Sunday, October 24, 2010 – Athlete Profile: Pritesh Topiwala
Athlete Profile: Pritesh (Pete) Topiwala
1. In general, what is your background?
Born in Dubai, UAE. Immigrated to Arkansas in 1991 at the ripe young age of 6 (yup, from the Middle East to the Mid-West). Moved to South Carolina in 1998 and been here since. I’m of Indian descent, but some of ya’ll know I consider myself Southern. I got my undergraduate Chemical Engineering degree from the University of South Carolina in 2006, worked in Charleston at SPAWAR for a couple of years, then did some graduate research/study in Biomedical Engineering at USC, and now I’m in my first year of medical school at MUSC.
2. Age, Occupation?
25, full-time student
3. How did you get to know about CrossFit and why did you start?
I heard about CrossFit in Columbia a few years ago and initially dismissed it. Then, I kept hearing things from Himan and Khoung about how intense it was, so decided to give it a go at Carolina CrossFit in Columbia. I liked the workouts, but was hesitant on paying for a gym when I had free membership at the campus rec center. So, I tried keeping up with the WODs at the “globo gym” for a while, but it just wasn’t the same as the group setting and coaching CrossFit provides. Not to mention, not being able to drop weights and getting ridiculous looks from people at the gym deterred me from even trying some WODs.
4. How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
This may be counterintuitive to an outsider, but CrossFit keeps me grounded. It helps me schedule my day/week. It keeps me motivated not only because of quick and drastic physical results, but also because of the mental toughness you build getting through some of the tougher WODs. Medical school is tough and time-consuming, and without CrossFit I don’t know how I’d be motivated enough to fit workouts into my schedule. As far as level of fitness goes, I’ve never been trimmer, quicker, stronger, and more physically functional.
5. Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit?
Getting initiated into the MU (Muscle-up) club!
6. Favorite CrossFit moment so far?
Backsquatting 225 lb. And finishing the 75 rep Push Press WOD as Rx!
7. What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?
The camaraderie and positive attitude that engulfs the gym. Everyone pushes each other to get through the physically and mentally challenging workouts. Coaching is a very close second.
8. Favorite WOD?
Incredible Hulk
9. Least favorite WOD?
Anything with double-unders.
10. Favorite movement?
Back Squat
11. Least favorite movement?
Double-unders
12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?
Basil and D’Allesandro’s Pizza.
Love the t-shirt! I’m assuming because you are only in your first year of med school you will not be moving any time soon. The curse has been broken! Perhaps there’s hope now for the #1 college ball team this week too….
Way to go Pete!
P.S. Nice shirt!