You might have first hear about Emily de Rooy last year when she finished 7th at Torian Pro. A year later, Emily is looking to improve on that and take one of the three Games spots in the Oceania region.
In a region filled with younger athletes looking to make a mark, Emily is one of those who could bust onto the CrossFit Games scene this year. Because of that, we caught up with the 22-year-old from Australia to learn a little bit more about this rising star.
When and how did you find CrossFit?
I found CrossFit in 2018 from the pool I used to swim at. Before CrossFit I was a swimmer/competed in surf life saving for 10 or so years and attached to the pool I swam at was a small CrossFit box that always interested me every time I went to training. I decided that after my last year of school I would stop swimming and try something new, that being CrossFit, and haven’t looked back since!
You’ve been competing since 2018 when you were in the 16-17 year-old age group division and you’ve been improving every year since. What do you attribute to making those improvements year after year?
My improvements over the years have been from many different things. At the beginning it was just getting used to doing all of the movements and becoming more proficient at them, but recently I have switched from quite a well known program to a more personalised program, which has focused a lot on improving my weaknesses, and this has also included having my coach at the session with me which has helped incredibly.
What did you learn at your first Semifinal competition last year and how is that helping you this year?
I learnt at my first Semifinal that I just need to stay in my own lane and not get influenced by those competing around me. Especially when I was in the final heat on the final day it was very overwhelming competing along side the fittest women on earth and just had to remember to run my own race and not get caught up in everyone around me.
What did the past off-season look like for you? What have you been focusing on to get ready for 2023?
My past off season probably looked a little different to a lot of others. Going into Torian I had a shoulder injury I was nursing so after that I limited all shoulder movement for a few months and just worked hard on building my aerobic base while doing a lot of rehab on my shoulder, then building up my capacity again with my shoulder movements and gymnastics before getting back into competing again.
How do you feel the Open and Quarterfinals have gone so far?
Very happy with my Open and Quarterfinals results this year, being my best finishes in each so far. There’s always room for improvement and I am of course always striving to be the best I can be, but considering my shoulder injury last year, and continuing to train as normal throughout each without prioritising them I am very proud of my efforts.
You finished 7th in Oceania in the Quarterfinals. With only three spots heading to the Games out of Oceania, what is your mindset heading into Torian Pro?
Going into Torian, my goal will always be to win and earn that spot to the CrossFit Games, but with such a strong field on the ladies side this year it’s going to be a tough battle. As long as I give every workout my best and walk away knowing I gave it everything I will be happy no matter the outcome.
Who is your support team within CrossFit? Coaches, mentors, anyone else that helps you throughout your season, etc.
My biggest supporter from the start has been my current coach Daniel Strickland. He’s always believed in my potential and puts so much effort into my programming and coaching I don’t know what I would do without him. Patrick Orr has also been incredibly supportive especially in this season, helping me a lot with the behind the scenes things. I’ve also got a lot of support from friends and family who are always there at competitions and training constantly showing me support.
What do you enjoy doing outside of the gym?
My favourite thing to do besides training every day is going to the beach for some me time and just relaxing by the ocean.
Make sure to follow Emily on Instagram as she prepares for the Torian Pro.
