I want to take this post to honor a member of this gym whom I have had the pleasure of coaching for eight years, Sharon Lee, who is moving to California at the end of this month.
I remember the first time I had Sharon in one of my CrossFit classes back in March of 2016. That day we were doing back squats and this woman was not only outsquatting all of the other women in the class but the vast majority of the men too. I asked her if she liked barbell movements and was met with a resounding โyes.โ Sharon was very eager to train and very receptive to coaching. She loves to analyze her movements and is always attempting to perfect her movements (maybe a little too much sometimes). She takes pride in striving for the โprettiest liftsโ while also being the strongest woman I have coached.
Sharon soon joined our Barbell team and, without any pressure or prodding, naturally and inadvertently assumed the role of โcaptainโ of the team, providing a stellar example of conduct, inspiration, and support for everyone. She is always the first to introduce herself to someone new and welcome them with open arms, to show them the ropes, and to make them feel at home and safe at this gym. She is an inspiration to everyone (including myself) both in terms of physical strength and strength of character. Sharon may be a reluctant competitor, but she is your biggest cheerleader. She rallies behind you and is always in your corner, wanting to help you get the most out of your time here.
I asked Sharon about her experience here at CrossFit NYC and this is what she had to say:
In your time at CFNYC what are some of your favorite highlights?
– Finally breaking 300lb on my back squat! – Learning โ and still learning โ complex movements like the snatch and clean & jerk – Forming lifelong friendships and core memories (trashy, classy, and everything in between!)
What are the lessons you are going to take from this gym and coaching?
– Lift pretty, fail well, play and rest plenty! – ALWAYS encourage your teammates, celebrate your and others’ winsโbig or small, and show respect and gratitude to your coaches and their programming. – Have fun and be consistent โ it’s that simple!
How did the community help you achieve your fitness goals? Did it help you grow?
Absolutely! It’s hard to imagine life without a gym community now. I’ve met some of my closest and dearest friends because we started with a budding interest in learning Olympic weightlifting. We share the experience of striving to lift better, hit new PRs (numbers or other goals) and having accountability and perspective when things aren’t going your way. What’s sweeter is when it overflows into forming deep and meaningful connections outside of the gym and training. 10/10โI’d do it all over again!
Sharon has been an integral part of our gym and the NYC weightlifting community for over eight years. We know this is not a goodbye, but it is not easy to see someone leave who has been here for so long. Please join us for Sharonโs final workout (lots of squats and deadlifts) and send-off Thursday July 25th @ 7:30pm.
Sharon always has the greatest reactions to milestones.