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ATHLETE STORIES
CrossFit Games Journey to 4th in the World: Christina Livaditakis
Christina Livaditakis shares her journey to 4th in the world at the 2026 CrossFit Games, reflecting on teamwork, resilience and what she learned along the way.
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Competing at the 2026 CrossFit Games as part of a team and finishing 4th in the world is something I’ll be incredibly proud of for a long time. While just missing the podium was bittersweet, I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved together.
The CrossFit Games is the highest level of competition in our sport, and every athlete dreams of being there. To be able to stand alongside some of the best athletes in the world is something I never take for granted.
For me, though, the journey to the CrossFit Games was about much more than the result. It was about learning what I’m capable of, managing the difficult moments, becoming a better teammate and continuing to show up when things weren’t always easy.
My CrossFit Games Journey
I’ve always loved seeing what I’m capable of. Every season is an opportunity to become a better athlete than I was the year before, and that constant pursuit of improvement is what keeps me motivated.
Going on a team this season was a new and different challenge that helped me grow as an athlete and even more as a person. It also gave me an extra level of purpose.
Competing individually is one thing, but being part of a team changes the experience completely. You’re no longer just responsible for your own performance. You have three other teammates relying on you, and their success becomes just as important as your own.
That brought a different set of challenges throughout the season. We all have different personalities and a way of doing things, so figuring out how to work together effectively was incredibly important.
I learned how important communication and trust are, as well as the importance of putting the team’s success ahead of our own individual preferences.
Alongside that came the usual demands of competing at a high level — balancing training, recovery, travel, finances and just life.
The Biggest Challenge Wasn’t Physical
Without a doubt, the biggest challenge this season was my mental state.
There were a lot of moments where training felt harder mentally than physically. Learning to manage those thoughts whilst still showing up every day was something I had to constantly work on.
That was one of the biggest lessons of the entire journey. At this level, physical preparation is obviously incredibly important, but your ability to manage yourself mentally can be just as challenging.
There were moments when I doubted whether I would be able to achieve what I wanted to achieve. But those moments became part of the process rather than something that stopped me.
Learning to acknowledge those thoughts, manage them and continue moving forward became an important part of my preparation.
The Power of Routine and Discipline
What helped me keep moving forward during the difficult times was pretty simple: routine and discipline.
I’m a creature of habit, so I just kept showing up, trusting that consistency would get me through.
There wasn’t necessarily one huge moment that changed everything. It was the accumulation of small decisions — getting to training, doing the work, recovering properly and continuing to trust the process.
I also had three other teammates relying on me that I couldn’t and wouldn’t let down.
That responsibility gave me an extra level of motivation. When you’re part of a team, there are people beside you who are putting in the same work, making the same sacrifices and trusting you to do your part.
That helped me keep perspective when things became difficult.
What I Learned About Myself
Looking back, I think I learned a lot about resilience.
I’m proud that I kept showing up.
“Success isn’t only measured by a placing. Sometimes it’s measured in the moments that you keep showing up when things aren’t easy mentally.”
Finishing 4th is something I’m proud of, but I’m even prouder of the resilience I built along the way.
The experience also reinforced how much growth can come from putting yourself in situations that are uncomfortable or unfamiliar.
Going into a team environment challenged me in ways that competing individually hadn’t. I had to communicate differently, trust other people, adapt to different personalities and learn when to put the needs of the team ahead of my own.
Those lessons extend well beyond CrossFit.
The People Behind the Result
I’m incredibly grateful for my coaches, teammates, family, friends and everyone who has supported me throughout the years.
Competing at this level is never an individual effort.
It takes a team of people who believe in you, encourage you and help you become your best.
That support is something I don’t take for granted. Behind every athlete standing on a competition floor is a much bigger group of people who have helped them get there.
My teammates were obviously a huge part of this season, but so were the people supporting me away from competition — the people who helped keep me grounded, encouraged me through difficult periods and continued to believe in me.
How PEAK Supported My Journey
The team at PEAK Sports & Spine Centre, especially chiropractor Ryley Porter, also played an important role in helping me reach this point.
Competing at the CrossFit Games requires more than simply training hard. Staying healthy, managing load and recovering effectively are all critical when you’re pushing your body at a high level.
Having the right support around me allowed me to focus on performing while knowing that my physical health and recovery were being looked after.
The team at PEAK has been an important part of that support network, helping me manage the physical demands of training and competition and allowing me to keep pursuing my goals.
For an athlete competing at this level, having people you trust in your corner makes a huge difference.
Whether it’s managing an injury, working through a niggle or simply staying on top of the physical demands of training, having access to the right physiotherapy or chiropractic support can help athletes stay consistent and perform at their best.
PEAK’s broader physiotherapy and chiropractic services are also designed to support people across the full spectrum of performance, from competitive athletes through to those simply wanting to become stronger, healthier and more active.
Find out more about how PEAK can help you prepare for crossfit here.
Being Proud of More Than the Result
Of course, finishing 4th in the world is an incredible achievement.
There’s always going to be a little bit of disappointment when you come so close to a podium and miss it. Just missing out was bittersweet.
But when I look back at the season as a whole, I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved together.
I’m also proud of the things that don’t show up on a leaderboard.
I’m proud that I kept showing up.
I’m proud of how I handled the difficult periods mentally. I’m proud of the way I grew as a teammate. And I’m proud that I continued to trust the process even when things didn’t feel easy.
Those are the things I’ll take with me moving forward.
What’s Next After the CrossFit Games?
Right now, I’m excited to continue developing as an athlete and see just how far I can go.
My goal is to keep improving, stay healthy and, of course, get back to the CrossFit Games for a third time.
There are always areas I want to improve, and that’s what makes competing so exciting. Every season gives me another opportunity to see what I’m capable of and become a better athlete than I was the year before.
There might also be a few offseason competitions here and there (😉).
Beyond competing, I’m passionate about helping others through coaching and nutrition and sharing what I’ve learned from my own experiences.
Whether that’s competing at a high level or simply becoming a healthier and stronger version of themselves, I love being able to help other people pursue their own goals.
The CrossFit Games might be one of the biggest achievements of my sporting journey so far, but it’s also another step in a much bigger journey.
For now, I’m proud of 4th in the world. I’m proud of my teammates. I’m proud of the resilience I built. And I’m excited to see what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is recovery for CrossFit athletes?
Recovery is essential when training at a high level. Managing training load, sleep, nutrition and physical health helps athletes consistently perform and stay available for training and competition.
Can physiotherapy help CrossFit athletes?
Yes. Physiotherapy can help athletes manage injuries, optimise recovery, monitor training loads and address physical issues that may affect performance.
How can I get support with my own training?
Whether you’re preparing for your next competition or simply looking to become stronger and fitter, the team at PEAK Sports & Spine Centre can help you build a training and recovery approach that supports your goals.
Ready for Your Next Challenge?
Every training goal deserves the right support to help you stay healthy, strong and consistent, whether you’re preparing for competition or simply working towards your own goals.
Support Your Next Challenge.