How Tom Miazga Dominates Adaptive CrossFit with AIRWAAV
In the world of elite athletics, every detail matters. A fraction of a second can mean the difference between winning and losing, and maintaining peak physical performance is non-negotiable. For Tom Miazga, a seven-time champion of the adaptive CrossFit Games and former Paralympic swimmer, the journey to excellence has been a blend of relentless effort, resilience, and the pursuit of innovative tools that enhance his training. One such tool that has become indispensable in his fitness regimen is the AIRWAAV performance mouthpiece.
Tom's athletic journey is nothing short of inspirational. After narrowly missing the 2012 Paralympic Games by a mere one-hundredth of a second, a moment he describes as both humbling and transformative, Tom retired from swimming in late 2015. Transitioning from a rigorous swimming schedule to a completely new discipline was no small feat. Yet, Tom’s resilience saw him through this period of change. He quickly found a new passion in CrossFit, initially using it for therapeutic reasons to regain mobility and strength.
It didn’t take long for Tom to fall in love with the sport. By 2017, he was competing in the CrossFit Open and has since dominated the adaptive CrossFit Games. But his journey didn't stop at just participating; he has become a prominent figure in the CrossFit community, known for his competitive spirit and dedication to promoting adaptive fitness.
Tom’s introduction to AIRWAAV came in 2020, at the CrossFit Games’ vendor village. The innovative performance mouthpiece piqued his interest with its promise of enhanced breathing, increased endurance, and faster recovery. Intrigued, Tom decided to give it a try.
“I remember the first time I put it in,” Tom recalls. “It felt very present in my mouth at first, but within a few days, it became a natural part of my training gear. I could immediately tell the difference in my performance, especially on the skier. I could hold a much faster pace with a more controlled heart rate.”
The AIRWAAV mouthpiece works by optimizing the position of the tongue and opening the airway, which helps to reduce respiratory rate, decrease cortisol build-up, and improve endurance. For an athlete like Tom, whose training includes high-intensity workouts and long monostructural events, the benefits were palpable.
One of the most compelling aspects of Tom’s experience with AIRWAAV is how seamlessly it integrates into his various athletic pursuits. Whether he’s lifting heavy weights, enduring grueling metcons, or engaging in long cardiovascular sessions, AIRWAAV has become an essential part of his gear.
“Wearing AIRWAAV feels like having an extra set of lungs,” Tom explains. “It’s the first thing I pack for any trip, whether I’m coaching, competing, or broadcasting. I don’t notice it when I’m wearing it, but I definitely notice when I forget it. It’s a game-changer.”
During a particularly intense competition at the CrossFit Games, Tom inadvertently forgot to wear his AIRWAAV for the first event. “I was confused why I was struggling more than usual,” he says. “Then I realized – I didn’t have my AIRWAAV. It made such a noticeable difference.”
Tom’s commitment to CrossFit and his passion for adaptive sports extend beyond personal achievement. As an L2 coach, a member of the Adaptive Training Academy, and a CrossFit Games broadcaster, Tom is dedicated to promoting the sport and inspiring others to push their limits. He sees AIRWAAV as more than just a performance tool; it’s a part of a broader mission to enhance the wellness and independence of athletes, adaptive and otherwise.
“CrossFit is for everybody, and it’s for everybody,” Tom says. “There’s potential in all of us to achieve great things, and tools like AIRWAAV help unlock that potential. Whether you’re an elite athlete or someone just starting their fitness journey, the benefits are undeniable.”
Tom Miazga’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the continuous pursuit of excellence. His story underscores the importance of innovation in sports performance, and how the right tools can make a significant difference. With AIRWAAV, Tom has found not just an edge, but a trusted ally in his quest for greatness.
As Tom continues to break barriers and inspire countless others, one thing is clear: the combination of determination, community support, and cutting-edge tools like AIRWAAV will keep him at the forefront of adaptive athletics for years to come.
Ready to unlock your own potential? Discover the difference with AIRWAAV and join athletes like Tom Miazga in taking your performance to the next level.