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WODAPOLOOZA - IRISH TAKE THE GOLD

What a weekend for the first major CrossFit event of the year. The 2022 Wodapalooza contest took place in Miami, from Jan. 13-16, 2022.

No luck needed for Ireland’s Emma McQuaid and Lucy McGonigle, as they absolutely smashed it emerging victorious in the Elite Women’s and Teens 13-15 Girls categories.

Emma McQuaid

Consistency was the theme for the event, proven on the final day of Wodapalooza, with some of the leaders like Ellie Turner dropping from 1st to 5th ending up 6th overall. It was BLK BOX Athlete Emma McQuaid who chipped away at every event, staying consistent and showing up. After day 1, McQuaid found herself in sixth overall, on day 2, she climbed into second. Finishing the competition on Sunday with 2 more consistent, but humble finishes, doing just enough to take home gold with a total of 677 points ahead of, Bethany Shadburne 668 points (2nd) and Arielle Lowen 644 points (3rd). Coming on the back of a career best 12th at the CrossFit Games last summer, Emma adds ‘Wodapalooza Champion’ to her growing list of accomplishments.

“It was incredible,” Emma said. “I enjoyed every single event, and the atmosphere was amazing.”

15 year old Lucy McGonigle from Newtownards, Co.Down, bulldozed her way through every event with a top 5 finish at every finish line. A slightly disappointing end for the Teen category, due to emergency weather issues, missing out on the chance to compete in the final event and podium ceremony. Lucy's stellar performance comes off the back of a 2nd place finish at the 2021 CrossFit Games – Lucy’s first appearance on the main stage – and sets her up for another extremely successful 2022 season.

Eight different workouts, consisting of high-volume cardio work, heavy barbell complexes, a swim and more.

Check out the leader board here