Just three years into the CrossFit Rugrats journey, Timothy Davis has earned the opportunity to represent Team USA in an international competition in Argentina this December.
The honor comes on the back of a second state championship for Davis, who says he has been dreaming of participating in the Olympics one day.
“When I started weightlifting I didn’t really have any big-time goals, and I was just doing it because I really liked the weightlifting aspect of CrossFit,” Davis said. “After my first meet, I realized that I could do really well in the sport, so since then, I have spent a lot of time and effort trying to be the best I can be. I have been working towards being number one. My lifetime goal is to one day compete at the Olympics.”
For Davis, the invitation to represent the country on a youth level is a massive step in the direction of his Olympic aspirations. In order to qualify for Team USA, Davis has had to jump through several hoops. From getting a passport, to being recognized as a top weightlifter in his age group, to complying with the anti-doping policies the Olympic governing body has set in place, Davis has chased hard after the privilege of representing his country.
Davis’ father Tim said his son’s work ethic and drive were born in the basement of their house after receiving weightlifting equipment as a Christmas gift.
“Timothy was too young at the time and couldn’t participate in CrossFit but loved watching what we were doing,” Tim said. “He got his first weight set for Christmas when he was 13 years old and started learning the bar movements. He quickly fell in love with CrossFit and was pretty darn good, too.”
By the time Timothy was of age to participate in CrossFit Rugrats, he was already capable of contending on a state and national level. The swift rise to notoriety for Davis has not come void of adversity, however. After winning nationals in his first year, Davis was unseated last year as he moved up an age division.
Competing as a 15-year-old this year, Davis reclaimed his spot atop the nation, sweeping gold at nationals earlier this year. To sweeten the national title, an invite to the 2019 Bueños Aires CSLP Cup quickly followed. The CSLP Cup, an international Olympic event, will be held in December.
To follow Timothy’s journey and to find out how to support his path to the Olympics, you can follow him on social media platforms under the username @timolifts. Davis’ father was quick to thank the community for the support.
“Timothy and I appreciate everyone’s contribution, whether it’s following his journey or participating in any of our fundraisers,” Tim said. “He’s excited to compete for our country, our community and our gym.”
