A Highland mum who was diagnosed with FND (Functional Neurological Disorder) at the age of 19 is now gearing up to compete at the 2024 Adaptive CrossFit Games in San Antonio, Texas.
Overcoming periods in a wheelchair brought about by paralysis, spasms and dissociative seizures, as well as vision, speech, sensory, cognitive function issues and a lot of pain, Rachel has defied the odds to enter the 2024 Adaptive CrossFit Games in the Female Standing Diagnosed category and is seeded first place in the UK.
Following a series of qualifying events earlier this year, Rachel will compete against nine other women at the Henry B. González Convention Center in a series of gruelling workouts over four days, from 19th to 22nd September.
34-year-old Rachel, who is from Drumnadrochit, said:
“When I signed up for the CrossFit Open in February this year, I never imagined I would end up here in Texas about to compete in the final of the 2024 Adaptive CrossFit Games.
“FND affects between 50-100,000 people in the UK, creating problems with how their brain receives and sends information to the rest of the body.
“For someone who has battled against a disorder and felt so at odds with their own body for much of the past 15 years, I’m incredibly proud to show that things can get better, and you can do whatever you set your mind to if you’re prepared to work hard for it.
“However, I wouldn’t be here without lots of support.
“I’d like to thank everyone who donated to my GoFundMe to help get me and my coaching team to Texas, and everyone who attended fundraising events and all the local businesses that donated prizes or sponsored me.
“A huge thank you to everyone at my gym, CrossFit 57 North in Inverness, especially owner Donnie Beaton and coach Conor McCusker, who is coming all the way to Texas to support me over the competition weekend.
“I hope I can do you all proud.”
To get her to the Games, over £6,600 was raised via Rachel’s GoFundMe campaign and she has also been sponsored by local businesses Ross-shire Engineering, Great Glen Distillery, Complete Physio Scotland, CrossFit 57 North, Whale-like-fish, Balmridge House Bed & Breakfast, Loch Ness and Anatomical Concepts.
Owner and head coach at CrossFit 57 North, Donnie Beaton, added:
“We are all really excited to see Rachel on the competition floor for one of the biggest events in the sport of CrossFit.
“Rachel has worked so hard to get to this point; working on her strength and fitness, and even on her nutrition and mindset to get her in peak condition.
“For someone from our gym in the Scottish Highlands to make it to the Games in Texas is a massive achievement in itself, so I hope Rachel enjoys every minute of this incredible experience. We’ll all be cheering her on from across the Atlantic – good luck, Rachel!”
Live streams from the 2024 Adaptive CrossFit Games will be broadcast via WheelWOD’s YouTube channel
For updates on Rachel’s progress, please follow CrossFit 57 North on Instagram
