Last Updated on 24/09/2024 by Crip Life
The 2024 Paralympic Games might be over but for a mum of two from Drumnadrochit in the Scottish Highlands, she is jetting off to the US after qualifying for the 2024 Adaptive CrossFit Games in San Antonio, Texas.
Scroll down to see how Rachel got on at the at the 2024 Adaptive CrossFit Games.
34-year-old Rachel Hives, who was diagnosed with FND (Functional Neurological Disorder) at the age of 19, secured her place at the Games after competing against CrossFit’s adaptive athlete community in a series of qualifying events earlier this year.
She has now earned her place in the final 10 of the Female Standing Diagnosed category at the 2024 Adaptive CrossFit Games. Rachel goes into the final in Texas from 19th to 22nd September, seeded first place in the UK.
Rachel Hives living with FND
“FND affects between 50,000 to 100,000 people living within the UK, creating problems with how the brain receives and sends information to the rest of the body,” explains Rachel.
“In my case, it causes issues with paralysis, spasms, dissociative seizures, vision, speech, sensory and cognitive function, as well as a lot of pain – when I can feel things.
“As someone who likes to be active, it is mentally challenging when these episodes occur. They can range from minutes to months, to years. But it is so important for me to show up and keep setting an example for my kids.”
Rachel Hives competing at the 2024 Adaptive CrossFit Games
Rachel explains more about how she got into CrossFit: “At the end of 2022, when I had a lot of muscle wastage from time in a wheelchair, I wanted to join a gym to help build my body back up and find a new focus.
“It was then that I found CrossFit. I joined CrossFit 57 North in Inverness, starting out with the basics and using a training bar as I slowly got stronger. Little did I know that CrossFit would change my life – for the better – thanks to the support and great coaching, with lots of laughs along the way! Fast forward to 2024, and I’m still in disbelief that I’ve qualified for the Adaptive CrossFit Games – it really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Rachel, who is studying for a degree in Business and Management at UHI Inverness, has now set up a GoFundMe campaign to help with travel costs and expenses to get to the competition in Texas.
Donnie Beaton, Owner and Head Coach at CrossFit 57 North, continues: “We are all really excited for Rachel. There are not many people who make it to the CrossFit Games, so we’re so proud to have one of our own representing us, Scotland and the UK on this international stage.
“Of course, it’s a big commitment for Rachel to get to Texas, both in terms of training for the competition and costs. That’s why we’re all getting behind her, cheering her on during training and raising funds to get her to Texas.
“We can’t wait to see Rachel on the 2024 Adaptive CrossFit Games stage and wish her all the luck in the world!”
Rachel Hives takes seventh place at 2024 Adaptive CrossFit Games
On 23rd September, it was announced Rachel Hives had 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.
Reacting to her achievement, Rachel said: “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.”
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.
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, Loch Ness and Anatomical Concepts.
Rachel continued: “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.”
To find out more, follow CrossFit 57 North on Instagram.