A Start Without Expectation — And A Spark That Wouldn’t Quit
Alexis Raptis has emerged as a formidable presence in the CrossFit community, and her journey to the top is anything but typical. Initially entering the world of CrossFit as a teenager, Raptis wasn’t chasing titles or accolades; she was seeking a sense of direction after leaving gymnastics behind. “I didn’t have anything I was passionate about after gymnastics,” she shared. “Then I found CrossFit going into my sophomore year of high school.”
What started as a quest for strength soon turned into an incredible journey. Within just one year, Raptis qualified for the Games in the teen division, finishing in the top 10 during the Open. This unexpected success ignited a fire within her. “You get a little bit of success, and it’s addicting,” she said. “I thought, ‘Maybe I could be really good.’”
The Long Road to Individual Competition
Raptis’s path to individual competition was marked by a six-year stretch filled with challenges, missed opportunities, and emotional highs and lows. “There were years I just wasn’t even close,” she reflected. “I would train so hard and feel like I wasn’t getting anything out of it.” However, those years were crucial for her growth, building a mental and physical foundation for her future.
“It taught me confidence. That’s what I was missing,” she noted. “I think I was actually fit enough some of those years, but I didn’t believe in myself.” Finally, in 2022, everything changed when she qualified for the CrossFit Games, marking a turning point in her career.
The Games Breakthrough
By the time Raptis took to the floor at the Games, her mindset had undergone a transformation. “I knew exactly what I needed to do. I knew I could do it.” Her appearance was anything but ordinary; wearing the coveted leader’s jersey was an accomplishment she relished. “I tried to live in that moment,” she recalled. “Only a handful of people ever get to wear that jersey.”
Finishing sixth in the competition was a significant milestone for her; however, Raptis felt it was just the starting point for her career. The leader’s jersey symbolized not just a moment of victory but a reflection of what she could achieve.
Battling Health Struggles in Silence
Behind the scenes, Raptis was grappling with a chronic digestive issue called microscopic colitis, which led to severe inflammation in her large intestine. This condition often intensified during high-stress training, making competition even more challenging. “I’ve basically been competing sick my whole career,” she revealed. “Some weekends I was just trying to survive, not compete.”
A shift came with a new medication that transformed her experience. After taking her first dose, she described it as feeling like she had been given a “new life.” “For the first time, I could eat, recover, and actually feel like a healthy athlete,” she reflected. This adjustment marked a significant turning point in her training and overall passion for the sport.
Garage Workouts and a Personal Rebirth
After a challenging 2023 season, culminating in a shoulder injury from a mountain biking accident, Raptis found herself retreating to her family home in Georgia. What was meant to be a short stay turned into a five-month training period, during which she worked alone in her parents’ garage. “I made more progress in that garage than I’ve made anywhere else,” she commented. “It made me tougher. It reminded me how bad I want it.”
This mental reset rejuvenated her spirit, leading to a strong performance at the 2024 Rogue Invitational, where she secured a third-place finish. This result not only validated her hard work but also poised her for future success.
Joining Proven and Leveling Up
Raptis recently began coaching under Shane Orr and Tia-Clair Toomey’s esteemed Proven program, known for molding elite athletes in the CrossFit realm. Although it’s still early in this new training chapter, the benefits are already evident. “I’ve only been working with them for a short time,” she said, “but once we put some real training blocks together, I think people will see another level.”
Training alongside top-tier competitors has elevated her expectations and performance, providing the push she needs to excel.
The Fire for 2025
With the evolving structure of the competition offering more opportunities, Raptis is ready to make her mark as the 2025 season approaches. Her goals are ambitious, aiming to compete at both the WFP and the CrossFit Games. “This year is about taking those opportunities and learning every time I step on the floor,” she explained.
Her impressive performance at Rogue revealed her potential, as she overcame no-reps, adjusted to a new training environment, and managed her nerves. She hit an impressive 230-pound clean, showcasing her strength as she finished strong. “This isn’t even close to the best version of me,” she asserted. “I know how dangerous I can be.”
Why She’s Just Getting Started
At 26 years old, Alexis Raptis has spent over a decade committed to becoming one of the top contenders in the sport. Through persistence and resilience in the face of setbacks, she has built the character and determination needed to excel. “Every setback has made me who I am today,” she stated. “It’s taken years to get here, and it’s taught me patience and how resilient I am.”
Feeling healthy, happy, and focused on what lies ahead, Raptis declares, “No one wants to win as bad as I do. I’m coming for it.” Fans should certainly keep an eye out, as the best of Alexis Raptis is yet to unfold.
