At just 19 years old, Reese Littlewood is already making waves in the world of competitive CrossFit. With a meteoric rise through the ranks, this young athlete has proven she has what it takes to compete with the best in the sport.
Reese's journey to the top began just five years ago when she was first introduced to CrossFit. Coming from a gymnastics background, she was initially hesitant about the transition, but with the encouragement of her family, she dove headfirst into the demanding world of functional fitness.
From Gymnastics to CrossFit: Reese's Unconventional Path to the Top
Reese's path to CrossFit stardom was anything but conventional. As a dedicated gymnast from a young age, she had her sights set on pursuing that sport at the highest level. However, a combination of mental and physical burnout led her to seek out a new challenge.
"I was starting to have a lot of issues mentally that were causing physical issues, and I was just kind of burnt out," Reese explains. "My mom was trying to show me that fitness and strength and beauty isn't just being super small and skinny, which is kind of what was being taught to me at gymnastics."
It was her mother's encouragement, along with the introduction of CrossFit, that ultimately changed the trajectory of Reese's athletic career. "My Christmas gift that year was a CrossFit membership," she says. "So I was still doing gymnastics at the time, but my mom and I would go and take the 6 a.m. class, and then I'd go to school and go to gymnastics."
It wasn't long before Reese realized her true calling was in the world of functional fitness. After competing in the CrossFit Open that year, she made the decision to leave gymnastics behind and fully commit to her new passion.
Rapid Rise to the Top: Reese's Meteoric Ascent in CrossFit
Reese's transition to CrossFit was nothing short of remarkable. Within a year of picking up the sport, she had already qualified for the CrossFit Games Age Group Online Qualifier, narrowly missing a spot at the Games by just 20-30 places.
"I think then I was like, 'Oh, next year I'm going like this. I want to do this. I wasn't like, 'Oh, yeah. I'm going to be good at this,' but I kind of knew then. I was like, 'I think I can do it if I train super hard for a year.'"
True to her word, Reese dedicated herself to the sport, training relentlessly and honing her skills. The following year, she made good on her promise, qualifying for the CrossFit Games as a teenager and finishing an impressive 18th overall.
Reese's rapid rise to the top of the sport has been nothing short of remarkable. In just five years, she has gone from a gymnast-turned-CrossFit-athlete to a legitimate contender for the CrossFit Games podium.
The Importance of Family and Community in Reese's Journey
One of the key factors in Reese's success has been the unwavering support of her family. From her mother's initial introduction to CrossFit to her father and siblings all getting involved in the sport, Reese has been surrounded by a tight-knit community that has fueled her passion and drive.
- "My mom now like coaches full-time at the gym. My dad does CrossFit, like he takes class most days, and then my siblings do the teen class sometimes when they're not doing their other sports."
- Reese's family has been a constant presence in her CrossFit journey, attending competitions and cheering her on every step of the way.
- This familial support has been instrumental in Reese's ability to balance the demands of being a full-time student and a competitive athlete.
In addition to her family, Reese has also found a strong community within her training group, which includes fellow elite athletes like Daniel and Emma. This collaborative environment has been crucial in pushing Reese to new heights and helping her prepare for the rigors of the competitive season.
"Daniel came here to do the online semi last year, and it was like me, Daniel, Emma, and Emily. And I don't know, he liked John. So, whenever I got back here, I feel like it was probably two months before Crash qualifier that he started with John."
The camaraderie and friendly competition within this training group have been invaluable for Reese, as she continues to push herself to new levels of performance.
Navigating the Challenges of Being a Young Elite Athlete
While Reese's rapid rise to the top of the sport has been nothing short of impressive, it hasn't come without its challenges. As a 19-year-old competing at the highest level, she has had to navigate the unique demands of being a young elite athlete.
"It can be stressful, but I think it's good. I don't really like to have a lot of free time, so it's nice to be like having something to do all the time. I try and just focus on like the most important thing at any given time and then deal with the rest once that's done."
Balancing the rigors of her training regimen with the demands of being a full-time student has been a constant juggling act for Reese. However, she has proven herself to be adept at time management, constantly finding ways to maximize her productivity and efficiency.
"I have to do paper notes. I've got like a bigger whiteboard on my wall in my room that has like a to-do list, my class schedule. It has a days since last crash out on there. We're at 9ine right now. Hopefully we'll get be at 10."
Reese's meticulous approach to organization and planning has been a key factor in her ability to thrive in the high-pressure world of competitive CrossFit. By prioritizing the most important tasks and staying on top of her commitments, she has been able to maintain a level of focus and discipline that has set her apart from her peers.
Reese's Mindset Shift: From Teen Athlete to Elite Competitor
As Reese has transitioned from a teenage athlete to an elite-level competitor, she has had to undergo a significant mindset shift. No longer content with simply qualifying for the CrossFit Games, her sights are now firmly set on the podium.
"I think watching the documentaries I wanted to do that, but I was like, 'That's like an after college thing, like when I'm grown I'll do that.' And then my coach now, who at the time like he was my co, he owned the gym, he coached me a lot, but he wasn't like my coach yet. I guess he had my mom and I sign up for the open. We did that, and then I qualified, I was 14 I think, to the age group online qualifier at the time. And I missed the games by like 20 or 30 spots maybe. So I think then I was like, 'Oh, next year I'm going like this. I want to do this.'"
Reese's near-miss at the CrossFit Games has fueled her determination to take the next step in her career. No longer satisfied with simply making it to the Games, she is laser-focused on securing a spot on the podium.
"I'd like to stop that. Like podiums are great, but as long as like top two is more important, I'd prefer to."
This shift in mindset has been crucial for Reese as she prepares for the 2026 season. Rather than simply aiming to qualify for the Games, she is now setting her sights on becoming one of the sport's elite competitors, ready to challenge the best in the world.
The Road Ahead: Reese's Ambitious Goals for 2026 and Beyond
As Reese looks ahead to the 2026 season, her ambitions are clear: she is determined to not only qualify for the CrossFit Games but to stand on the podium.
"So, next in person, Daniel and I are going to do elite teams at Fitness of the Coast, and then open season starts right after that. So, the plan is maybe French throwdown, maybe Syndicate, probably the online semi quarterfinals. So, it'll be lots of online stuff, but busy competition season."
Reese's packed competition schedule is a testament to her relentless drive and commitment to the sport. She is willing to put in the hard work and sacrifice necessary to achieve her goals, even if it means navigating a grueling calendar of events.
But Reese's ambitions extend beyond just the 2026 season. She is already looking ahead to the future, with her sights set on becoming one of the sport's all-time greats.
"I'd like to podium again. Crash was a ton of fun. Hopefully JR will have me back. And yeah, I'd like to podium again. I like that. The apple. Mhm."
With her unwavering determination, exceptional talent, and the support of her family and community, there is no doubt that Reese Littlewood is poised to become a dominant force in the world of competitive CrossFit. As she continues to push the boundaries of what's possible, the future looks incredibly bright for this young phenom.