Andrew Hiller just released the best CrossFit athlete documentary we’ve seen in a decade. He traveled up to the Great White North to spend a few days with rising star Erica Folo. You might remember Erica from the East Semifinal, where John Young affectionately dubbed her “Yolo Folo.”
Erica had a fantastic first day, finishing 7th and 3rd in her events, leaving us stunned. As the weekend progressed, she logged a few mid-field finishes, setting the stage for a dramatic final event where she had to do well to qualify for the 2024 CrossFit Games. Though she went out in a blaze of glory, she earned the respect of everyone watching.
Hiller’s documentary dives deep into Erica’s life beyond the gym. We got to see who she is, what she faces daily, and how she thinks as an athlete. One of the most compelling takeaways was Erica’s mental approach to training. She comes across as intensely fun yet deeply serious about her craft.
Having been at the same affiliate for 10 years, she balances a focused training mindset with an appreciation for life outside the gym. Hiller engages her in a candid conversation about making the most of her athletic career without sacrificing her youth.
Erica is fun, eats like John Young (garbage), and explores training-related topics like mental health and the female cycle. It’s refreshing to see an elite athlete who thrives in her affiliate community while embracing life beyond training.
I’ve said it before—Erica Folo will be the most sponsored CrossFit athlete within the next three years. She reminds me of when we first called Julie Foucher and Annie Thorisdottir the darlings of CrossFit.
Hiller’s filmmaking has evolved significantly, with production quality rivaling large-scale projects. This documentary feels like something produced pre-2018. Remarkably, only about 6 minutes and 15 seconds of the 45-minute video features training footage—just 15%. An interesting detail worth noting.
100% go watch it now!
