Alison Malostanidou | Just Keep Working
What got you involved in the sport, and who were the people who helped you get into the sport?
My dad actually forced me to start crossfit which is funny because I was a really bad kid. He forced me to do it and I ended up loving it, and never stopped.
What has been your biggest achievement to date, and what is your ultimate goal in crossfit?
I am more proud of who I have become as a person rather than any particular achievement. I take life as a challenge, and I enjoy everything much more now in my life. My ultimate goal in crossfit is to make it to the games as an individual athlete when I'm 19 or 20. I want to then continue as a crossfit spokesperson and opening crossfit gyms as a career.
Who has been your biggest role model outside the gym, and who is your biggest in?
My biggest role model outside of the gym is my dad. He does also help me in the gym. Generally, he tries his best with everything he does. He always finds time to help me with anything, whether it's crossfit or school. My biggest role model in the gym is Sara Sigmundsdottir because I was a lot like her. I didn't do much before I started crossfit. I was never into any sports. We have the same background and I love that she tries to prove everybody wrong.
What is your favorite lift and why?
I really love clean and jerks. I love anything with high weight and low reps. What is your favorite cheat meal, and what does your diet consist of?
Compared to other teenage athletes I train a lot, so my calorie intake is like 4,000 calories a day which is huge. I don't eat as healthy as other athletes and don't follow a specific nutrition plan. I do try and get enough vegetables. I try to have enough homemade food that I know is good for me. As for my cheat meals, I order pizza hut and it shows that you can achieve results while eating what you like.
For people starting out in the sport, what are some tips you would give?
Honestly, it wasn't that hard for me to get started. What's different about the sport of crossfit is that although it is a little scary, as soon as you go to the gym you will feel the community. That is what made me fall in love with crossfit rather than the exercises. To this day the main reason I go to crossfit, the majority of my friends go to crossfit gyms. I wish I could go back and started 3-4 years sooner. I would suggest to just keep working!