The Adaptive Athlete Podcast
The Adaptive Athlete Podcast is dedicated to sharing the stories of athletes in the Crossfit space and beyond who have pushed past the limits doctors or others gave them.
In these conversations, you'll hear stories of resiliency, adaptation, grit, and determination. You'll also hear about the ways the adaptive space is growing.
Whether you are an adaptive athlete, a coach, or you know someone who would benefit from adaptive athletics and adaptive fitness, this podcast is the place to hear stories and build connections.
New episodes drop every Tuesday.
The Adaptive Athlete Podcast
Sprinting Through Life (Feat. Debbie O'Connell)
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In this episode, Mat Hotho sits down with Debbie O’Connell, a British Army veteran turned adaptive athlete. After a life-changing injury in 2015, Debbie found her way back into sport through sprinting and eventually CrossFit—where she finished second in her division at the 2024 Adaptive CrossFit Games.
We talk about her transition from the military to athletics, the challenges of adapting movements with one arm, the nerves and highs of her first Games, and how trust in her coach shapes her performance.
Debbie also shares her hopes for the future of adaptive competition and offers encouragement for anyone considering walking into a CrossFit gym for the first time.
Follow Debbie on Instagram: @sprinter.debbie
Learn more about the International Functional Fitness Federation
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @TheAdaptiveAthletePod
