All eyes on Andrew Davis

Lauryn Lax

 

Andrew Davis, the 2012 and 2013 ‘champ’ of the Soul Open (105 kg weight class) is coming back to attack and defend his title at the Soul Open 4 next weekend.

 

In fact, Davis, an Olympic weightlifter based in Orlando, Florida, has been a part of CrossFit Soul’s annual weightlifting competition every year since its beginnings four years ago. 

 

“I remember my first meet when they held it in their old CrossFit box. It was jam packed and everyone was into it. After the meet I knew I'd be back with that kind of atmosphere. Every year just gets bigger and better! Sure, it's a local meet, but people from all over the nation fly in to lift or watch. That's a pretty big deal. It'll be one I'll attend for years to come!” Davis said. 

 

Davis, himself, is kind of a big deal. 

 

This past year, after years of hard work, he qualified for a spot on the USA Pan American Team, as well as the USA World Team. He placed 6th, out of 18, at the Pan Am meet in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in late May. 

 

“That was my first international meet, and I had a blast. The World meet will be held in Kazakhstan a week after the Soul Open, and I am looking forward to (international event) number two,” Davis said. 

 

When the 24-year-old is not competing, he’s training. Monday through Saturday, he’s in the gym, with two-a-days scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Thankfully, he said, his best friend, Troy Boettner, trains right alongside him.

 

“We’ve been best friends since we were 12. In fact, his dad is the reason I'm even in this sport. (Thank you Jeff Boettner!),” Davis said. 

 

Davis’ describes his workouts as ‘brutal.’

 

“My coach, Tyrone Harvey, programs some crazy workouts, but I wouldn't trade this life for anything else. The drive keeps me going. This past year, I’ve been working a lot on leg strength and a faster stronger pull off the ground. Sometimes I swear he is trying to kill me,” Davis said. 

 

Nevertheless, the work is paying off.

 

“Last month, at the World Team Qualifier, I had my best meet ever. I snatched 161kg and clean and jerked 204kg. 365kg total! I also hit all 6 lifts which I have never done before and they were all PR's as well,” Davis said. 

 

Looking forward to the Soul Open, Davis said his goals are to most importantly, have fun (“and battle for the crown that Leo Hernandez took last year.”).  Regardless of whether he wins or not though, Davis is keeping his longer-term goals in mind. 

 

“I want to make more World Teams and eventually qualify for the Olympics in 2016 or 2020. Training wise, I would like to get my numbers up a lot and start snatching in the 170's (kg) and clean and jerk above a 210 (kg). That would be solid for me

Watch the 2014 Soul Open LIVE on FloElite.com 

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