Tia-Clair Went From “Hating” Her First CrossFit Competition to Dominating the Games. See How She Rewired Her Brain

Tia-Clair Toomey is widely recognized as the most dominant athlete in CrossFit history.

With seven CrossFit Games titles, an Olympic weightlifting appearance, and a growing legacy beyond competition, she has consistently proven that mental toughness is just as important as physical strength.

Her journey—from a young athlete dabbling in various sports to standing atop the CrossFit podium year after year—has been defined by resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in her potential.

But the mindset that carried her to greatness wasn’t always there. It was something she had to develop, refine, and strengthen over time.

A Competitive Drive from the Start

Before discovering CrossFit, Toomey built an athletic foundation through running, swimming, and surf lifesaving in Australia.

She ran cross-country, middle-distance races, and even took up 400-meter hurdles before eventually shifting her focus to strength-based training.

“I did a lot of running, a lot of track, cross country,” she recalled. “Alongside that, I also did other sports like swimming in the mornings just to test my body in a different fitness.”

These early experiences taught her the value of versatility and adaptability, two qualities that would later help her excel in CrossFit.

However, her competitive mindset was present long before she ever lifted a barbell. She was driven to push herself further, no matter what sport she pursued.

The Turning Point: From Fitness to Competition

Toomey’s introduction to CrossFit was almost accidental.

After stepping away from competitive sports to focus on her university studies, she realized something was missing. “I actually felt like I had hit rock bottom,” she admitted.

“I had stopped all training for the first time in my life.”

Her husband, Shane Orr—who would later become her coach—introduced her to CrossFit as a way to supplement her running.

At first, it was just a fitness routine, but soon, her natural competitiveness took over. She was drawn to the challenge of learning new movements and the intensity of the workouts.

However, her first real exposure to competitive CrossFit at Regionals in 2014 was eye-opening. She qualified without much expectation but did not enjoy the experience.

“I absolutely hated it,” she admitted. “I was like, ‘This is bulls**t. I’m never doing this again.’”

The reason? The competition environment felt different from the supportive CrossFit gym atmosphere she had come to love. It was intense, cutthroat, and filled with pressure—something she wasn’t prepared for at the time.

The Mental Shift: From Second Place to Champion

In 2015, Toomey shocked the CrossFit world by placing second at the CrossFit Games in her rookie year. The experience was surreal.

“I thought I won because it was so unexpected,” she said. “Being at the CrossFit Games was winning in my eyes, and then to come second was just a cherry on top.”

However, the following year brought a different kind of second place—one that didn’t feel like a win. After narrowly missing the top spot again in 2016, she felt the sting of disappointment.

“I knew I had more to give,” she said. “I didn’t give it my absolute all.”

This realization changed everything. Toomey recognized that while her physical abilities were world-class, her mindset wasn’t fully aligned with the goal of winning. She had been training to compete, not to dominate. That distinction became the catalyst for a mental transformation.

“I needed to win, and I needed to start looking at myself as a champion,” she explained. “Everything I did, every decision I made—was this going to make me a champion or not?”

She immersed herself in mental training, reading books like Atomic Habits and How to Think Like a Champion. She studied the psychology of winning and developed the ability to embrace pressure instead of fearing it.

Training to Win, Not Just to Compete

From 2017 onward, Toomey became unstoppable, winning six consecutive CrossFit Games titles. With each victory, she strengthened not only her physical dominance but also her mental resilience.

Her philosophy became clear:

“I’m not training my ass off every day, sacrificing time with my loved ones, just to participate,” she said.

“I’m training to win—because that is the only option.”

For Toomey, mental preparation extends beyond the gym. She believes that the strongest competitors are the ones who control their mindset, not just their workouts.

“If you’re burning the candle at both ends and you can’t show up for your family or for yourself, you’re letting people down,” she explained. “You have to prioritize yourself first to be there for others.”

Motherhood and the Next Chapter of Competition

In 2023, Toomey faced one of her biggest challenges yet: returning to competition after giving birth to her daughter, Willow. Many questioned whether she would be able to regain her dominance, but for Toomey, there was never a doubt.

“I was adamant to show that just because I had Willow didn’t mean that it took away my championship titles,” she said. “I believed I could still stand on top of the podium.”

She did exactly that, winning her seventh CrossFit Games title, proving that motherhood and elite performance are not mutually exclusive.

Now, as she explores new challenges like Hyrox, she remains committed to the same competitive mindset that made her a legend. Whether she returns to the CrossFit Games in 2025 remains to be seen, but one thing is certain:

Whatever challenge she takes on next, Toomey will approach it with the same relentless determination and belief in herself that has defined her career.

The Legacy of a Champion’s Mindset

Toomey’s story is more than just one of athletic dominance—it’s a testament to the power of mindset, resilience, and self-belief. Her journey proves that success isn’t just about talent or genetics—it’s about the way you think, how you push through setbacks, and how you approach challenges.

As she put it:

“Your body can do anything that you want it to do. But how does it start to get to that point? It all starts up here.”

Her legacy isn’t just about winning titles—it’s about inspiring others to push past their own mental barriers and chase greatness in any area of life.

Key Takeaways from Tia-Clair Toomey’s Competitive Mindset

✅ Mental training is just as important as physical training.
✅ Believing in yourself is the foundation of success.
✅ Pressure isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace.
✅ Winning starts with seeing yourself as a champion.
✅ Success in any area of life comes down to mindset, consistency, and resilience.

Whether in the gym, at work, or in daily life, Toomey’s story is a reminder that greatness isn’t just achieved—it’s built, one mindset shift at a time.