Athlete makes his CrossFit dream a reality

Reilly Smith sets sights on new target after making CrossFit Pacific Regional dream a reality.

RISING STAR: Toowoomba's Reilly Smith has qualified for the CrossFit Pacific Regional. The competition, which will be held in Sydney in June, is the final stage of qualifying for the CrossFit Games in the US later this year. Picture: Nev Madsen

CROSSFIT: Five years ago Reilly Smith had a dream.

Having just been introduced to CrossFit, the Toowoomba man set his heart on becoming a regional level competitor.

That dream will become reality for the 22-year-old when he features at the 2018 CrossFit Pacific Regional in June.

"I soon as I started CrossFit I knew that's what I wanted to achieve,” Smith said.

"Jason (CrossFit Confront head coach Jason Erbacher) spoke a lot about the Open and Regionals and that's when it all started for me.”

Since that day Smith has set about making his dream a reality with a quiet determination - but he hasn't done it alone.

"I've always had that underlying personal motivation and focus,” he said.

"But he CrossFit community, my friends, family, girlfriend and coaches have all helped me along the way. Their support and friendship has kept me in it when things have been tough.

"I wouldn't be here without them.”

CrossFit athlete Reilly Smith has qualified for the CrossFit Pacific Regional. Picture: Nev Madsen

Smith has also made plenty of personal sacrifices along the way.

A typical day for the QUT Exercise Science student starts just before 5am.

Smith coaches at Ipswich's Wiser1 CrossFit before training from 6.30-9am, he then studies at uni before a few more hours of training and another coaching session.

Smith said ensuring he had a life outside CrossFit contributed greatly to his development.

"When I'm not training I just switch off and forget about it (CrossFit),” he said.

"Between uni and training I try to get out as much as possible - spend time with my girlfriend, have coffee with friends - I just try to relax.”

With his first dream now a reality, Smith will set about working to ensure his Regional goal manifests itself.

"I'm really excited,” Smith said.

"But the regionals show that you can't afford to have any weaknesses.

"I'll be focusing on increasing my raw strength, a lot of strict movements and my heavy barbell cycling.

"My goal now is to finish top 20 in Sydney.”

The Regional

The CrossFit Pacific Regional serves as the final stage of qualifying for the CrossFit Games in America after the CrossFit Open. The top 10 male and female competitors from Asia qualify alongside the top 30 men and women from the Australasia region for the Pacific Regional.

The top five men and women then qualify for the CrossFit Games. The Pacific Regional will be held in Sydney from June 1-3.

Toowoomba's Reilly Smith qualified 27th overall in the Pacific region after the CrossFit Open.

Originally published as Athlete makes his CrossFit dream a reality