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Mark Agnew

Leigh Coates will represent Hong Kong at the CrossFit Games this summer, and is already feeling the pressure to go one better than her second-placed finish a year ago.
The 56-year-old came first in her 55-59 age group semi-finals, putting additional expectations on her shoulders for August’s event in the United States.
And while Coates is feeling confident, people constantly asking her if she is targeting the top spot this time around has created “even more pressure”.
“I have to say, well, let’s wait and see,” Coates said. “You know, of course I’m going to do my best. But because we don’t know what to expect. I’ll do my utmost to do my best, and of course I’m very competitive, but you just never know.
“I’m just so grateful that I’ve made it back this year because every year you are against new people.”

Because of Covid-19 travel restrictions in Hong Kong, Coates moved to Dubai for five months last year so she could train and travel. It brought it’s own kind of pressure, because she needed to match the sacrifice she made with her final performance.
This year her preparation has been different, and the increased expectation has led to a switch in focus to the process rather than the outcome.
While being at home has its advantages, it also means balancing work and family commitments, rather than focusing solely on training.
“There was just myself to focus on last year,” Coates said. “Of course, there were things going on at home that I was very connected to, but being away from it, there was that distance, so you could only do so much.
“But of course, being here now, it changes everything. There’s the ups and the downs. Sometimes obviously days or weeks are harder than others.”












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A post shared by Leigh Coates (@physicaleigh)



An added pressure is financial. Coates, who works as a hair stylist, is paying her own way to Madison, and the fact there is no direct flight to Chicago from Hong Kong is just one of the added expenses she is dealing with.
She found it notable last year that most of competitors were from the US, and could drive to the Games.
“For myself, my coach, being self-funded, there’s obviously the time away from work,” Coates said.
The need to find some corporate backing aside, Coates is focused on using her experience from last year to boost her chances of going one better.
“Knowing the outlay, what to expect, what happens throughout the day, how it’s all run. It just gives you that little bit me a bit more confidence,” Coates said.


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Leigh Coates came second, a Hong Kong-based Brit, in the 55-59 category at the CrossFit Games 2022. She feels the pressure this year. Photo: CrossFit Games

Leigh Coates trained in the Middle East last year. Photo: CrossFit Games

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Leigh Coates, a Hong Kong-based Brit, comes second in the 55-59 category at the CrossFit Games 2022. Photo: CrossFit Games


Leigh Coates moved to Dubai to train. Photo: CrossFit Games 

Leigh Coates’ sacrifices paid off, as she finishes second at the Games. Photo: CrossFit Games 

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Arngarden’s Instagram account shows him lifting weights and doing other exercises. Photo: AFP

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Leigh Coates qualifies for the CrossFit Games 2023, and is trying to block out the pressure to repeat her podium finish
Coates is searching for sponsors to support her during the competition


Leigh Coates qualifies for the CrossFit Games 2023, and is trying to block out the pressure to repeat her podium finish.


CrossFit Games 2023: Hong Kong masters athlete qualifies, feels pressure after coming second last year

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Leigh Coates qualifies for the CrossFit Games 2023, and is trying to block out the pressure to repeat her podium finish Coates is searching for sponsors to support her during the competition

Leigh Coates qualifies for the CrossFit Games 2023, and is trying to block out the pressure to repeat her podium finish

Coates is searching for sponsors to support her during the competition