CrossFit Games 2023: Hong Kong masters athlete qualifies, feels pressure after coming second last year
- Leigh Coates qualifies for the CrossFit Games 2023, and is trying to block out the pressure to repeat her podium finish
- Coates is searching for sponsors to support her during the competition
The 56-year-old came first in her 55-59 age group semi-finals, putting additional expectations on her shoulders for August’s event in the United States.
And while Coates is feeling confident, people constantly asking her if she is targeting the top spot this time around has created “even more pressure”.
“I have to say, well, let’s wait and see,” Coates said. “You know, of course I’m going to do my best. But because we don’t know what to expect. I’ll do my utmost to do my best, and of course I’m very competitive, but you just never know.
“I’m just so grateful that I’ve made it back this year because every year you are against new people.”
Because of Covid-19 travel restrictions in Hong Kong, Coates moved to Dubai for five months last year so she could train and travel. It brought it’s own kind of pressure, because she needed to match the sacrifice she made with her final performance.
