Athlete of the Month: Tara Bassili

Tara first joined the CrossFit 6S family in the summer of 2018. In the fall of the same year, she added Olympic weightlifting to her training regimen and she has been a staple of CrossFit 6S and Rx Weightlifting ever since. Tara is the embodiment of a hybrid athlete. On top of CrossFit and Weightlifting, Tara is also known for her long distance endurances races, and comes from an equestrian riding background. Whether it’s in the domains of maximal strength, explosive power, aerobic conditioning, or anaerobic endurance, Tara can do it all! You only have to look at her competition record to see proof of her fitness across various domains.

​After joining Rx Weightlifting, she set her sights on an 100lb snatch, which she was able to achieve in the spring of 2019. Hungry for more, she signed up for her first sanctioned weightlifting competition shortly after, and won the bronze medal in her weight class. What’s more impressive is that despite being a newcomer in the sport, she was able to hold her ground against veterans, even competing against a member of Canada’s Junior World’s team.


Tara then took the summer of 2019 to compete in ultra-marathons and travelled across the world and conquered each race. From the north to southern hemispheres, Tara the globetrotter has demonstrated week after week, month after month, that there is no terrain too tough for her. The ever hungry competitor that she is, upon her return to CrossFit 6S, she immediately signed up for the Hank’s Powerlifting in-house competition and won best overall female in the competition! Her seamless transition from one area of fitness to other is truly a sight to behold. As if that wasn’t enough, she immediate hit another snatch PR of 105lb. But what makes Tara a truly beloved and valued member in our community is that more so than the weights, Tara lifts up those around her. With a constantly positive attitude, team spirit, and willingness to help others, we the coaches are in absolute awe of her athleticism, work ethic, and incredible positive and uplifting spirit.

Unfortunately, Tara will be leaving us to seek out new adventures in Vancouver in April. We are so saddened to see Tara leave us, but we are so grateful and happy for the laughs, cheers, and lifts that Tara shared with us in the time that she was here. We wish you all the best Tara, and this family you have built at CrossFit 6S and Rx Weightlifting will always be there at the finish line, behind the competition platform, waiting for you and cheering you on!

– Written by Coach Cheng Xu

What is one thing people may be surprised to learn about you?
I think because I’m pretty introverted people would be surprised to hear I have a YouTube channel (Tara’s Trails if you’re into running and stuff). 

How long have you been doing CrossFit? At CF6S?
I’ve been doing CrossFit on and off since 2017 (wow it feels longer!), and at CF6S since 2018.
 

 Why did you start CrossFit?
I was a fan-girl of the CrossFit Games and watched everything their media team put out. I eventually got over the intimidation factor and signed up after falling out of love with the sports I was doing at the time. 

What’s your favorite workout?
Ooooh that’s tough… So many! But I’ll pick Diane, because the first time I did it was the Open in 2018 and didn’t finish it in the 8 minute time-cap. I re-did it this year in class and did it in 6:30, so I’m proud at the measurable improvement I’ve made. 

Other than CrossFit, what do you do for fun?
Most my spare time is spent planning a trip, or travelling for a race/big hike. I also like rock climbing, horseback riding and games nights.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
So much weight in this question! So I’ll stick to the best advice I’ve received in CrossFit… Which is, strict before kipping 😉 

Who inspires you?
People that open themselves up to discomfort. People that are setting scary goals and chasing them. People that question what society is telling them they should do/what they should be and instead seeking what is true to them. ​

What’s the strangest talent you have?
Running really far, pretty fast, on very little training. 

What are three things still left on your bucket list?
Short-term: Racing at UTMB (this summer!)
Medium-term: Attempting an FKT (fastest known time) of the Bruce Trail
Long-term: Opening a wilderness wellness retreat

If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
Maybe healing if I’m feeling altruistic… But teleportation if not.

What do you do for a living?
I lead the user experience research team at AIR MILES by day, and have a family business selling tennis ball machines by night. 

A penguin walks through that door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?
“Is there a locker for my sombrero? I’m here for a drop-in.”

At which store would you like to max-out your credit card?
MEC

Choose a movie title for the story of your life.
Kick-Ass

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