Annie Thorisdottir’s Incredible CrossFit Performance at the 2021 CrossFit Games

Why is Annie Thorisdottir, the Queen of Iceland’s, performance at the 2021 CrossFit games such a talking point?  Here is a bit of background on this phenomenal two times CrossFit Games winner. 

19-year-old Annie first hit the competitive CrossFit scene in 2009 and has become a CrossFit veteran.  She then went on to win the Games in 2011 and 2012.   

2013, was not Annie’s season as she could not compete due to painful back injury.

Surgery for her heart arrhythmia also caused Annie to withdrew from the 2019 Dubai CrossFit Championship.

After giving birth to her daughter Freya in August 2020, Annie struggled with postpartum depression, which affected her confidence as an athlete.  She worked on her mental health throughout 2021 and continued to grow in strength.  She then placed 118th in the CrossFit Open, 9th in Quarterfinals, and third at the CrossFit Lowlands Throwdown Semi-final.

While dealing with the loss of her grandmother during the weekend of the Games, Annie still finished strong at the CrossFit Games in Event 9, 14 and 15.  She blew everyone away including herself during the final event, however. After failing her first attempt at the 200lb snatch, Annie gave it one more shot and surprised everyone including herself by hitting one of her biggest lifts ever.

Annie’s comeback is hugely inspiring.  She teaches us to never give up no matter what and that age is no reason to not enter the CrossFit Open.  The CrossFit Master’s Division is growing as so many veterans enter this category.  There is also a CrossFit Masters Facebook group, which is very encouraging.  Join the group if you’re 35 or older and get some encouragement along your CrossFit journey.   

“If, I can run, I run. If, I have to walk, I walk.  When I am forced to crawl, I crawl. Then I rest and live to fight another day.  I may struggle, curse and cry but I will never give up.” – Annie Thorisdottir