General 02.24.25

Craig Harrington – Defying Limits in Adaptive CrossFit

Craig Harrington from New Zeeland is a lower extremity adaptive athlete who has quickly made his mark in competitive CrossFit. Across 2023 and 2024, he appeared at the Torian Pro in Brisbane, an elite event where he shared the stage with the world’s top athletes, including Rogan Dean, currently ranked number one in the lower extremity division.

In 2023, Craig’s success continued at The Oceania Throwdown, where he finished in a tie for second place. This event served as a qualifier for the WheelWOD Games, considered the pinnacle of adaptive CrossFit and he further secured his spot by qualifying online in third. Traveling to the United States that December, Craig won gold in his division, a triumph that caught the attention of major media outlets back in New Zealand. He was featured on TVNZ, Stuff, and The Press, and ACC highlighted his journey to inspire others dealing with injuries or disabilities.

By 2024, the adaptive division of the CrossFit Games had merged with the WheelWOD Games, limiting the final field to just 10 of the world’s best. Craig qualified in ninth and finished eighth overall, solidifying his place among the top adaptive CrossFit athletes worldwide. His achievements also drew the interest of the New Zealand TV show “Attitude,” which filmed an episode on his story, slated to air in early 2025. Throughout his training and competitions, he relies on the Fillauer AllPro foot, specialized prosthetics that help him maintain a high level of performance.

Craig’s athletic background spans many sports, from football and martial arts to surfing, rock climbing, and even moped scooter racing. When he was 15, a serious motorcycle accident resulted in the loss of his right leg below the knee. Undeterred, he shifted to wheelchair basketball, eventually representing his country at international tournaments. Over time, he continued seeking new challenges, never allowing his amputation to stand in his way.

Away from competition, Craig works as a prosthetic technician in Christchurch, where he crafts artificial limbs that help others regain mobility and independence. He also holds qualifications in sports leadership and personal training, enabling him to mentor aspiring adaptive athletes. Through his competitive success and professional expertise, Craig demonstrates that, with determination and the right support, those facing physical challenges can achieve extraordinary feats.