Sunshine Coast teenager Tayla Stephens chases CrossFit Games qualification

A Coast teenager says she’s feeling “strong and fit” to tackle one last hurdle on her journey towards fulfilling the ultimate CrossFit dream.

Tayla Stephens is chasing qualification into the Crossfit Games in the US. Picture: Patrick Woods

A Coast teenager says she's feeling "strong and fit" to tackle one last hurdle on her journey towards fulfilling the ultimate CrossFit dream.

Nambour Christian College student Tayla Stephens recently earned the number one ranking in Australia and number 14 in the world for the 14 to 15-year-old age division in CrossFit.

TOP FOUR: Coast hockey teens primed for nationals

Activate your free Courier Mail subscription for big rewards

"It feels really good," she said.

"I've worked pretty hard for it.

"But, I have a lot of support behind me too, with my parents and my gym, The Stables, and coach Josh Bromley."

Tayla Stephens with CrossFit The Stables trainer Josh Bromley. Patrick Woods

The 15-year-old isn't stopping there though, eager to crush a looming four-day online workout qualifier to land a spot at the coveted CrossFit Games Finals in the US.

She said there would be about four or five workouts each day to complete.

"I think it's out of about 150 girls and the top 20 makes CrossFit Games," she said.

"It's a hard weekend but I'm feeling pretty strong and fit right now.

"I've just got to put my head down and do the work."

Tayla Stephens is chasing qualification into the CrossFit Games in the US. She is the number 1 ranked 14-15 year old in Australia. Picture: Patrick Woods

Earning her place at the event in the US has been a longstanding goal for the teenager.

"That's my dream," she said.

"It's the one thing I'm really striving for to be able to do.

"I think I'd probably cry (if made it)."

Stephens said she first got into CrossFit when she was about seven and quickly fell in love with it.

She boasts some impressive stats, with her heaviest clean and jerk at 75kg, her heaviest snatch lift at 62kg, and dead lift at 95kg.

She trains six days a week at her CrossFit gym in Mooloolaba, The Stables.

Stephens came first in a teen stoic wars competition when she was 12 and has placed in weightlifting events too.

Tayla Stephens is chasing qualification into the CrossFit Games in the US. Picture: Patrick Woods

"When I turned 12 I really started to get competitive with it," she said.

"And since then I've had this passion for it.

"I just love the whole community, it's one of the best things.

"It always changes too, it's never boring, there's always something new to be done and it never gets easier.

"You're always working hard for something and always try and get a new goal."

She follows fellow Coast product and four-time CrossFit champion Tia-Clair Toomey.

"She is my favourite athlete in CrossFit," Stephens said.

"I look up to her a lot.

"I met her once at a weightlifting seminar down in Brissy and she was amazing."

Originally published as Sunshine Coast teenager Tayla Stephens chases CrossFit Games qualification