Hayley Murillo has experienced her fair share of challenges in the world of CrossFit, but her perseverance has finally paid off in a remarkable way.
A Long Journey in CrossFit
Beginning her CrossFit journey in 2012, Murillo first stepped onto the competition stage at Regionals in 2014. Over the next several years, she made five additional appearances at Regionals, including Semifinal competitions in 2021 and 2022. While her journey has been filled with achievements, she had never qualified for the CrossFit Games as an individual, coming closest in 2021 when she finished 15th at the West Coast Classic, a competition where only the top five women secured a Games invitation.
A Shift in Focus
The past couple of years marked a significant shift for Murillo, especially after the birth of her daughter, Rogue, 21 months ago. She embraced her new role while supporting fellow athletes, helping Bethany Flores on her journey to the Games and coaching Haley Adams alongside her husband, Josh. This year, however, she decided to pursue a path in the Masters division.
The Road to the Masters and the Waiting Game
In the 2024 Semifinals, Murillo finished 42nd in the online qualifier, just outside the top 40 that would advance to the Games in the 35-39 age group. This seemed like a familiar letdown for Murillo, but she remained optimistic throughout the competition weekend.
Upon reviewing the released Semifinal workouts, she admitted, “these were not [in the] wheelhouse for me in probably the worst way possible,” yet she was determined to give her best effort. When the leaderboard was announced, her husband Josh inquired about her expectations. Although she estimated that she was around 10 spots away from qualifying, she was taken aback to discover she was only two spots outside the cut line.
Accepting her narrow miss wasn’t easy. “I feel like I’ve never had the luck you need in this sport because sometimes you just need a tiny bit,” she shared. Despite the disappointment, others encouraged her to hold out hope for a backfill opportunity, as they believed not all spots would be claimed.
The Moment of Opportunity
As she kept an eye on the online updates regarding invitation statuses, things began to shift. When her competitor Alison Stall claimed her spot, Murillo felt a surge of anticipation. Soon enough, she received the final invite for her age group to compete at the Games, marking a surreal moment in her long CrossFit career.
“I’m going to the Games, I’m going to do the thing, I’m going to check the box,” she exclaimed, reflecting on her long journey to this moment. The absence of the pressure that often accompanies competition allowed her to soak in the experience while her husband and daughter cheered her on from the sidelines.
Exceeding Expectations
Competing as a backfill competitor didn’t mean Murillo would take it easy. Far from it, she finished the competition in an impressive ninth place, with multiple finishes in the top 10 and only one performance outside the top 20. This performance solidified her place as a top competitor in her category.
“I love to compete because the pressure is such a privilege,” she noted. “I knew I belonged there; it was just a matter of actually getting there.”
The Masters Division’s Unique Spirit
For Murillo, the atmosphere at the Masters Games stood in stark contrast to the Individual CrossFit Games. She appreciated the focus on fitness and well-being that the Masters division embraces as individuals age and continue to participate in the sport they love.
“A lot of us have been doing this for so long, and now we’re aging up into the Master’s divisions,” she said. “If we can make this something that people love and are excited to do, it will keep growing. People need to embrace getting older and staying fit.”
Looking Ahead
In light of her experiences, Murillo hopes that CrossFit will continue to develop and expand the Masters Games, providing a platform for everyday athletes to excel in competition while balancing career and family life. “I hope it continues to be this thing that people are excited to do,” she remarked, emphasizing that individuals don’t need to devote every hour to training to qualify.
Reflecting on her journey, she offered a piece of advice to younger athletes: “Don’t miss out on the things that matter—the big things, little things, whatever matters the most. Because CrossFit will always be there. Make sure you get a dose of that in there along the way.”
