Members who may get wrapped up in 'I can't,' can look to Kim and Bryant to change their perspective.
All photos by Aimee Lyons
Aimee and Jason Lyons, of CrossFit King of Prussia believe in the universal scalability of CrossFit. Diego Kim is deaf. Kyle Bryant cannot walk unassisted. When the two came through the door, the Lyons’ were eager to serve them.
Kim, who was born deaf, started CrossFit in July of 2011. The Lyons’ encouraged their coaching staff to learn some basic sign language when Kim became a member. "Taking the time to work with him on signs for commonly used CrossFit movements and numbers went a long way towards earning his respect ... sometimes it’s the little things that matter most," Jason Lyons says.
In addition to using signs, coaches communicate by writing on a white board and tactile cues. "I think a lot of coaches are hesitant to use tactile cues when training their clients but when you are working with Diego, nothing works more efficiently," Jason Lyons says.
Kim admits starting at CrossFit King of Prussia was "nerve wrecking" being the only deaf person. However, he'll never forget his first class where he was welcomed with open arms. He was treated with respect, and was seen as an equal. The attitude of the other members and staff impressed him.
Bryant’s experience at CrossFit King of Prussia was similar. When he started CrossFit in May, Bryant says, "It was intimidating to walk into a gym with all these amazing athletes … the owners and the community were incredibly welcoming."
Bryant was diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia; a genetic, progressive neuromuscular disease, affecting muscle control and coordination. "My brain tells my limbs where to go, but they just don't," Bryant says.
Bryant worked one on one with coaches during his fundamentals sessions to determine how he would scale movements. "There is a scale for everything. All you have to do is bring humility, resourcefulness and intensity, and you can push yourself to the limit with CrossFit," Bryant says.
Aimee Lyons expresses, Kim and Bryant are never singled out. They are part of the group. She credits their warm welcome not only to her staff but also to the community at CrossFit King of Prussia.
Aimee Lyons says, the two emphasize the idea that everyone is accepted. It's a reminder to other athletes to be their best possible selves, no matter what they cannot do. Members who may get wrapped up in, 'I can't,' can look to Kim and Bryant to change their perspective.
"The impact that these two have on CrossFit King of Prussia is immense,” Jason Lyons says. “They are both inspirations in their own way. Diego shows courage and perseverance by entering a situation where he cannot hear anything. Kyle shows that there are no excuses. Anyone can do CrossFit."
At CrossFit King of Prussia, Kim and Bryant are members just like anyone else. However, their disabilities do set them apart in their ability to inspire a community.
