Najlepsza zawodniczka w CrossFit Games bez jednej nogi
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Born without the majority of her right leg and most of her femur, 32-year-old Amy Bream of Nashville has defied all odds to become a top competitor in the CrossFit Games.
Amy was born with proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD), a rare congenital condition that happens to roughly one in every 200,000 children worldwide.
Growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania as the youngest of four children, Amy's family instilled in her the belief that her prosthesis should never limit her capabilities.
"I have worn a prosthesis since I was old enough to walk. My parents were always so encouraging and supportive, so I've never actually cared about why I was born like this," Amy recalled.
"I was raised to believe that things happen for a reason, and I don't have to see my leg as a mistake; rather, I can see it as an opportunity."
In 2014, after graduating from Messiah College in Pennsylvania, Amy moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a music career.
While music was a significant part of her life, she eventually found a new passion that would redefine her identity and goals.
"A fellow amputee, Erin Meyers, changed my perspective on life. Erin, a below-the-knee amputee with a similar congenital disability, helped me realise the importance of connecting with others who shared her experiences. Meeting Erin was eye-opening. It was the first time ever that a human could describe exactly what happens in my mind and connect to my body, and it was like, 'Is this what this feels like?' I'm not alone," Amy said.
From that day forward, Amy decided it was time to stop trying to fit in. She joined Title Boxing Gym and got fitted with a new prosthetic suited for her active lifestyle.
"Initially, being at the gym felt a bit strange since I had never worked out in public before. But I quickly found my footing - so to speak! The supportive atmosphere and encouraging trainers helped me feel more comfortable and confident. Soon, I was pushing myself to new limits and discovering strengths I never knew I had. I started with boxing, which was more of a group fitness class than sparring. In 2019, I picked up my first barbell," Amy explained.
Amy's fitness journey took another significant turn in 2021 when she discovered CrossFit, specifically its adaptive divisions. Despite her initial reluctance, an adaptive athlete on Instagram encouraged her to try it.
"I told him at first, 'Hey, no offence, but I've seen CrossFit people. I respect it, but y'all are nuts. There's no way.' And he was just like, 'I feel like you would respond pretty well to it,' because I had been posting about my fitness journey up to that point," Amy shared. "I decided to give it a shot, and my competitive spirit soon took over."
Amy qualified for the 2021 CrossFit Games within just a few months of training.
"I didn't actually step foot into my first box until the Saturday before I left for my first Games," she said. "Competing in the Lower Extremity Adaptive division, I placed fifth in my debut year, third in 2022, and fourth in 2023."
For the majority of her life, Amy did not consider herself athletic. She believed that her prosthesis limited her sports capabilities. However, her experiences in boxing and CrossFit have dramatically shifted her mindset.
"Boxing was the first time I was active with my body, and I enjoyed it. It wasn't this forced workout. It was fun to hit things, and I was getting better without the pressure of a gym class or a team," Amy explained.
This newfound confidence translated into other areas of Amy's life, including her approach to dating and social interactions. Today, she works as a motivational speaker and mentality coach. She uses her platform to encourage others to see their limitations as opportunities.
Looking ahead, Amy is optimistic about the growth and recognition of adaptive sports. She acknowledges that there is still work to be done but is hopeful about the changes being made.
"I have a lot more confidence that it will change for the better given some recent changes, staff-wise. Adaptive competitions are growing, and I'm excited to see where it goes," she concluded.
Featuring: Amy Bream
When: 23 Jul 2024
Credit: @onelegtostandon/Cover Images
**EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR SUPPLIER.**
2024-07-23
Cover Images/East News
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