
Olivia Kerstetter: The Rise of a CrossFit Champion
This year has been a revelation for Olivia Kerstetter, a name that many in Akron, Ohio will start to recognize more prominently as she captured the title of the third Fittest Woman in the World at the 2025 CrossFit Games. Following a challenging 2024 season where she missed qualification, this comeback story underscores the resilience and determination characteristic of youth and athletic spirit.
Overcoming Setbacks: A Key to Growth
At just 19, Kerstetter learned an important lesson in perseverance. “I overjudged it and I was obviously wrong,” she reflected on her previous season, where overconfidence nearly derailed her ambitions. Rather than surrender to disappointment, she embraced these challenges, demonstrating a level of maturity that could inspire many young athletes in the Akron community and beyond.
The Power of a Support System
Kerstetter trained with Tim Paulson at PRVN, whose guidance helped her focus her training strategy. “I totally trust him,” she said, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in sports. This cooperation fueled her preparation heading into the Games, which encouraged her to trust the training process even more.
The Importance of Mindset
Mindset played a crucial role in Kerstetter's success this year. After finishing 28th in her first event, she quickly recalibrated her focus and accepted that elite competition would push her boundaries. Her reflection, “everything that I was bad at is exciting for me now,” illustrates how a positive outlook can turn setbacks into strengths, a lesson ideal for both local athletes and those following her journey.
Exciting Future Ahead
With a new generation of athletes emerging in CrossFit, Kerstetter stands at the forefront, proving that age does not define success. For the residents of Akron, watching her journey not only promises a thrilling future in sports but serves as motivation to pursue our own challenges with tenacity and resilience.
As we follow Olivia's career, let it remind us of the value of hard work and determination. If she can rise from past disappointments to reach the pinnacle of her sport, we can all find inspiration to pursue greatness in our own pursuits.
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