The Underrated Contender: How Samuel Kwant Competes at the Highest Level
“I use AIRWAAV for a lot of different reasons. It really keeps me focused and has been a game changer for me. I truly believe it helps my endurance and makes me breathe better during workouts. I can't do any physical exercise without it.”- Samuel Kwant
Samuel Kwant: The Underrated Veteran on the Rise
Samuel Kwant has been a fixture in the CrossFit world since his regional debut in the North West and West regions in 2014. At just 20 years old, Kwant made his rookie appearance at the CrossFit Games in 2016, finishing 16th, marking the start of an impressive career. Despite consistently performing at an elite level, Kwant remains one of the sport’s most underrated athletes, often flying under the radar of more high-profile competitors. But his results speak for themselves.
Kwant’s 2nd place finish at the 2020 CrossFit Games and 4th in 2022 show his ability to compete with the sport's best. Even when the competition was fierce, Kwant remained within striking distance, finishing 6th in 2024 and 15th in 2023. His consistency has made him a staple in the CrossFit Games field, earning him respect as one of the sport’s most reliable and dedicated veterans.
The Secret to Success: AIRWAAV
One key tool in Kwant’s training and competition arsenal is the AIRWAAV performance mouthpiece. “I use AIRWAAV for a lot of different reasons,” Kwant says. “It really keeps me focused and has been a game changer for me. I truly believe it helps my endurance and makes me breathe better during workouts. I can't do any physical exercise without it." Whether you see him on the competition floor or training at home, Kwant is never without his AIRWAAV mouthpiece, which helps him push through grueling workouts while optimizing his breathing.
When asked if he’d recommend AIRWAAV to other athletes, Kwant is quick to respond. "I am always recommending AIRWAAV to anyone and everyone who will listen to me," he says. "I would say try it out for machine work to get used to it before using it for workouts, but I adjusted to it pretty fast myself." His commitment to the product is clear, and his success speaks volumes about its impact.
Balancing Life and Training
When asked about his proudest achievements in CrossFit, Kwant reflected not only on his athletic successes but also on his personal growth. “I'm definitely proud of my 2nd and 4th place finishes, but getting an event record my rookie year at age 20 was pretty fun,” Kwant shares. “The longer I compete, though, the more I’m proud of the mental and emotional growth and maturity I’ve seen in myself, especially in the last couple of years.”
Kwant admits that learning to balance life and CrossFit was a challenge. “I used to be pretty bad at balancing life and CrossFit until I realized how much happier I am and how much better I recover when I have a good balance,” he explains. “I love active recovery days with my family, and I get to be around my kids and wife on a daily basis, which I love.”
Training at Home and Staying Motivated
While many athletes train at large camps, Kwant mostly trains at home. "This was something that took time to get right. I've tried all of the above," Kwant says, reflecting on his journey. "After the 2020 Games, I was part of a CompTrain camp with other Games athletes, but I’ve also trained alone. Now, I have a balance that works great. I typically train in a gym in the mornings with people like my sister, wife, or other gym members, then do my second session at home, surrounded by family."
Why AIRWAAV Is a Game Changer for Kwant
Kwant has been a loyal AIRWAAV user for years, and when asked why he continues to use it, he’s quick to explain: "I think it really does improve my breathing. I've converted many friends to AIRWAAV, and we all agree it makes a big difference. I absolutely love this product."
But for Kwant, the benefits of AIRWAAV go beyond just the physical impact. “It definitely helps me mentally,” Kwant explains. “I can tell my focus is better with something to bite down on. I’ve always needed something in my mouth while training, ever since running cross-country as a teen. It used to be gum, but AIRWAAV is much better!"
Advice for Future Athletes
With nearly a decade of experience, Kwant has some valuable advice for young athletes aspiring to compete at the CrossFit Games. "You learn from mistakes and failures," he says. "I've had my share of ups and downs, and it's the downs that really make you a better athlete. Mental maturing starts with overcoming hardships. Don’t be afraid to fail and don’t see failure as a bad thing if you take the opportunity to learn from it."
His advice is clear: "Balance CrossFit with life and keep it fun so you don't burn yourself out. If you get injured, let it heal. Take your time and be smart. Mental game is everything."
A Veteran Still on the Rise
Samuel Kwant’s journey in CrossFit has been one of quiet consistency, mental toughness, and a dedication to improvement. With a balanced approach to life, training, and his reliance on the AIRWAAV mouthpiece, Kwant continues to prove himself as one of the most underrated yet formidable athletes in the sport. Keep an eye on this veteran—his best performances may still be ahead.
