My Daughter Addy Earns Her Spot at the CrossFit Games

As of tonight (with video reviews and leaderboard finalization happening through April 21), my daughter Addy has officially earned her spot back at the CrossFit Games. She finished 8th in the semi-final stage and is now one of just 30 girls worldwide—out of over 1,000 in the 14–15 age group—heading to the finals in Columbus, OH this August.

There's something profoundly moving about watching your child dedicate themselves to something with such fierce determination. Last year, Addy competed for the first time and surprised everyone by placing 4th globally and 1st in the US. This year, the pressure was different—no longer the underdog, she carried expectations on her young shoulders, both from herself and others. The weight of that is something many adults struggle to handle, let alone a teenager.

We kicked things off Thursday, and between then and Sunday, she completed five workouts (six if you count the redo). It was a long, intense, and awesome weekend. As her father, I found myself oscillating between coach and cheerleader, trying to find that delicate balance between pushing her toward excellence and letting her own inner fire fuel the journey.

Each workout brought its own narrative—moments of struggle, breakthrough, doubt, and triumph. The roller coaster of emotions wasn't just Addy's—it belonged to our entire family. We held our breath during heavy lifts, analyzed movements between sets, and celebrated small victories amid the larger battle. Through it all, I watched my daughter display a mental fortitude that frankly left me in awe.

Huge thanks to my brother @drewgadoci, owner of @crossfitgallant, for opening up his gym and making it available for every one of these workouts. Big thanks also to Jackie and Peyton for stepping in to judge—and for having the courage to no-rep this little powerhouse when needed. The community that's rallied around Addy reinforces my belief that it truly takes a village—not just to raise a child, but to nurture an athlete, especially one striving at this level.

Thank you to my mom, my mother-in-law, and the rest of the family and friends who made the trip to cheer her on. Special shout-out to Paige for not only showing up multiple times but bringing tasty treats! The love and support surrounding Addy creates a foundation from which she can leap toward her goals.

Most of all, thank you to @addygadoci—who somehow managed to take all of this on with a smile, a sense of perspective, and a mindset that honestly blows me away. These competitive experiences are shaping her into someone who understands that dedication and hard work open doors, but resilience and character define how you walk through them.

As parents, @cgadoci and I are beyond proud and incredibly grateful for this journey. There's a special kind of joy in watching your child find their passion and pursue it with everything they have. The medals and rankings are wonderful, but the real victory lies in the person Addy is becoming—someone who faces challenges head-on, picks herself up after disappointment, celebrates her strengths, and works on her weaknesses.

The road to Columbus begins now. More early mornings, more callused hands, more moments of doubt that must be pushed through. But also more growth, more confidence, and more memories that will last a lifetime.

See you at the Games.