After a heartbreaking upset at the CrossFit Europe Regional last year, placing 4th, six points outside of a podium spot, Samantha Briggs is back in action—ready for the 2015 CrossFit Games season, and most currently, ready to take on Wodapalooza this weekend.

 

Despite not making the Games last year, Briggs is returning to 2015’s Wodapalooza Fitness Festival as the “champ” from 2014’s competition. With the Open nearly one month away, Brigg’s is ready to kick off the 2015 season by making another run for the top spot in Miami amongst some of the fittest in the world.

 

“Wodapalooza is a great comp to enter as there are so many different categories to suit all abilities! Entering competitions are a great way to test how your training has been going and push you under pressure!” Briggs said.

 

In order to prepare for this weekend, and more importantly, the road to the CrossFit Games, Briggs’ strategy has been simple:

 

“I've just been doing a lot of CrossFit! I've entered a few competitions (both CrossFit and weightlifting) just trying to push myself and grow as an athlete. My coaches are Danny Lopez (Olympic), Laura Sweatt (Power) and Sean Lind (Gymnastic). I try to train with as many people as possible as different people push you in different areas!” Briggs said. 

 

As for her mindset, Briggs said its remained consistent as it has always been—hungry to always improve, regardless of the outcome. 

 

“(From winning the Games, to not making the Games, winning Wodaplooza, to who knows this year?), there’s been no change. I've always thoroughly enjoyed training and competing. The 2013 Games was a bonus after all the hard work! Not qualifying last year didn't change anything I've still been training hard and putting in the time. Hopefully this year I'll get the bonus and get to the Games to test my fitness on the ultimate testing ground!” Briggs said. 

 

Hard work certainly pays off, and this past year, Briggs has seen continual improvements in her skill, endurance and strength, including a 100 kg Clean & Jerk PR. If there is anything Briggs said she has learned this year, it is to keep all eyes forward—not dwell on the past or negatives.

 

“Try not to focus on the negatives. We all have areas we need to work on! Celebrate the achievements you get and knuckle down to work on the things you find hard!”

 

She says she’s applied that same philosophy to the day in, day out grind of training, and encourages others to do the same. 

 

“[Keep things positive]. Make sure you mix the good with the bad! If you're working on something you struggle with always do something you're good at too! Don't get swamped down with what you can't do and just work hard every day!” she said.

 

Watch Briggs work hard this weekend at Wodaplooza LIVE, right here on FloElite.com. 

Related articles:
Wodapalooza: Past, Present, Future
Wodapalooza Talent 2015
Preparing For The Open Like Ohlsen