When we watch adaptive athletes step onto the Rogue North Park Stadium or the floor of the NOBULL Coliseum next week, we will see their athletic ability on display and their confidence that shines while they knock out rep after rep or lift unimaginable weights.
The adaptive divisions at the CrossFit Games will have some of the most inspiring moments in Madison. Their motivation and drive to overcome their disability is truly what CrossFit is all about. But behind the superhero exterior while on the floor, that same athlete is just a normal person like you and me.
And when that disability can be seen by the general public, that confidence shown on the competition floor can dissipate and turn into insecurity.
For Skylar DeVault, she was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, or ABS. ABS occurs when fibrous bands of the amniotic sac get tangled around a developing fetus. In Skylar’s case, those bands wrapped around her right hand stunting its growth. Skylar’s right hand is under-developed and her fingers are very short.
“Growing up with Amniotic Band Syndrome meant I wore sweatshirts every day, even during 100+ degree days, to hide my hand so people wouldn’t stare at me, and avoiding any situations that would draw attention to me,” Skylar reflected on her childhood.
Skylar found soccer at an early age, but even then ABS would leave her doubting her athletic abilities. “When I was five years old I couldn’t do a throw-in without getting a referee call for improper form,” recalled Skylar. “I wasn’t very mentally strong and I grew up not entirely trusting my athletic abilities and generally just trying to avoid people looking at me for fear of failure.”
As Skylar grew older, she did gain some confidence and made it a point to put herself into uncomfortable situations in an effort to walk away from the insecurities she felt. She tried new things, she shook people’s hand with her right hand and soon realized that people were staring at her hand because they were impressed with what she was able to do and not because she looked different.
Then, five years ago Skylar was introduced to CrossFit by her boyfriend, Johan. In college at the time, Johan was already doing CrossFit thanks to his time in a military academy. Bored with training in a Globo gym, Skylar began doing CrossFit on her own. Then a few years later in 2021, she joined a CrossFit gym and began training competitively.
“Before CrossFit, I would only ever train legs/abs. I was really scared of putting myself in an environment where I would have to learn Olympic lifts, bar movements, double-unders, the SkiErg, etc.,” said Skylar. “I didn’t know where to begin to modify movements and I was fearful of people looking at me or judging me for failing.”
But with her boyfriend’s support and encouragement, Skylar had the courage to step inside her first CrossFit gym.
Training as an adaptive athlete in CrossFit has not always been as accessible as it is today. Modifications and implements to assist upper and lower extremity athletes have been created and developed over the years. The adaptive community within CrossFit has helped each other by sharing tips and tricks to advance the fitness journey for thousands of adaptive athletes.
“I have learned various modifications for movements through trial and error over many years of attempts, as well as through learning from other athletes on Instagram,” said Skylar.
She added, “For example, I didn’t figure out how to modify for deadlifts until 2020, and this included years of attempts with various custom prosthesis. I learned that there is no one-size-fits-all for any modifications, and sometimes you have to be creative and design something that works for you because only you know best.”
Now, after several years of training, Skylar has qualified for the CrossFit Games in the Upper Extremity division. “I am beyond proud to have the privilege of competing alongside other adaptive athletes,” Skylar said about competing in Madison. “There is something really special to have people from all over the world come together with their shared experiences and struggles, knowing that we have had to overcome many more challenges than the ‘regular’ athlete.”
With less than a week from the start of the 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games (the adaptive and age group divisions begin Tuesday, August 1), Skylar is excited about the workouts already announced. “I am most excited for the Olympic Total max lift! Truth be told, I don’t enjoy snatching, but I love getting to lift heavy in any way.”
The great thing about this year is that all individual athletes, age group and adaptive athletes will be doing the Cross-Country 5K and Olympic Weightlifting Total with appropriate modifications for the adaptive divisions. Yet, to be able to have the same programming is special.
But while only the top 5 athletes in adaptive division will get the opportunity to compete on the CrossFit Games competition floor, there are thousands of other adaptive athletes who face the same challenges and insecurities as Skylar. “I had to learn to let go of my insecurities, embrace my differences, and use the failure as a tool for personal growth. I don’t think I could say one day has been easy, but the life lessons and mental strength that CrossFit has given me has been invaluable,” shared Skylar.
As for someone who hasn’t taken that first step into a CrossFit gym, Skylar has some advice, “My advice to someone who is thinking about starting CrossFit is that life is way too short to let what-ifs prevent you from trying something new. Whether you are overweight, not athletic (or a former athlete who misses being competitive), adaptive, have mental health issues, or simply need friends in a new town, CrossFit can help. All you need to do is show up and I promise you will experience the benefits and find your community.”
You can follow Skylar’s journey on Instagram, @skylar.devault. She will be competing in the Upper Extremity division at the 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games next week from Tuesday, August 1 to Thursday, August 3.
