61-year-old Judith Tynan is a mum of two, owner of Tynan Engineering with her husband and a CrossFit athlete who is going to compete with the best CrossFitters in the world in America for the fourth time.
Judith first noticed CrossFit about 12 years ago.
“Where I used to workout, there was a big glass window, and you could see people running outside and then run back into a CrossFit box and I could see them lifting weights and doing all sorts of things and thought it looked fun.
“I decided to join CrossFit Origin at Thornton and the rest is history!
“I got addicted… I remember my husband saying to me, ‘are you going to CrossFit again?!’ When I started, I didn’t know how my body would go being a bit older and starting the sport in my 50s. I started going three times a week, that turned into four, then five, then six times a week.
“I kept getting stronger and eventually I even convinced my husband to come!”
As she got stronger, Judith decided she needed to test herself.
She entered the Masters League and ended up over in Perth to compete against some of the fittest in her age group. Judith said she “went alright” and thought making it to the CrossFit Games over in the United States might be within reach.
The CrossFit Games is the top level of the sport, to qualify you must score highly in the annual CrossFit Open and make it through the quarterfinals, and then the semifinals.
“Each year in the Open you can see yourself improving as you make your way through the age groups. In 2018, I went up an age group and I made it.
“My first Games experience was nerve wracking. It’s a whole other level. The women are amazing, they’re so dedicated and train so hard. The lead up to going over is stressful but to be there and compete is so enjoyable, I love it.”
Judith went on to qualify for the Games in 2019, 2023 and this year.
“Last year there were ten people who qualified and this year there’s 20. I don’t know a lot of them so that’ll be interesting. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, so I’ll have to figure all of that out.
“It’s exciting but it’s not easy competing in a different country! The stress of getting there on time, knowing where you’re going, the different food, it all plays into your performance.”
Every year there’s something memorable for Judith, but there is one event she will always remember.
“I think it was my second year, it was (and still is) a goal of mine to win a workout. I had two second place finishes and multiple thirds. It was the same woman who kept beating me! I was keeping up with her in a chipper style workout – my strength. I remember I was in the lead, we had to finish the ski, then do squats with dumbbells and I got off the ski in front of her and then I was three or four reps in front on the squats. She was right next to me, and I could see her starting to catch me.
“I had nothing left to give. She ended up beating me by one or two reps – I was so close!
“I had never pushed myself to that extreme, ever. I really wanted it!”
Judith may not have won an event, but she still finishes the competition in the top ten. In 2018 she finished 8th in the 55-59 age category in the world, and the following year she did even better, finishing in 5th place worldwide.
There was a break for Judith due to the pandemic, but her fitness was still just as good in 2023 when she travelled to the US finishing 5th in the 60-64 age category.
Now, Judith is sitting in 11th position worldwide ahead of the Games at the end of August.
Kylie Wilson, the owner of CrossFit Origin said it’s been wonderful to be a part of Judith’s journey.
“She’s an absolute weapon. If we can all do what she’s doing at her age, I will be very impressed. I look up to her every day.
“It doesn’t just go to show that you have to be super young and super fit, anyone can do it. Yes, Jude is super fit, and she has been doing it for a while, but age is just a number.”
Judith can’t recommend CrossFit enough for anyone.
“The benefits are tenfold. Walking into the gym and seeing all the friendly faces, the takeaway from exercising and how you feel afterwards.
“The longevity of living a healthy lifestyle and just doing life without being restricted with ailments is wonderful. You will only benefit from stepping into a CrossFit box.”
