CJ was picked because it is evident he is dedicated, hardworking, and an overall a pleasure to be around in the gym; CJ is definitely deserving of praise. CJ is always willing to try new things, he doesn’t give up, and is relentless in pushing himself through workouts. His laugh is also contagious!
What do you do for work?
I am the Director of Technology for a small non-profit in Boston that manages turnaround schools.
What would you like us to know about you and your family?
Both of my parents immigrated from the Caribbean. My mom from Belize and my dad from Dominica. I am extremely proud of my West Indian heritage and have travelled to both Belize and Dominica at least once and hope to go back soon!
What is one thing that we may not know about you?
I threw javelin in college. I was recovering from a torn ACL my sophomore year and the throwing coach at Bowdoin has spotted me trying to walk on to the baseball team. When baseball didn’t workout, he recruited me to join the team and I went on to win the University of Miami invitational in my senior year as the only DIII thrower of the competition.
How long have you been CrossFitting?
Just shy of 2 years. My wife, Rosey, and I started late August of 2022.
What time do you typically train?
I usually train with the 5 or 6 AM crew! Some of my newest close friends make working out that early so worth it! (Shout out to the Vargi, Anna and the Reeds!)
What is your favorite lift and why?
Even though I am still learning the movement, I love doing snatches. It is such a technical lift, but every time we do them, i feel stronger and stronger as I progress. It is an awesome feeling!
What is your favorite WOD and why?
Anything that involves rowing or running. I used to go to a rowing gym in the North End when my job had an office near there and it gave me a new found appreciation for row erg. I have run in half-marathons and marathons in the past and whenever I see a run in a workout, I get excited as lately I haven’t been hitting the pavement as much.
What are your current life goals?
In my family, there are a lot of hereditary health problems and CrossFit has been my consistent want of staying in some form of shape. I also love building up my community and people in my corner. I love a good workout with a friend either as a partner or working out next to me who can encourage and push me to better and stronger every day.
What is your most memorable time as a CrossFitter?
I would say the Game of Ages 2023. It was my first CrossFit competition. I saw our gym and other gyms come together in a way that I hadn’t experienced before. My previous CrossFit gym did not do any sort of comps like this. New Cleans on The Block really pushed ourselves and we became so much closer because of it.
How has CF impacted your life outside of the box?
As I have mentioned before, I have such an amazing corner of people who lift each other up and support ourselves in and out of the gym. We recently all went on a trip together and I had one of the best times I ever had. I am eternally grateful to them.
Please create your own WOD:
35-min partner AMRAP
500m row
15 Deadlifts (225/155 lbs)
20 box jumps (24/20)
25 situps