“Those who have come to observe the workouts and cheer us on are simply astounded by our dedication to hard work...”
The room still smells like fresh rubber; the bars and kettlebells are still clean; the walls have only a few scuff marks. By most measures, CrossFit Islander is a very new gym. On Saturdays, when people gather for the Open Workouts, you’d never know it.
Owner James Walbourne came to CrossFit while on a trip to Vancouver. He was quickly convinced that the constantly varied, functional movements, performed at a high intensity, are the key to success. “I was, quite simply, shocked by how much more I could achieve physically,” Walbourne says.
At the time, Newfoundland was the only province in Canada without an Affiliate. Walbourne, a passionate teacher, saw an opportunity.
Luckily, CrossFit was not without followers in Newfoundland. In commercial and garage gyms across the province, a few individuals had been following the workouts posted by other CrossFit affiliates.
Arriving at CrossFit Islander for Open Workout 12.1, Lori Cheverie, Shannon Laity, Loren Keilly, Kate Rose, Mary Lynn Kane and Gregory Anthony bring experience gyms all over Canada. Jonathon Reid, who built his skills in his garage in Nova Scotia, competed at the 2010 Regional Games. Each athlete found themselves in Newfoundland for their own reasons, and had been CrossFitting anywhere they could before Walbourne opened his doors. Brought together by the Open, most now compete under the CrossFit Islander banner.
Opening as recently as February in his 3,000 square-feet facility, Walbourne was not sure if he would be ready to host the Open. He took the leap and, to his surprise, it has been a tremendous success. Each week, the supporting audience for his eight competing athletes grows larger, and many of the spectators have taken to completing the workout after the registered athletes. New members are asking questions, exploring this new lifestyle; veteran CrossFitters are reminded of the wonderful gift of companionship through discomfort. The volume in the gym – including both noise and bodies - continues to increase with each week.
The support caught Walbourne by surprise. “Probably the most amazing aspect of hosting the Open thus far has been the support,” he says. “During both workouts, quite a few of our members, as well as family and friends, came out to cheer us on. The loud music and the crowd make it a memorable occasion, and that’s what CrossFit is really all about – the community.”
Workouts 12.1 and 12.2 brought many of the new gym members out to see the competitive CrossFitters in action.
Christine LeGrow Wilson was recommended to CrossFit by a few friends and family. Her first trip to CrossFit Islander was to cheer on a friend for 12.1. She couldn’t believe the environment. “Everyone cheering everyone else on. A ‘Come on you can do it,’ really pushes you to get that one extra burpee or lift in.”
She immediately saw the draw of the programming – challenging, functional and effective. But what struck her the most was the sense of community. “Reading one of the mottos on the wall: 'If you don’t know a person’s name ... ask them ... there are no strangers at Crossfit.’ And it’s true. I’m so excited about the journey we’re about to embark on.”
And she’s not alone. As most veteran CrossFitters know, it’s hard not to be motivated by the performances of other athletes in the Open. “Those who have come to observe the workouts and cheer us on are simply astounded by our dedication to hard work and giving everything we have,” Walbourne says. “Combine that with the smiles and high-fives that take place before and after, you get an atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else. An unmatched atmosphere of friendly competition, camaraderie and fun.”
The Crossfit Games Open is the first shared experience for the members of CrossFit Islander. CrossFit Islander is building a community through competition.
