Kevin Smith 

Back in 2014, Kevin Smith discovered CrossFit through ESPN’s broadcast of the Games. The intensity of the WODs and the athletes’ skill level made a lasting impression, and he began researching nearby boxes. Little did he know that in just a few years he’d be competing in the very same CrossFit Open as the pros. 

As a member of the 718 community, Kevin has gained tons of new skills and reached a level of fitness that’s only comparable to his days of college sports. Nothing—not even a serious Achilles tendon injury—can get in the way of his goals. Watch out, rope climbs and handstand walks—he’s coming for you!

Read our Q&A with Kevin and get to know March’s Athlete of the Month! 

How did you discover CrossFit?  

While watching ESPN, I saw this event that consisted of some super fit people doing some ridiculously hard workouts as part of a competition called the CrossFit Games.  Being that I love challenges and I like to work out, I decided to look further into CrossFit. I realized that anyone could participate, so I looked for a CrossFit Box, found CrossFit 718, signed up for a trial class, and the rest is history.

Why did you end up sticking with CrossFit? 

I love CrossFit!  The workouts are very challenging, and the results that I’ve had so far are amazing!  I also like the comradery and the coaches. And I just don’t think that there is a workout that can compare to CrossFit, so I plan to stick with it for a while.

What kinds of changes have you noticed since starting CrossFit? 

Prior to joining CrossFit 718, I did a bunch of different workout programs, from P90x to HIIT to Bikram Yoga. While I like them all, none of them gave me the level of strength and cardiovascular gains that I’ve experienced since I started CrossFit.  I haven’t been close to this level of fitness since I played sports in college!  In addition to the fitness gains, I’ve also noticed that the training has helped me outside of the gym while doing routine activities like yard work, lifting heavy items, or performing other tasks around the house.

How do you make time for working out?  

Fortunately, CrossFit 718 has a bunch of time slots to choose from, which allows me to get my workout in first thing in the morning before having to drop the kids to school and head into work.

What’s your favorite movement?  

My favorite movement is ring muscle-ups. It took me so long and so much work to finally get them that I’ve learned to really appreciate the movement.

What recent achievement or PR are you most proud of?

I’m really happy to say that about two weeks ago I did 30-inch box jumps as part of a WOD for the first time in two years!  About two years ago I ruptured my Achilles and I was barely able to do a step up on a 20-inch box after several months of therapy. So being able to make enough progress to do 30-inch box jumps as part of a workout is a huge accomplishment for me.

What goals are you working on?

It took me a while, but after a little over four years I’ve been able to successfully perform all CrossFit exercises except for rope climbs and handstand walks.  I’m concentrating on rope climbs now and then I plan to tackle handstand walks.

What do you do when you’re not at the box? 

I work as a technology consultant for small- to medium-sized financial institutions.  When I’m not working or at CrossFit, I’m spending time with my wife and two kids (ages nine and 18 months).  I enjoy movies, martial arts, watching combat sports like UFC, and traveling. I especially look forward to going to carnival in my family’s homeland of Trinidad and Tobago every year.