Hi, I’m Liam, and my journey to the CrossFit Games has been anything but straightforward.
It all started in 2005 when I joined the Army straight out of school.
My time in the military was defined by service and sacrifice, including a harrowing deployment to Helmand province in Afghanistan during Op Herrick 10. After leaving the Army in 2013, I was diagnosed with PTSD and, later in 2015, with Crohn’s disease a chronic illness that has profoundly shaped my life.
Living with Crohn’s has been a relentless battle.
The disease has caused me to endure severe abdominal pain, chronic fatigue, weight loss, and debilitating joint pain. At times, the joint inflammation has left me unable to move properly, while constant nausea and the inevitable symptom have made everyday life a challenge. There have been countless hospital visits due to flare-ups, and even simple activities have felt impossible during the worst periods. The toll on my physical and mental health has been immense, but I’ve learned to fight through it.
In 2020, a severe Crohn’s flare landed me in the hospital just as I caught Covid. It was a life-changing experience. I was placed on IV steroids to control the inflammation, as well as oxygen to support my breathing while my body fought the virus. The combination of Covid and Crohn’s left me severely weakened. Long Covid followed, and I found myself unable to climb a flight of stairs without gasping for breath. I had to start over from scratch with my fitness, rebuilding my body and mind after this devastating double blow.
By December 2023, another major flare resulted in a 10kg weight loss and a neurological issue caused by inflammation putting pressure on my nervous system. It disrupted my cognitive functions and power output, making movement and recovery even more challenging. Depression loomed as exercise felt out of reach, but I refused to give up.
CrossFit became my lifeline.
Setting small, achievable goals and leaning on the incredible community at my local box, I slowly began rebuilding myself. The adaptive division offered me a new path a way to turn setbacks into opportunities.
Through hard work and resilience, I began competing in the CrossFit Open Adaptive Division. At first, my goal was simple: to stay active. But even while receiving weekly hospital infusions, I pushed through and progressed to the semi-finals. Against all odds, I qualified for the CrossFit Games Adaptive Standing Diagnosed Division, finishing 6th in the world in September 2024.
Throughout this journey, I’ve had the privilege of meeting incredible friends in the adaptive community. Hearing their stories of perseverance and triumph has inspired me in my own journey. Their strength and determination have been a constant reminder of what’s possible, no matter the challenges we face.
It's just the beginning of my journey:
This incredible milestone is just the beginning of my journey. I’m now channelling my experiences into a new mission: creating opportunities for others facing barriers to activity. I’m in the process of launching a Community Interest Company dedicated to empowering disabled individuals and those with long-term health conditions to take the leap I once did, using health and fitness as a pathway to build a brighter future.
This initiative aligns with the UK Government’s movement strategy, focusing on reducing inequalities in physical activity. Some of the ways we’re working to make a difference include:
• Equipment: Supporting the purchase of new or improved equipment for activities.
• Refurbishing, building or upgrading facilities: Improving or creating spaces that enable more people to stay active.
• Developing new skills and leadership: Providing formal training for staff and volunteers to help tackle inequalities and inspire communities.
• Adaptive Coaching and Programming: Delivering online coaching and programming specifically designed for adaptive athletes. Partnering with two other adaptive athletes, we’re bringing accessible fitness guidance to individuals around the world.
Throughout this journey, I couldn’t have made it without my incredible wife, who has been my unwavering support through every setback and triumph. From hospital stays to training milestones, she has stood by me, reminding me of my strength and pushing me to keep moving forward.
My journey has taught me:
That resilience and community can overcome even the toughest challenges. Now, I’m dedicated to helping others take that leap, find their strength, and prove that anything is possible. Together, we can break barriers and build a more inclusive future for fitness and activity.
Comments