Tia-Clair Toomey: Three-Time CrossFit Champion
Learn why three-time consecutive CrossFit women’s champion Tia-Clair Toomey always trains for the unknown.
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It’s hard to imagine that Tia-Clair Toomey — three-time consecutive CrossFit women’s champion — once strived to be a skinny girl with no muscles. But at the time, that is what she considered normal.
“I faced body issues,” admits the 26-year-old Australian, who now resides in Cookeville, Tennessee. “But I soon learned that I needed muscles to help me lift weights and get through my workouts. At first, I had a very hard time embracing [them], but now I can’t imagine my body without muscles.”
Toomey’s now-husband, former track runner Shane Orr, brought Toomey to her first CrossFit class because he thought it would be good to boost her fitness level. Little did he know that in 2015 and 2016, she’d be named runner-up in the CrossFit Games and would then go on to win the Games the next three years in a row.
Training for the Top
No two days at the gym are the same for Toomey, who on any given day might weightlift, practice gymnastics, swim, bike, row or run — to name just a few disciplines. “I’m training for the unknown and the unknowable,” says the tried-and-true CrossFitter. “I have to focus on being well-rounded in a variety of fitness domains to ensure I can [tackle] whatever comes up in competition.”
Toomey also works with a nutrition coach to help her properly balance her macronutrients in order to fuel her rigorous training schedule and maintain her energy. She regularly reaches for meals like steak and veggies, tuna and salad, and rice with chicken.
The Heart of a Champion
When not training for her sport, Toomey derives joy from sharing her love of movement with others. “I want to inspire the rest of the world to stay active and live longer and more fulfilled lives,” she says. “I also love meeting new people and hearing their stories about how fitness has impacted them in a positive way.”
Though she is a well-known global name, Toomey remains humble. “Becoming the Fittest Woman on Earth three times in a row has allowed me to understand what it takes to go after something you really want and has confirmed for me that you can truly accomplish whatever you set your mind to,” Toomey says. “It’s an honor to hold this title, not just because of all the hard work I put in to achieve it but also because of the sacrifices my friends and family have made to support me. It’s very important to have the people I love around to lift me up when I need it, and if it wasn’t for the constant love and support from my team, I couldn’t do what I do.”
Social Media Handles
Instagram: tiaclair1
Facebook: Tia-Clair Toomey – Athlete
YouTube: Tia-Clair Toomey
Twitter: TiaToomey
Website: tiaclair.com
To help her perform at her best, Tia-Clair Toomey relies on Schiek fitness products — and she even has her own signature line of Schiek belts and wrist wraps. “I have never used anything else, and I love the protection the wraps give my wrists,” Toomey says.