Over two weeks, Italy’s Elisa Fuliano finished on two separate podiums – taking second place at Wodland Fest in Malaga, Spain, and then winning the French Throwdown in Montpellier.
- The outcomes of these two competitions were significant this year, as the top two men and women automatically qualified for the CrossFit Games if they met the eligibility criteria.
Fuliano, however, had decided before the CrossFit Open that she would pursue a different kind of season this year, one that did not lead to the CrossFit Games. She chose to forgo the Open while still intending to compete in events throughout the year.
And she has been on fire so far.
Like all of this year’s semifinals, athletes were tested with Heavy Isabel at both Wodland Fest and the French Throwdown.
- Fuliano won the workout at both events, first with a time of 4:12 in Spain and then 3:47 in Montpellier, an impressive 25-second improvement. At the French Throwdown, she finished in the top five in seven of eight workouts, winning two.
She would have qualified for the Games if she had signed up for the Open.
Regrets?
After her finish at Wodland Fest, which would’ve earned her first qualifying spot, she posted this on social media:
- “I gave up the dream of many to stay true to myself. I didn’t chase it this year, but last weekend’s second place would have secured my fourth consecutive qualification at the CrossFit Games.”
When we spoke with her after the French Throwdown ended, she shared that many people had been asking her about possible regrets. She told us that she feels none.
- “I think it says a lot about the way I chose to approach this season. I’m not going to the CrossFit Games this year simply because I chose not to. But I proved – twice – that I would be fit enough to be among the top athletes in the world,” Fuliano told Morning Chalk Up.
She said she felt happy. Her podium finishes at both events gave her a significant confidence boost and confirmed that she and her team are on the right path. She credits her coach, Metteo Agnello, aka Coach Teo.
- “I’ve put a lot of work in on my weaknesses, thanks to my coach over the past few months – even if it hasn’t been easy,” Fuliano said.
She acknowledged how vital it is to remain at the top of the sport. She shared that she’ll “probably never be a machine monster, but my goal is to stay around the high average – and I’m slowly getting there.”
Now it’s time to keep pushing even harder, just like she did these past months, to get stronger and improve before next season. She hopes for a season structure in 2026 that includes less emphasis on online competition.
What’s Next for Elisa Fuliano?
Fuliano will compete in HYROX Doubles with coach Teo at the end of May. She will then participate in the UBL – The Italian Championship, in July. She says she’s particularly looking forward to that one, as it will give her the chance to compete on her home turf.
She is uncertain about what lies ahead. For now, she feels that she has embarked on a new beginning and has never been more motivated to train and compete.
More CrossFit Stories
- WFP Pro Card Race — Who’s on Top of the Leaderboard After Tour Stop I?
- Paper Street Coffee Brews Up Community Inside PRVN HQ
- Why This Season Just Might Be the Most Exciting One Yet
Featured Image: Lydia Stadtheower
