Jay Crouch: this guy really lacks nothing. At just 20 years this Australian athlete third came one of the most important CrossFit competitions in his country, the Down Under CrossFit Championship. We interviewed him to let him tell us everything about this magical career moment. Follow him on Instagram, is a great inspiration for us fans!
First of all Jay, congratulations. Your performance at Down Under was impressive. How happy are you with how it went?
"If you think I went there with the idea of reaching the Top 10, you can imagine how high it can be right now."
What was the most difficult WOD of the competition is why?
«Definitely the second. In three rounds they were scheduled 10 muscle up, alternating 20 dumbbell clean thrusters and 100 double under. I was doing well until the last lap, when I was forced to take breaks during the muscle up and couldn't give my all to finish the workout. In fact, I finished sixteenth ».
You are 20 years old and the online rankings tell you that you started competing at ... 14 years old?
"Yes, it's very true, among other things I started doing CrossFit just the year before, when I was 13. In the eighth grade, then in high school, my father told me if I wanted to go with him to train to his box. Well, since that moment I have never stopped ».
At your age, being one of the strongest athletes in your country, Australia, doesn't have to be easy! How it makes you feel.
"Really very well. I don't feel the pressure at all because right now I don't have anyone who wants results from me, at least for now! (laughs) Indeed, having these results today makes me feel much more relaxed and helps me, I know I am a formidable opponent and this makes me stronger mentally ".
Can you tell us what your weekly training routine is?
"I'm doing an apprenticeship to become an electrician! It is a journey that lasts four years and I am at the third. So I work from Monday to Friday eight hours and after work I train more or less from four in the afternoon at 7 in the evening. I don't train on Saturdays and Sundays and I try to have fun in my free time ».
I know you like to compete in teams too. What changes in athletic preparation?
«The bulk of the work in team competition is focusing on being in harmony with teammates. Whether it's dividing exercises or doing them in sync. You train well in a team when you don't expect anything before starting and you end up achieving the objective “chorally” ».
Very interesting.
"In individual competitions, you don't have to worry about anyone else. So it's a good workout for me, I do it and make it come in the best possible way, putting your head and having a precise work plan. This attitude must be shared in a team with more people and is the most difficult part of all ».
You are Reebok testimonials for Australia. Can you tell us more?
"I started working with Reebok from the 2018, so from relatively little. I cannot say anything else except that it is what I dreamed of for a lifetime and I am grateful for their enormous support ".
Rob Forte is more than a friend to you, you said on Instagram that you consider him as a brother. Can you tell us how you met and how important it is for you as an athlete?
"I've known Rob for about three years. It is a continuous source of information and knowledge as an expert athlete. His support, his guide and his working method (refers to the Rob Forte Method, ed) always makes me very advantaged. I am grateful for the work he is doing with me ».
Before leaving, I ask you what your future goals are.
“This year I will try to do the best I can at the Open and try to qualify for the Dubai CrossFit Championship. I honestly can't wait to come to you in Italy and place myself well with yours too Italian Showdown. In the long term I will try to qualify for the CrossFit Games in the “individual” category. That's what I want most in this moment ».