Dani Speegle never expected to become a CrossFit champion. Her childhood dream was to become a marine biologist, spending her life studying ocean life.
But in her final semester of college, everything changed. She discovered CrossFit, a sport that challenged her physically and mentally in ways she had never experienced before.
That discovery led to an unexpected career shift—one that would take her to the CrossFit Games and establish her as an inspiration for women worldwide.
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Redefining the Relationship with Food
Like many elite athletes, Speegle struggled with food early in her career. She was meticulous about tracking macros, sometimes obsessing over minor deviations.
“I used to go to sleep and, if I had gone over my carbs by two grams, I’d be lying there thinking, ‘Oh gosh, today wasn’t a good day,’” she recalled.
Over time, she realized that this approach wasn’t sustainable. She wanted to fuel her body properly while maintaining a healthy mindset.
“I didn’t want food to connect so intimately with my happiness,” she said. “I still wanted to be healthy. I still wanted to compete in CrossFit. But if I went too far in one direction, it wasn’t serving me holistically.”
An Unexpected Career Shift
Before CrossFit, Speegle had a different plan for her future. She was in her last semester of college, fully set on pursuing marine biology. But when she discovered CrossFit, everything changed.
“I had this whole plan—I was going to finish school, go out into the ocean, do research, and be one with marine life. It’s the dream I’d had since I was three,” she said.
Then came the call to her parents:
“Hey, so I found this thing called CrossFit. I think I can be really good at it, and I’m really gonna go for it.”
Their response? Confusion.
“They were like, ‘What’s CrossFit?’” she laughed.
Despite the uncertainty, she committed fully to the sport. It didn’t take long for her to prove she had what it took to compete at the highest level.
Finding Strength in Competition
Speegle quickly made a name for herself in the CrossFit world. Known for her raw strength, she dominated events that required power and explosiveness.
One of her most unforgettable moments came during the sandbag ladder event, where she lifted increasingly heavier bags as the competition progressed.
“I can still feel it—I can hear what it felt like as soon as I put my arm out,” she said. “That moment will stay with me forever.”
Despite her strength, she acknowledges her biggest challenge: running.
“It’s no secret that lighter athletes don’t struggle as much with running,” she admitted. “But then again, I’m one of the stronger athletes, so it’s about finding that perfect balance.”
Fueling for Performance
Speegle’s approach to nutrition has evolved significantly over the years. She follows a high-protein diet, carefully adjusting her intake based on her training needs.
“I typically need to cut a little before competition,” she explained. “It’s about making sure I still have enough energy to train as much as I need to while maintaining a cut.”
Her philosophy on food now centers around fueling her body efficiently rather than restricting herself.
“I’m always asking myself, ‘How can I tailor my nutrition so that some of the cardio aspects of this sport aren’t as grueling?’”
Whether it’s adding extra chicken to her tacos or finding a balance between endurance and strength, she continues to refine her approach each season.
The Evolution of a CrossFit Athlete
As Speegle progressed in the sport, her training demands increased.
“The progression is pretty similar for everybody,” she explained. “Your volume just increases. You start with one session, then it becomes two sessions. Then two sessions plus running. Then you realize you should probably add in some odd-object training.”
With each season, she refines her training regimen, focusing on weaknesses while maximizing strengths.
“We’re trying to get as much volume in as we can while honing in on personal weaknesses,” she said.
More Than a Competitor: Inspiring Women Worldwide
Beyond competition, Speegle has embraced a larger mission: empowering women to love their bodies.
“I am humbled every single day by how many women reach out to say I’ve been a positive influence on their body positivity, their self-love, and their confidence,” she said.
For her, CrossFit is more than just a sport—it’s a platform to inspire change.
“My goals have always been bigger than just the competitive side of CrossFit,” she emphasized.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Speegle?
As for the future, Speegle keeps her goals open-ended.
“For 2023, I’d say all my goals are kind of just up there,” she said. “I’ll reach for one when the moment presents itself and it feels right.”
One thing is certain—she will continue to compete at the highest level while using her influence to inspire women around the world.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” she said. “But what I do know is that, in some form, I’ll be out on the competition floor—and I’ll be empowering women to love themselves.”
