Why you should know Annie Thorisdottir
Those who know me know that CrossFit is my chosen sport. Up until I gave birth (yes, even until the day before my waters broke), I religiously turned up to my 5.15am CrossFit class at least five, if not six days per week. I was lucky. I had a textbook pregnancy and supportive coaches. I was comfortable with my body and new how to listen to it.
Postpartum however, was quite a different story. I had a long labour and an extensive pushing period. Both of these led to a pelvic organ prolapse which needed to be rehabilitated. I also suffered, and continue to suffer, from postpartum arthralgia (arthritic joint pain), which some women suffer from, due to the natural low estrogen state of breastfeeding. I eagerly returned to CrossFit eagerly after the prescribed six-week rest period, only to find that my pelvic floor could not support high impact movements, and the pain through my hands and feet felt like I was shattering tiny bones every time I did something high impact (a key principle of CrossFit movements). I was shattered, physically and emotionally. I knew something wasn’t right, and I knew my body wasn’t ready to return to CrossFit.
So, what does my experience have to do with 2x CrossFit champion, Annie Thorisdottir?
The CrossFit games aired across the world earlier this month. Annie is, in my opinion, the sweetheart of the Games. She had her baby in early 2021 and returned to the Games only seven months later. Not only did she return, but she also podiumed. Annie is my CrossFit idol. However, not because she podiumed so quickly after giving birth. Nor is it because she was the first woman to win the Games in two consecutive years (2011 and 2012).
Annie is my idol because she is a vocal role model for postpartum women in sport. Annie is publicly open about her struggles to return to the sport after battling postpartum depression and body image issues. She is my idol because she shows us that the strongest among us are still human. Annie Thorisdottir has made sure that we know her pregnancy and return to the sport after the birth of her baby were not perfect. She makes sure we know her progress has not been linear, and that she faces setbacks just like the rest of us. It is her, and women like her, that show me that my postpartum limitations, which are temporary with the right rehabilitation, are no reason to stop participating in the sport of CrossFit.
Annie’s relationship with fellow CrossFitter, Katrin Davíðsdóttir, shows our girls that women can support women, even when they’re fierce competitors. The two of them, together, show women that we are not competitors first. We are friends, sisters, allies first. I have always been fortunate enough to always be surrounded by strong, supportive women who have lifted me up (both within CrossFit and throughout life). I know I am lucky, and I know many women have not had this experience. For this reason, Annie and Katrin are truly exceptional role models for us and our children.
Annie reminds me that the joy of competition is possible in the absence of winning. Annie and Katrin remind us of the unique and beautiful potential of female friendship in competition. A camaraderie rarely seen in the face of fierce individual rivalry. If I still haven’t convinced you to follow @anniethorisdottir and @dottir on Instagram, just watch her 2021 Snatch PR video on YouTube. Show your sons and daughters this video. Show them that even after a failed attempt, anything is possible. Hopefully, she also inspires you to raise the bar, even just slightly, of your own potential.
