The latest video from the Buttery Bros takes viewers behind the scenes with three of CrossFit’s most legendary athletes—Annie Thorisdottir, Katrin Davidsdottir, and Sara Sigmundsdottir.
Known as “The Dottirs,” these Icelandic powerhouses have shaped the sport for over a decade, inspiring millions worldwide.
Now, after years of competing as individuals, they’ve joined forces for the first time as a team at TYR Wodapalooza. The video captures their journey through the competition while revisiting the legacy that made them icons.
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How Iceland Became a CrossFit Powerhouse
Iceland has produced some of the strongest women in CrossFit history. With a population of just over 370,000, the country has an unusually high number of elite female athletes, many of whom share the “Dottir” surname—a patronymic naming tradition in Icelandic culture.
The success of Icelandic CrossFitters is no coincidence. The country has a strong history of embracing strength sports, with women encouraged to lift heavy and pursue athletic excellence. This mindset has helped shape a generation of competitors who dominate the CrossFit Games.
Annie Thorisdottir: The Trailblazer
Annie Thorisdottir was the first to put Iceland on the CrossFit map. In 2009, she stepped onto the competition floor as a newcomer, barely fluent in English and still learning the sport’s technical movements. Just two years later, she became the Fittest Woman on Earth, winning the CrossFit Games in 2011—and then again in 2012.
Her dominance helped redefine what was possible for female athletes. At a time when heavy lifting for women wasn’t widely accepted, she showcased strength, endurance, and skill on a global stage. She later made headlines for her historic 2021 comeback, returning to the CrossFit Games podium just months after giving birth.
Beyond competition, Thorisdottir has remained a leader in the sport, coaching the next generation and building CrossFit Reykjavik into one of the world’s most recognized training facilities.
Katrin Davidsdottir: The Champion Who Bounced Back
Katrin Davidsdottir followed in Thorisdottir’s footsteps but took a different path to success. After failing to qualify for the CrossFit Games in 2014, she overhauled her mindset, training, and nutrition. The result? She came back stronger than ever, winning back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016.
Her victories solidified the “Dottir” dominance in CrossFit and made her one of the sport’s most recognizable figures. She also helped bridge the gap between CrossFit and mainstream media, landing a feature in ESPN Magazine’s Body Issue and becoming a role model for athletes worldwide.
However, Davidsdottir has faced her own struggles in recent years, battling self-doubt and questioning her place in the sport. As seen in the Buttery Bros video, she remains deeply passionate about CrossFit but has expressed disappointment with its leadership. For the first time since the Open’s inception, she has chosen not to participate in the 2024 season.
Sara Sigmundsdottir: The Fighter Who Won’t Give Up
Sara Sigmundsdottir emerged as a rising star in 2015, quickly gaining a reputation for her raw strength and fearless approach to competition. That year, she finished ahead of both Thorisdottir and Davidsdottir in regional qualifiers, proving she was a serious contender.
Though she never claimed the CrossFit Games title, Sigmundsdottir remained one of the sport’s most exciting athletes. However, injuries—including a devastating ACL tear—have sidelined her in recent years. The Buttery Bros’ video sheds light on her ongoing battle with autoimmune issues, as well as her determination to compete without an ACL.
Despite these setbacks, she continues to push forward, proving that resilience is just as important as physical strength.
The First-Ever Dottir Team: Strength in Sisterhood
After years of competing against each other, the three Dottirs finally joined forces at TYR Wodapalooza. While their athleticism is unquestionable, their team chemistry was put to the test.
The video captures the highs and lows of their performance—moments of flawless synchronization, followed by frustrating struggles with teamwork. Yet, through it all, their bond remained unshaken. Their shared Icelandic heritage, mutual respect, and relentless drive kept them pushing forward.
Beyond the Competition Floor: A Lasting Impact
The Dottirs have done more than just win competitions. They’ve reshaped the way female athletes are perceived, proving that strength and femininity can coexist. Their influence extends beyond CrossFit, inspiring women to lift heavier, train harder, and embrace their power.
While their futures in competition remain uncertain, one thing is clear—their legacy is set in stone. Whether they’re on the podium or coaching the next generation, the Dottirs will always be synonymous with CrossFit excellence.
Want to see the full story? Check out the latest video from the Buttery Bros for an exclusive look into their journey.
