In July, 16-year-old Keira McManus became the first female athlete in CrossFit history to win three teenage world championships.
She beat 19 other competitors in the age 16-17 category at the 2026 CrossFit Games in California – her third victory in a row after winning the age 14-15 title twice.
“I’m quite proud of myself because of all the training that went into it, and I’ve had such a busy year of competing,” said the Stoke-on-Trent teenager.
“To end the season with a win, it’s just incredible and I’m really happy with it.”
CrossFit is a high-intensity form of training, combining disciplines like weightlifting, compound exercises, gymnastics and running.
During competitions, athletes take part in a series of scored challenges, with winners at the annual CrossFit Games earning the title “fittest on earth”.
Keira’s success was no surprise – along with her hard work and dedication, fitness very much runs in the family.
“It has always been a part of my life because we own a family gym,” Keira said, “so I grew up around it.”
That gym is Combat Fitness Stoke, based in Hanley, which is owned by Keira’s parents Joel and Lisa.