You may have noticed a new and smiley face around the gym the last couple of months…that’s Sarah! We are so excited to have her and her husband Ben(who will soon be joining us) as a part of our Tribe! Both of them are as strong as they come and ready to learn all they can and improve upon their Crossfitting skills. Sarah has been noticed by many in the gym for being a well rounded Crossfit athlete so it was only time that we featured her as Athlete of the Month so you could get to know this awesome newcomer.
Name:
Sarah Wardell
How long have you been doing Crossfit?
3 years
What is your Athletic Background if any?
I played a variety of sports in high school – volleyball, basketball, track (sprinter, long jumper, and shot putter), softball (centerfield), and also participated on the dance team. I played collegiate softball for two years at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa.
How did you get started with Crossfit?
One day I turned the TV on and saw the Crossfit Games on ESPN featuring Annie Thorisdottir – the girl had the strongest physique and THIGHS for days. I was like, “I have big ol’ thighs, and I like a little competition; this looks like something I could do.” I googled Crossfit in Sioux Falls; lo and behold, Crossfit Sioux Falls popped up. I went to the gym, met the owner, and the rest is history. Best decision I’ve ever made – I’ve made life-long friends through the gym, am the fittest and strongest I’ve ever been, and I’ve never appreciated my body as much as I do now!
What are some of your Hobbies outside Crossfit?
My husband, Ben, and I did a four day backcountry trip in Glacier National Park and absolutely loved our trip. Now that we live in the Pacific Northwest, we purchased our own gear and are looking forward to more backpacking trips! Also, my husband LOVES to fly-fish, so I’ll be trying that hobby out next. Otherwise, my newest “hobby” is being a student at Gonzaga’s Nurse Anesthesia Program in Spokane, Washington – definitely proving to be an intense and time-consuming hobby!
What are 3 things we at Crossfit don’t know about you?
1) I was born and raised around southeast South Dakota/ northwest Iowa; my husband is from Sturgis, South Dakota. We met in Sioux Falls through Sanford Health Hospital on a very lucky St. Patty’s Day!
2) My husband and I were married on August 15, 2015 – two days later we packed up and traveled 1200 miles to move in with Ben’s parents in Post Falls. After a quick honeymoon to Banff National Park, Ben returned to Physical Therapy school in Fargo, North Dakota. I’m looking forward to his permanent arrival around December 20th!!!
3) I’m the oldest child – I have a younger sister and brother. My mom is a nurse, and my dad is a pastor.
What’s your favorite thing about our Box?
I love the people! I’ve only been coming here for 2.5 months and I already feel so at home – everyone is so warm and welcoming!
What other boxes have you been too?
Crossfit Sioux Falls