Making Memories: Giancarlo Vera Ochoa

March 1, 2013

Manuela Echeverri

"I believe (the Open) is an experience everyone should go through. There are a lot of memories made from it."

After the 2012 Latin America Regional, Giancarlo Vera Ochoa left Cali, Colombia in second place.

The 25-year-old is no stranger to competition. In 2011, he competed with his team, CrossFit Guayaquil, which also finished in second place.

Vera found CrossFit in August 2010. His first workout was Chelsea — every minute on the minute for 30 minutes of five pull-ups, 10 push-ups and 15 squats.

“I don’t know how I was able to push through minute 10 of that workout,” he recalls. “I couldn’t stretch out my arms and was incredibly sore for the next four days. That feeling made me want to go back and do it again. I have been CrossFitting since that day.”

Vera walked away from his studies in television production to choose a career that would reflect a healthier lifestyle. He’s now pursuing a degree in physical therapy and rehabilitation, and completed the Level 1 Seminar.

As the 2013 season approaches, Vera is ready to compete. He’s encouraging everyone to sign up for the Open.

“I believe (the Open) is an experience everyone should go through,” he says. “There are a lot of memories to be made from it. Competing has helped me become stronger mentally. I have learned to listen to my coach in the middle of a workout.”

His goal this year is to be at the top of the podium with a ticket to the Games.

“My goal is to make it to the CrossFit Games, representing my box and my country,” he explains. “I believe I can do it. I know it’s not going to be easy as the competition keeps growing, but I am going to fight for that number one spot.”

To prepare, he’s prioritizing his diet and training. He says he’ll be focusing on conditioning, which has been an area of weakness. His coach, Carlos Andrade, says Vera has what it takes to win the Regional and go to the Games.