In Poland, orthopedic medicine is a male-dominated profession. It can require lifting other human beings to and from operating tables, and hours on end of physically demanding work. It’s a good thing Maria Kurzawa lifts like a girl.
“It’s so important for me to train and be (in) good condition,” said the 26-year-old medical doctor shortly after Saturday’s Event 3 at the Europe Regional in Berlin, Germany. The event included muscle-ups, handstand walking and single-leg squats.
Kurzawa is a Regional rookie who finished second in this year’s CrossFit Games Open among her professional peers. In Open Workout 18.2A, she cleaned 227 lb. after finishing 55 reps of dumbbell squats (35 lb.) and bar-facing burpees in 4:56. She is a 2nd lieutenant in the Polish Army who spent six years studying to become a doctor. It was a realization of her childhood dream inspired by her grandmother, a gynecologist who would take the time to explain the tools of her trade to an inquiring Kurzawa.
The former collegiate volleyball player was also an active child, which meant a fair share of broken bones. Yet, instead of fearing the hospital, Kurzawa looked forward to going.
“I really liked it,” she said, laughing.
So much so that when her brother broke his leg, she begged her mother to let her come along to the emergency room.
Regionals, too, was the realization of a dream. And one that also required much time and dedication.
Leading up to the Europe Regional at Berlin’s Velodrom, Kurzawa trained up to three hours per day.
“It’s very difficult,” she said. “After work, I spend time training.”
And when she’s not training, she’s working.
“When I have my rest is when I have my duty,” she explained.
She also splits time between two hospitals when she’s not performing other military duties.
Her goals for her first Regional were simple.
“Make everything what I can,” said Kurzawa with her ever-present smile.
She started Day 3 in 30th place overall.
“It’s my first time, so I haven’t big, big goals,” she continued. “Have fun with it. I’m so happy that I’m here … it’s my victory.”
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Men
1. Roman Khrennikov (400)
2. Adrian Mundwiler (398)
3. Lukas Högberg (384)
4. Andrey Ganin (368)
5. Björgvin Karl Guðmundsson (338)
Women
1. Annie Thorisdottir (450)
2. Laura Horvath (440)
3. Ragnheiður Sara Sigmundsdottir (436)
4. Kristin Holte (428)
5. Camilla Salomonsson Hellman (356)
Teams
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2. Team Punt Uit (456)
3. Team RXperformance (454)
4. CrossFit Fabriken (438)
5. Team Butchers Lab (434)
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