OC Throwdown 2015Jan 6, 2015 by Kati Breazeal
The Best Of The Best To Convene In California: OCT Style
The Best Of The Best To Convene In California: OCT Style
In less than a week, on January 9th-11th, the OC Throwdown (OCT) is going down for its sixth annual year in a row. Held at the OC Fair & Events Center in Southern California, the OC Throwdown is known as the first local competition in SoCal for competitors in the sport of fitness, outside the CrossFit Games.
Now in it's 5th year, the OC Throwdown stands out as one of the premiere events in the sport of elite fitness. What started as a local Orange Country, CA event arranged for the purpose of pitting nearby club vs nearby club has "morphed into a worldwide competition, drawing elite competition from across the world, with countries including, Russia, Austrailia, Iceland, Japan, China, Canada and so many more."
Charis Chan is one of many elite athletes who will be throwing down this weekend for the coveted title of OCT Champ. As an experienced CrossFitter, Chan is looking to kick ass and take names in California, leaving everything out on the floor.
1. What was your athletic background before CrossFit?
Collegiate Track and Field (sprinter)
Recreational - Soccer, Swimming
2. When did you first begin CrossFit and what was your initial impression of it?
I started CrossFit February of 2012. I saw it on TV and said I can do that! Haha my first week I was so sore I couldn't even sleep. But I love it and keep coming back for more!
3. Was competition a goal right away?
Yes! My goal when I first started was to make it to regionals.
4. How did your first competition go?
My first CrossFit competition was a team holiday competition. I was so nervous but my teammates were super supportive of me and helped calm my nerves. I could barely string together double unders or do a chest to bar, but I had a lot of fun and knee I wanted to do more.
5. As a competitor, what personal improvements have you seen from your first competition to now?
I'm not as nervous and I'm more confident in myself and my abilities.
6. What level of competition do you expect to find at the upcoming OC Throwdown?
I've always viewed the OC Throwdown as an elite competition with the best competitors in the world.
7. How have you been preparing for the level of competition you’ll face in California?
I have been working with an Olympic Lifting coach the past 4 months, training with him 5 days out of the week for 2-3 hours a day. I work on CrossFit and conditioning in the afternoon for 2-4 hours
8. Leading up to the 2015 OCT, what does a normal training day look like?
9-12:30 Olympic lifting
1:15-2:15 lunch
4:00-7:00 CrossFit
Coaching in the morning +/or evening
9. “I’ll consider this weekend a success if….” (Fill in the sentence)
I leave everything out on the competition floor with no regrets... and a top 5 in a few events would be nice too ;)