Some Games-level athletes are made. Others are born.

 

Collegiate soccer player Will Moorad had no intentions of going to the CrossFit Games a little over three years ago. He had no intentions that is until he gave a CrossFit WOD a try near the end of his college sports career and discovered…he was a natural.

 

He placed 20th in the competitive Central East Open only months later, and 11th at the Regional in 2013. The next year, with a more strategic training plan under his belt, he was back, finishing 6th in the Open and 3rd at the 2014 Regional—only behind the champ (Froning) himself, and three-time Games veteran, Scott Panchik.

 

His performance earned the natural a ticket to Carson where he placed just out side the top-10 in 14th place and said he learned more about himself as an athlete—and what it takes to compete with the elite of the elite.

 

“I think the most important thing I learned from last year’s season was to listen to my body. I was pretty beat up at the Games, so my goal this year was to go into Games’ season feeling fresh and hungry. I still find myself wanting to train extra or jump in on workouts with my friends but I have gotten much better at trusting my plan,” Moorad said.

 

Since the 2014 Games, Moorad went back home to Tennessee where he began working with Coach Max El-Hag from Training Think Tank. Additionally, he opened his own affiliate CrossFit Rigged, got married and bought a house.

 

“A lot changed to say the least,” he said.

 

Moorad devotes his days to running his box and training in between—2-3 sessions each day for anywhere from 30-minutes to 2 hours each.

 

And along with a new coach programming his intense training sessions, Moorad says, this year, he’s eaten more than ever before.

 

“I have eaten more nachos, cheeseburgers and sweet potato fries than I ever have before! My friends I usually go to our favorite local burger place (Burger Up) after long days of training. I also eat a lot of ice cream. Breakfast is usually simple: Eggs, bacon, coffee, water. Sometimes I throw some grilled chicken in the skillet. I love to eat,” he said.

 

As Moorad prepares for round three of his Regional experiences in Minnesota this coming weekend at the Central Regional, how will he fare now that Froning is out of the running? FloElite caught up with the, now, Games veteran on making the cut in 2015 for round two to the Games.

 

Have you kept up with the Regionals this year—or avoided watching? How is going the 3rd week an advantage for you and hat have you learned from the past two weeks? 

 

I've watched every regional this year because I have a lot of friends competing so it's fun to have somebody to cheer for! I think that being one of the last regions to go has a little bit of an advantage because we get to see how other athletes attack the workouts, but really there isn't enough time from the announcements to gameday to have too much of an advantage. The body of work that the athletes put in over the course of the year is the real separator in my eyes. 

 

Less than one week in counting…How do you prep both mentally and physically now for Regionals? 

 

The week of a competition is pretty chill. I'll do movements from the events so I feel fresh and sharp physically, but for me to be ready on game day, I need to be right spiritually. I spend a lot of time in prayer and focusing my life. For me my faith is the biggest part of my preparation.  It gives me peace and allows me to relax. 

 

40 athletes…5 spots…how does this change things for you mentally and nerves wise as you march into Regional? EVERYONE wants a podium spot there.

My faith manages my weekends. I know that God is in control and I'll just try my best to glorify Him. I'm excited to see what He has in store! 

 

What advice would you give to other athletes wanting to be in your shoes now!?

I would tell them to surround themselves with people who love them and support their dreams. My support system is amazing and I'm so grateful for that. I would also tell them to have fun and enjoy life. Sometimes people forget what really matters!

Related Articles: 
2015 Pacific Regional Recap: Day 3
2015 East Regional Recap: Day 3