A mum from Drumnadrochit in the Scottish Highlands has finished in seventh place at the 2024 Adaptive CrossFit Games after battling it out against finalists from around the world over four days of intense workouts.
34-year-old Rachel Hives, who was diagnosed with FND (Functional Neurological Disorder) at the age of 19, secured her place in the Female Standing Diagnosed category at the Games in San Antonio, Texas, from 19th to 22nd September, following a series of qualifying events earlier in the year.
“I can’t believe I’ve just competed in the biggest competition for adaptive athletes in CrossFit, against some of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met from all around the world,” explains Rachel.
“I never in a million years dreamed I would compete at the Adaptive CrossFit Games so to make it here is a dream, let alone to finish in seventh place.”
Rachel’s condition, 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.
Since being diagnosed, Rachel has dealt with paralysis, spasms and dissociative seizures, as well as vision, speech, sensory, cognitive function issues and a lot of pain, resulting in time in a wheelchair.
Determined to battle against the condition and focus on her health and fitness, Rachel joined CrossFit 57 North in Inverness in 2022 before making it to the 2024 Adaptive CrossFit Games, seeded first place in the UK.
Over the competition weekend, Rachel battled it out in seven events against women from the USA, Canada, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, clocking up a second place finish in the ‘Enter Sandman’ event.
Donnie Beaton, owner and head coach at CrossFit 57 North, continues:
“We are so proud of Rachel.
“She has overcome a debilitating condition to compete on the biggest stage in CrossFit.
“She has put in so much work this year, improving her strength and fitness, and it has paid off – she’s done herself and everyone at CrossFit 57 North and the Highlands proud!”
To get Rachel to the Games, over £6,500 was raised via a GoFundMe campaign and sponsorship was provided by local businesses Ross-shire Engineering, Great Glen Distillery, Complete Physio Scotland, CrossFit 57 North, Whale-like-fish, Balmridge House Bed & Breakfast and Anatomical Concepts.
Rachel continues:
“None of this would have been possible without the incredible support I’ve received.
“I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated to my GoFundMe campaign to get me to Texas, all of the businesses that sponsored me, and everyone at CrossFit 57 North, especially Donnie Beaton for getting me competition-ready and coach Conor McCusker for coming all the way to Texas to support me throughout the competition.
“It means so much to me, so thank you all.”
For more highlights from the competition, please follow CrossFit 57 North on Instagram.
