Team Invictus has some new faces this year.
With longtime team members Nuno Costa, Rasmus Andersen and Bryan Miller competing as individuals, Heather Hippensteel and Bryce Smith are the only two returning teammates from Invictus’ 2015 CrossFit Games team.
The changes might throw some teams for a loop, but not Invictus.
The team was a well-oiled machine in Team Event 1 on Friday, taking an early lead and holding it to finish almost 2 minutes ahead of second-place Diablo CrossFit Anejo.
The teamwork and camaraderie are not an accident. The Invictus athletes take the concept of team spirit seriously.
Wesley Rethwill, who competed as an individual in the West Regional in 2015 (he took 34th), said the team members are together constantly.
“We are all best friends, we all work together. We’re together 24/7—the camaraderie is amazing,” Rethwill said.
Like Rethwill, Maddy Myers competed as an individual in 2015, though she qualified for the Games out of the South Regional. The 19-year-old pre-med student said it’s been an adjustment learning how to compete as part of a team.
“It’s been different, training with a team," Myers said.
“I’m used to being on my own all the time. But this is way more fun!” Myers said. “It’s way less stressful.”
Invictus earned two first-place finishes on Day 1, with the three women clearing the snatch ladder first in Team Event 3.
A familiar face on the Invictus team is Hippensteel, who is competing for Invictus for a fourth year.
“It’s definitely different than working with the typical veterans, but we’re all used to training and working together. It’s been great to bring on some new people to the team—it has renewed the energy and excitement for me,” Hippensteel said.
Her experience means she’s a natural leader for the team.
During Team Event 4, Hippensteel talked her teammates through the workout.
“I’ve taken on the leadership role on the team since I know what it’s like,” Hippensteel said.
Hippensteel said she’s loved having Myers on the team. Myers qualified as an individual at the California Regional, but elected to join the Invictus team.
“(Myers) has really grown as an athlete and a person. To see her maintain balance as a freshman in college and a stud athlete at such a young age has been awesome,” Hippensteel said.
Like every year, the vocal Sea of Green—members of the Invictus community—threw their full support behind the team, cheering loudly from the stands.
“We had a great start yesterday and we have the best community behind us to come out in full force,” Hippensteel said.
Invictus held on to its second-place spot at the end of Day 2 despite taking ninth in Team Event 6, laying the groundwork for an eighth consecutive Games appearance.
