Internationally Known

Balancing books and barbells has simply become routine for Ohio Valley native Nadia Szymaialis. On Sunday, May 21, the local CrossFit competitor walked across the stage as a proud member of the graduating class of 2023 from Wheeling Park High School.

Reflecting on her remarkable academic achievements and recognition as a CrossFit powerhouse throughout her high school career, Nadia stated that excelling at both her studies and tournaments took a great deal of “dedication, discipline, and hard work.” Nadia expressed a few words of encouragement for students interested in joining CrossFit, “Focus on the amazing things your body can do rather than what it looks like. Don’t be ashamed of your muscles because they are a result of your hard work.”

When Nadia entered her freshman year in 2019, she discovered a passion for the high intensity training program. She quickly became enamored with the sport of CrossFit. Determined to test her physical limits and cultivate a healthy lifestyle, she began training at CrossFit Unit Plus in Dallas Pike, under the guidance of instructor Chad Blanchard.

“Nadia is a girl of many talents. The world is quite literally in the palm of her hands. She’s super kind, cares about others, and is simply just a great person,” Blanchard said. Her natural talent quickly caught the attention of her coach, leading her to embrace the competitive side of the sport.

Nadia admits, “I didn’t really intend to compete when I started CrossFit.”

However, just two years later in 2021, Szymaialis secured a second-place finish at the Functional Fitness Federation Worlds Competition in Sweden.

Later that year, she showcased her skills by claiming third place in the Army CrossFit Elite Teen Throwdown held in Michigan.

Building on her success, Nadia returned to the international circuit in 2022 and clinched another third-place finish, this time in Mexico.

She capped off her series of accomplishments by dominating the Army CrossFit Elite Teen Throwdown in Michigan and taking home the first-place trophy.

Looking ahead Nadia is considering competing later this year in Tennessee, but she will definitely will be competing in Michigan during the month of September.

Even more special than that was when Nadia was asked to represent Team USA again this coming fall in Norway.

Academically, Nadia spent a significant amount of time focused on her studies. After four years of hard work, she graduated with an impressive 4.8 grade point average. She was designated a Stifel Award winner throughout middle school and high school. She recently received the Northern Panhandle Veterans Council Scholarship and the College Board National Recognition Award.

At the start of the fall semester, Nadia is set to embark on an exciting journey at Wheeling University, where she will study biology. Nadia adds that although her main focus will shift to her education, CrossFit will remain a staple in her daily life, “I’m honestly not exactly sure where CrossFit will take me, but I definitely plan on continuing to compete.”

Nadia lives with her parents, Julianne and Stan in Wheeling, WV. She is also thankful for the encouragement of her brothers Zach and Drake, and her dog, Luna.