Harry Lightfoot: From Rugby to CrossFit Games Rookie
"As an athlete, controlling as many factors as possible is crucial. Using AIRWAAV for the past two years has significantly improved my respiratory rate and reduced cortisol levels, enhancing my recovery. It helps me stay relaxed and in control during workouts and competitions, making a real difference in my performance.” - Harry Lightfoot
Harry Lightfoot's journey to becoming a CrossFit athlete began long before he ever set foot in a CrossFit gym. Growing up in England, Lightfoot started playing rugby at the age of 10. His passion for the sport carried him through school and into club-level play. But it wasn't until he turned 18 that he discovered the world of CrossFit, thanks to a persistent friend who kept pushing him to try it.
Despite his initial hesitation about the intense and unconventional workouts of CrossFit, he finally agreed to give it a go in 2017. Under the watchful eye of a coach at a local affiliate, Lightfoot attempted his first workout. What started as a casual introduction quickly turned into a passion.
Fast forward to today, and Lightfoot is preparing for his rookie year at the CrossFit Games. His dedication and hard work have paid off, and the excitement surrounding his debut is palpable. Fans and fellow athletes alike are eager to see what he brings to the competition.
For the past two years, Lightfoot has been an avid user of the AIRWAAV mouthpiece, a tool he credits with improving his training and performance. He truly believes in the product, noting significant enhancements in his respiratory efficiency and overall training outcomes. "I have been using the product for about two years and think I first discovered it through seeing other athletes using it. I then read up on how it could improve respiratory rate by 20% and drop cortisol levels by 50%. Just another 1% I could add to my training to make me better. "
Curious to learn more about Harry Lightfoot’s journey, his training routine, and how he incorporates the AIRWAAV mouthpiece into his regimen? Check out the Q&A section where Lightfoot answers questions about his athletic background, his typical training day, his favorite CrossFit movements, and his future plans within the sport.
Q&A with Harry Lightfoot:
Tell us about the sports and training that have molded you into the elite athlete you are today.
"During my childhood I was very lucky to have tried a lot of sports. I was very sporty in school and my father let me try things such as rugby, swimming, football, tennis, cricket and many others. My main sport I played up until the age of 21 was Rugby."
What does a typical training day look like for you? How do you balance different aspects such as strength, conditioning, and recovery?
"A typical training day for me looks like a two-session split. Morning session, usually starting around 08:30-09:00 and can be purely conditioning and revolve around different energy systems over the week. Morning sessions can be anywhere between 1.5-2hrs long with warm up and cool downs included. My second session usually starts around 13:30-14:00 and can be based around strength or skills work before hitting what we call a ‘sport specific’ conditioning piece that is related to the strength/skills we have done prior. PM sessions are a little longer and could last up to 4hrs. Recovery is between sessions, as well as fueling correctly during. Mainly making sure I fuel my body effectively given the activities I have just performed, but also making sure I will be ready for sessions later in the week."
What are some of your proudest achievements in CrossFit? What goals are you currently working towards?
"So far, probably qualifying for my first CrossFit Games this year. And the goal is to always develop on the year prior and be a better version each season."
If you had to choose a single CrossFit movement as your favorite, what would it be and why?
"Probably muscle ups. Favourite, doesn’t mean it's my best ;)"
Can you walk us through your experience with AIRWAAV? How did you hear about the product and why did you decide to start using it?
"I have been using the product for about two years and think I first discovered it through seeing other athletes using it. I then read up on how it could improve respiratory rate by 20% and drop cortisol levels by 50%. Just another 1% I could add to my training to make me better. "
Can you tell us about a barrier AIRWAAV has helped you overcome as an athlete? Where do you see the biggest impact?
"I particularly like using AIRWAAV for longer endurance workouts or events. I feel it really helps me to stay focused and in control as my jaw is set to an optimum position to control my breathing."
Which AIRWAAV Performance Mouthpiece model(s) do you use and why?
"I currently float between the PX1 for my strength sessions and the PX2 for my longer conditioning sessions. I’d say the PX2 is my personal favourite with the tighter fit."
Would you recommend the AIRWAAV mouthpiece to other athletes?
"100%!!! As I said earlier, I’m always looking for those 1% to help improve my performance. I invest so much time into my training that it just seems a no brainer to invest in another training tool."
This will be your Rookie year at the CrossFit Games, what went through your head when you qualified and what are you looking forward to most at the Games?
"SO many things… relief, belonging, onset… What am I most looking forward to about the games? That I’m coming to compete. Not make numbers."
What can we expect from Harry Lightfoot within the next 2-3 years? Are there any new challenges or ventures you're excited to pursue?
"It’s very obvious the standard coming from the European field is getting stronger and stronger… and I just can’t wait to make back-to-back appearances and improve every year. First UK Male to be on the podium? Maybe?"
