True Strength

Did you do anything fun this summer? That’s a pretty common question we’re asked during this back-to-school season. Ask Cameron Elementary 3^rd-grade teacher Alexa Serret that question and you’ll not only get a good answer, you will get a great story. Her story.

In late July, Alexa traveled to San Jose, California, to compete in the worldwide 2026 CrossFit Games. She finished 9^th on the leaderboard in the Adaptive Division. Where she finished in the competition was not part of her goal. Qualifying, meeting other competitors, and enjoying the moment were her priorities.

“You can only imagine how nerve-wracking – and exciting – this is!” said Alexa.

“Looking back at my performance compared to the CrossFit Games in 2024, I'm very proud of the progress I've made,” she said. “I was much fitter and stronger this year, and I felt significantly more capable during the events. My grip strength and balance have improved tremendously, thanks to my CrossFit training, which made a real difference in my performance.”

That’s right, this was not her first trip to the Games, which makes her story all the more remarkable.

“I have Cerebral Palsy,” Alexa stated. “As a kid, I was often excluded and bullied for being different. Today, as a teacher at Cameron, I share my story with my students to show them the importance of resilience, perseverance, and hard work.”

Alexa is from Spain where she taught middle school and high school. One her colleagues there invited her to try CrossFit and, always up for a challenge, she accepted.

At first, she questioned whether should could do the workouts but her coach told her never to say she cannot do it, just give it time.

“I kept showing up,” she said. “And he was really helping me. You just need a person to believe in you sometimes. Thanks to CrossFit, thanks to showing up, I started building muscle on my left side of my body.”

Her left side is her weak side. She says it is stronger now. Her overall health is better. And she can be on her feet teaching all day without any pain.

“I always say that CrossFit changed my mind and my life and my mindset because I accepted myself thanks to this sport,” Alexa said.

A new school year is underway, and CrossFit training remains an important part of Alexa’s daily routine. Along with the memories of a second, successful trip to the CrossFit Games.

“One of the most rewarding parts of the experience was meeting so many amazing people,” said Alexa. “Sharing the competition floor with athletes who have the same neurological condition and learning from them was truly inspiring.”

Courtesy photos.