Fatima, congratulations on being our athlete of the month for January! We’d like to put you in the spotlight through a little interview to help others get to know you a little better.
First of all, tell us a little bit about yourself—where are you from, what do you do outside of the time you spend here, hobbies, fun facts, etc. anything goes! The more the better! What would you like people to know about you?
I am from Santo Domingo-Dominican Republic, where it’s summer the whole year long. I was actually in my country when I received this nomination. I came to Canada almost 3 years ago with my husband and my daughter. It was a life changer for us since we came here without knowing anyone; no family or friends but we are very happy we made that decision.
My daughter Emily is 3 years old now; she was only 6 months when we landed. My priority is my daughter and I spend most of my time with her. After work I do CrossFit and then pick Emily up from daycare and after that I’m a chef, cleaner, wife and of course a 24/7 mom… you name it. My days are really busy.
Tell us a little bit about your fitness history. What were you doing before you joined CrossFit 416? How did you find out about us? How was your first class here? How long have you been coming here? What has been the biggest factor in keeping you hooked at CF 416?
My fitness journey started a few years ago at a regular gym and I came to Canada I did the same and started going to my building gym. At that time, I was working to lose the baby weight and I wanted to lose it fast so I decided I needed something different.
One day I went to Shoppers Drug Mart and saw CrossFit 416. All those people looked so fit and strong to me that I started researching about it and decided to sign up; best decision ever!
I have been doing CrossFit for 1 year and 3 months now and I just love it. My first day was really scary; I didn’t know for sure what to expect and I didn’t know anyone either. I am a very shy person at the beginning so, going to a Crossfit class without knowing anyone was very challenging for me.
If you could go back to that first class and give yourself some advice based on what you know and understand now, what would it be?
If I could go back in time I would tell myself to be patient and enjoy the journey. It takes time to master the movements and everyone has their own pace and skills; so do not compare yourself with others. Changes do not come overnight so again; be patient.
What is your favourite movement in CrossFit? Why?
I like everything related to squats! Back squats, front squats, overhead squats ha-ha—and also push jerk and clean because of the complexity of the movements.
Aaaand your least favourite movement and why?
I’ve been having a lot of trouble with double under. I’m just not good at it
If we could create a Hero WOD named “Fatima”, what would it be? Movements, rep schemes, rounds, length of time, etc. all variables are yours to unleash your programming creativity here!
My own Hero WOD! Nice! It would go as follow:
Three rounds for time of:
15 back squat (175/115)
30 box jumps
20m handstand walk (I don’t do that but I would love to)
What is the favourite place you’ve travelled to? Why? Where are you planning on going next?
I found my favourite place in my country. It is “Bahia de las Aguilas beach” Literally “Eagles Bay” is an 8 km long beach along the southwestern coast of the Dominican Republic. The water is so clear that you can see your feet in the water. Next time we are planning to go to Europe.
How do you like your toast?
I love my toast crunchy with peanut butter.
Next year, when you compete in the CF 416 Classic, what will your walkout theme be?
As a proud Latina woman; my walkout theme would be a “bachata” or “merengue”
What is your most embarrassing childhood/teenage infatuation/trend/fad, etc. that you wholeheartedly prescribed to?
Something that I used to do was wear bell bottomed pants! It was the latest fashion trend back then and I was totally in with it! I don’t regret it, I was in style! Hehehe