CrossFit convert just won’t give up
Kelsea Elkington is her father’s daughter – there can be no argument of that.
The Takapuwahia 14-year-old is CrossFit mad and her dedication to the sport has paid off, after she placed second overall in the 14- and- under category at the recent nationals.
A member of WOF CrossFit in Porirua, Kelsea also gets all the training she wants with rings, ropes and weights at home.
Her father, Jay Elkington, is a lifting and children’s coach for WOF and his commitment to the popular fitness programme got Kelsea hooked just over a year ago.
The family often hold sessions for up to 30 people in their back yard.
‘‘It probably seems like I had no choice, but I was keen to get fit and I got into gradually,’’ Kelsea said. ‘‘It’s a lot of fun and I enjoy pushing myself a bit.’’
Her competitive spirit and strength gave Kelsea the edge at nationals, in Hastings. Jay said it was impressive to watch.
‘‘ There were runs and squats, skipping and box jumps,’’ he said. ‘‘ The com- petition was pretty hard, but Kelsea never gave up. She has a lot of stamina.’’
Kelsea’s take on her own performances was simple.
‘‘I didn’t want to give up in front of all those people.’’
The girl who beat her will go to the United States to compete at the CrossFit Games, something Kelsea aspires to do one day.
She will represent Aotea College at the New Zealand CrossFit secondary schools championships later this year.
Kelsea does up to three sessions at WOF CrossFit a week and works out every day at home.
Along with the enjoyment that CrossFit brings, she said it helped other sports.
‘‘ I thought I was fit before, but I wasn’t. I play hockey and basketball [the latter in a senior Wellington women’s competition] and find that I can keep running for much longer and can take the knocks now.’’