Fierce, Brave, Female Warriors Wage Battle at Elite Athletic Development | CrossFit Arlington Heights
The 2015 Athena Classic lived up to its billing, pitting 80 women from 27 CrossFit affiliates and two states against four fierce workouts to land a spot in the finals, where the top 21 warriors battled for bragging rights, trophies, and cash and prizes.
The final workout - a spectator-friendly-but-athlete-nasty skill and strength combo featuring a Handstand Walk and Single Leg Squats for the Rx Divisions, and Frog Hop Burpees and Goblet Squats for the Scaled Division - capped an exciting day of competition, and sealed victory for the three division champs.
2014 Masters Division runner-up Jennifer Benson, 41, Big City CrossFit, Chicago, set her sights on denying two-time champ Liza Michelle, CrossFit Carbon, Vernon Hills, a three-peat. Benson dominated the 2015 competition with four first place finishes. Second place finisher Thadine Zajac, 42, CrossFit Roselle, denied Benson a sweep by matching her points total in Workout #2 | "For Malaika." The workout honored EAD | CFAH athlete and Arlington Heights resident Malaika Corsentino who succumbed to brain cancer April 16, just two years after competing in the inaugural Athena Classic. Rounding out the Masters Division podium was Jodi Corbit, 41, CrossFit Sanctify, Madison, Wis., in third, and Tammy Whaley, 42, A3 CrossFit, Grayslake, and Lesley Ravenscroft, 45, CrossFit Carbon, who tied for fourth. Michelle, fighting a nagging injury, went in to the finals in fourth place, and within striking distance of the podium, but opted not to compete in the final event of the day.
The Scaled Division, new this year, saw several lead changes throughout the day. But Robyn Wall, 23, CrossFit EPC, Lincolnshire, fought back from an eighth place finish in Workout #1b | "Pick Two" to take top honors. Joining Wall on the podium was second place finisher Mary Jo Prusko, 39, Bare Bones CrossFit, Yorkville, and Rachel Druschel, 32, CrossFit Carbon.
A pair of Ashley's from CrossFit Kilter, Libertyville -- Carlson, 32, and Sisovsky, 28 -- battled throughout the day, along with Meghan Carney, 26, CrossFit Carbon. Carlson crushed the final workout, topping the field by more than a minute, to cinch the Rx Division championship. A second place finish by Sisovsky in the final workout of the day wasn't enough to hold off Carney, who captured division runner up honors. Sisovsky finished third.
In a day filled with stellar athletic performances, a series of most memorable moments came from Masters Division athlete Jodi Marino, 60, CrossFit Sanctify, Madison, Wis., and Regina Pinkston, 35, CrossFit Arlington Heights. An accident left Marino with exceptionally limited use of her arm - but full access to her competitive spirit and drive. Pinkston has lot close to 100 pounds since joining CrossFit Arlington Heights in January, 2013. The Athena Classic was her first competition. Pinkston and Marino inspired competitors and spectators alike.
The Athena Classic returns to Elite Athletic Development | CrossFit Arlington Heights Saturday, April 16, 2016. Visit the Elite Athletic Development | CrossFit Arlington Heights Facebook Page to see pictures from the 2015 event.
The sold out 2015 Athena Classic featured the best Athlete Registration Bag in area competitions and included items from ALO Drink, Atlas Power Wraps, Barney Butter, Caffeinated Club, Cameo Salon | Oakbrook, Carlson Laboratories, China Gel, CreateMyTee.Com, Cross Fixe Hand Bar, Evolve Massage & Bodyworks,Fashletics, FitAid, FOMO Active Wear, Fresh Thyme Market | Mount Prospect, Gym Hero Gear, Hylete, Jimmy Bar, Just Go Girl, KitchFix | CJK Foods, L'Appetito, Midwest Facial Plastic Center, Nowicki Chiropractic, PANDORA Hawthorn Center, Plum Organics, Reaction Nutrition, RxBar, Sox Box, Spartan Race, The Salon by David & William | Hinsdale, Two Fat Guys BBQ, Tiger Tail USA, Winnie's Rip Fix, and WOD Leader.