After all of the excitement from the 2015 CrossFit Games died down, we caught up with Airrosti’s own Dr. David Smith to hear more about his experience watching the world’s greatest athletes compete and being a part of the Athlete Services team. As part of this year’s team, Dr. Smith worked hard to resolve as many pain and range of motion issues as possible, keeping the athletes performing at their best during several days of intense competition.
Check out his interview below to get a glimpse of what the view of The CrossFit Games looks like from Airrosti’s Athlete Services tent.
1. What was the best part of The Games for you and why?
My favorite part of The Games was experiencing the CrossFit culture in such a significant and inspiring way. The crowds cheer as loudly for the person struggling as they do for the first place finishers. This is such as sharp contrast to what we see in the stands at most competitive events. Everything was positive. The culture of CrossFit, that you are more than your looks and your PR, was my favorite part of The Games.
2. How does it feel to work with the world’s most elite athletes?
The top athletes in the world have worked for years to get where they are, and now they are intensely focused on the task at hand. However, they still need help with pain or restriction at the most critical time. Because of what’s at stake, I feel pressure to be the best doctor I can be for them. This pressure drives me to be better during The Games, and I feel the same pressure to be the best I can be for my patients at home. No one should have pain stop them from doing what they love.
3. What does this partnership between Airrosti and The CrossFit Games mean to you?
Both Airrosti and CrossFit share a similar positive culture and a desire to break from industry norms. It’s a perfect match. As an Airrosti Provider, I find the determination of these great athletes to be extremely motivating. Their enthusiasm and passion is contagious. These athletes may walk out of Airrosti treatment being able to overhead squat with no pain after I see them, but now I am fired up for months treating moms and dads and the rest of us mere mortals.
4. Is there anything you would do differently next year?
I want to be there from day one, from the minute competitors and spectators start arriving until the last person leaves. Being around these athletes was inspiring, and it was also wonderful working with other volunteer groups and people equally as passionate about the CrossFit culture.
5. Was there anyone you were super excited to watch compete?
I loved watching everyone compete! Amanda Goodman is a little powerhouse. She can move so much weight. Plus, she is very funny. Cole Sager is a very genuine guy, and I loved hearing his story. I will be rooting for him next year. Dan, Elijah, Brooke Ence, Kara, and many others were amazing to see.
6. What was your most memorable moment from the week of competition?
The Games were very fun to watch, but the camaraderie among our Airrosti team was the most enjoyable part. Seeing rookies working on top tier athletes and asking great questions of the veteran doctors, being a part of a dedicated support team making the experience as smooth as possible for the athletes and providers, and seeing how far our company has come in 10 years to be able to put that team together is an honor to witness and participate in. My best memory is racing to a box at 9pm the night we flew in to get our WOD in for the day at the only box in LA open past 8pm. I had a great workout with a great CrossFitter, met some wonderful people, and worked out at a very cool box.
