Ep. 014: The Future of the Adaptive Division in CrossFit
In this episode, Kevin Ogar* and Alec Zirkenbach** discuss the evolution of the adaptive division in the CrossFit space, their role in the 2021 season, and the future of the division in the CrossFit Games.
In 2021, the NOBULL CrossFit Games Open included eight adaptive athlete divisions for the first time — Men and Women’s Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity, Neuromuscular, Short Stature, Intellectual, Vision, Seated Athletes (With Hip Function), and Seated Athletes (Without Hip Function).
Three of those divisions — Men and Women’s Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity, and Neuromuscular — competed at the CrossFit Games.
“I think over the next couple of years you’re going to see not just an outgrowth in the sport but an outgrowth in the adaptive community and the general population as a whole. People are going to stop being scared to be out in the world with a disability. They’re going to be more outgoing, more comfortable in their own skin because they are capable and they are being told that they’re capable, and I can’t imagine something that can be more impactful on someone’s life who’s being told ‘no’ their entire life than someone telling them, ‘Yes, you can, and I’ll show you how.’” —Kevin Ogar
*Kevin Ogar is a Level 3 CrossFit Trainer, Head Trainer on the CrossFit Seminar Staff, member of the Adaptive Training Academy, owner and head coach of CrossFit WatchTower, and a CrossFit District 4 Affiliate Rep.
**Alec Zirkenbach is a U.S. Navy veteran, executive director of the Adaptive Training Academy, a Level 3 CrossFit Trainer, and a Head Trainer on the CrossFit Seminar Staff.
In 2021, the NOBULL CrossFit Games Open included eight adaptive athlete divisions for the first time — Men and Women’s Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity, Neuromuscular, Short Stature, Intellectual, Vision, Seated Athletes (With Hip Function), and Seated Athletes (Without Hip Function).
Three of those divisions — Men and Women’s Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity, and Neuromuscular — competed at the CrossFit Games.
“I think over the next couple of years you’re going to see not just an outgrowth in the sport but an outgrowth in the adaptive community and the general population as a whole. People are going to stop being scared to be out in the world with a disability. They’re going to be more outgoing, more comfortable in their own skin because they are capable and they are being told that they’re capable, and I can’t imagine something that can be more impactful on someone’s life who’s being told ‘no’ their entire life than someone telling them, ‘Yes, you can, and I’ll show you how.’” —Kevin Ogar
*Kevin Ogar is a Level 3 CrossFit Trainer, Head Trainer on the CrossFit Seminar Staff, member of the Adaptive Training Academy, owner and head coach of CrossFit WatchTower, and a CrossFit District 4 Affiliate Rep.
**Alec Zirkenbach is a U.S. Navy veteran, executive director of the Adaptive Training Academy, a Level 3 CrossFit Trainer, and a Head Trainer on the CrossFit Seminar Staff.
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