the variety of workouts and how each session works on strength, endurance, flexibility. I wanted to prove to myself that, despite my illness, I could do things that "healthy" people could do. For me, CrossFit® was like a challenge. Every time I progressed and performed well, I proved to myself that I could still do great things even though I was living with multiple sclerosis. CrossFit® gives me more self-confidence and makes me feel "normal". The CrossFit® Games At first, I didn't know that the CrossFit® Games existed. When I signed up for the Open, I noticed that there were different categories, one of which was "Neuromuscular". I did some research to find out if I was eligible for this category. I contacted some athletes on Instagram who had competed at the CrossFit® Games in the "Neuromuscular" category, notably Ebby Isbill, who also suffers from multiple sclerosis. Talking to her, I realized that I had a chance to take part in the Games. It was a great experience. Taking part in the CrossFit® Games is a privilege and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, even if it is stressful and tiring. Coming from England, I had to adapt to the high temperatures. It was great to see other athletes competing alongside me. My greatest achievement was the relationships I made there and the feeling of being part of the community. I even got to take a selfie with Tia-Clair Toomey.