Defying Limits in Adaptive CrossFit

When Craig Harrington was just 15 years old, he lost his right leg below the knee in a serious motorcycle accident. Rather than allow this life changing event to hold him back, he channeled his determination into wheelchair basketball, eventually representing New Zealand on the international stage. Over time, he explored other sports including football, martial arts, surfing, rock climbing, and even moped scooter racing, continually pushing boundaries and refusing to let his amputation define him.

Between 2023 and 2024, Craig made his mark in CrossFit, a sport that demands exceptional strength and endurance. He competed at the prestigious Torian Pro in Brisbane, appearing alongside the world’s top adaptive athletes such as Rogan Dean, currently ranked number one in the lower extremity division. In 2023, he continued his success by tying for second place at the Oceania Throwdown, a qualifying event for the renowned WheelWOD Games. Craig also secured a spot through an online qualifier, and that December, he traveled to the United States to win gold in his division. His victory captured the attention of major New Zealand media outlets including TVNZ, Stuff, and The Press, while ACC highlighted his journey to inspire others facing injuries or disabilities.

By 2024, the CrossFit Games had merged its adaptive division with the WheelWOD Games, reducing the final field to just 10 of the world’s best competitors. Craig placed ninth in qualification and finished eighth overall, further cementing his status as an elite adaptive CrossFit athlete. His story also caught the attention of the New Zealand television show “Attitude,” which filmed an episode on his achievements set to air in early 2025. Throughout his training and competitions, Craig relies on the Fillauer AllPro foot, a speialized prosthesis that supports his high-performance goals.

In addition to being a world-class competitor, Craig is a dedicated prosthetic technician in Christchurch, where he crafts artificial limbs that enable others to reclaim mobility and independence. He also holds qualifications in sports leadership and personal training, allowing him to guide and inspire aspiring adaptive athletes. With unwavering determination and a passion for pushing limits, Craig Harrington serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved when resilience, community support, and innovative technology come together.

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