Emmanuel Smith- The Future Crossfit Champion?

Today the interview is with Emmanuel Smith. Probably you’ve heard of him or probably you haven’t, but I bet that in the future his name will become more and more popular! Check out what Emmanuel had to share with us. Where did he start from, where he is now and where he hopes to go in life!

Ines Subashka:Introduce yourself.
Emmanuel Smith:My name is Emmanuel Smith. Originally from New York City. Brooklyn!I’m a full-time exercise Phys major and a CrossFit coach.

IS: How long have you been doing crossfit?
ES:I have been doing CrossFit for a year now. Officially hardcore, since may 2011.

IS: Have you been involved in some other sports before that?
ES:I played basketball, football, golf, tennis, track, cross country, even chess team! You name it, I’ve done it!

IS: How did people around you accept the fact that you are doing crossfit?Did they take a jaundiced view of it?
ES: People around me were very curious at first especially considering my athletic background. I’ve seen the typical response but with my current conditioning, everyone is curious to try it!

IS: Do you have a nutrition plan that you follow? If yes, do you meet disapproval from you friends?Or do they understand why you eat the way you do?
ES:I have a sort of plan. I’m big on the carbs and calories. I take about 10,000 a day. I eat as clean as possible i.e. gluten-free, no dairy, nothing frozen, nothing processed. Most of my friends are raw vegans and super clean eaters! If they aren’t they usually try to model a diet after mine!

IS: What tips would you give to people struggling to stay on track with their diet?
ES: My tip for people struggling with diet is simple, get your diet in order now or get your affairs in order down the line. It’s no secret that poor dietary choices are the ticket to cancer and a bunch of other serious diseases!

IS: Do you take some supplements? Which one do you think work the best for you?
ES: The only supplement I take is a weight gainer for the caloric properties.

IS: What does crossfit mean to you and did it change your life in some way?
ES: CrossFit for me is my sport and a real character check. It reminds me who I am and why I do what I do! It keeps me motivated in life in general and always gives me an opportunity to set a goal and achieve it, daily! It changed my life by getting me into the best shape of my life! I’ve been able to fine tune some of my personal characteristics thanks largely in part to some intense WOD’s!

IS: What is your favorite WOD and which one do you hate the most?
ES:  My favorite WOD? Hm, I’d say King Kong for sure! Heavy weight and gymnastics separates the men from the boys! Most hated! Definitely Bull! Those dreaded overhead squats!!!

IS: Is it hard for you to combine your daily tasks with workouts? And have you ever used the excuse that you are too busy to workout?
ES: It can be challenging to schedule my training time in but I make it happen! It’s a priority to me! Just like eating and I’d like to make a serious run at the games, so I make it happen! Fortunately, I have everyone around me obsessed with CrossFit so it’s not hard to get the motivation.

IS: What is your biggest accomplishment in crossfit so far?
ES: My biggest accomplishment in CrossFit thus far? Aside from my first muscle up and getting into rack position, it was probably jerking 265. At the start of 2011 I could barely press 115 overhead. That was huge for me.

IS: Do you remember some funny story with you and crossfit?
ES: Funny story… definitely feeling overconfident and thinking I could handstand walk a little early…I went in way too hot and ended up flipping right over…classic moment!

IS:  What advice would you give to the beginner crossfiters in Bulgaria?
ES: My advice to beginners n Crossfit is this, it sucks for everyone at first and the movements never get better, your mindset improves though and you become more comfortable with the movements. That’s what counts! Never try to do more than you know your body can handle and always do every rep with pride!!