ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – After months of qualifying rounds and a world worldwide competition, an Albuquerque woman is now officially the fittest woman in the world for her age group.
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When she’s not at her nine-to-five as a marketing director, you can find Carly Newlands training or coaching at Bear Canyon CrossFit. “CrossFit’s just always brought me such joy and excitement, and really, you know, set my heart on fire,” said Newlands.
So much so that she’s worked her way to get to compete in the 2024 Master’s CrossFit games over Labor Day weekend. “I like to tell people it’s like the Super Bowl of CrossFit,” said Newlands.
Let’s just say she did pretty well. “I ended up placing first in the overall competition,” she said.
Carly is now considered the fittest woman in the world for women ages 40-44. “I was hoping for a top-ten finish so it was beyond my wildest dreams to come in 1st. But it feels pretty good,” she said.
She beat out 39 other qualifying contests in ten workouts over the course of four days. “I didn’t win any of them, I didn’t suck at any of them either. I just tried to stay consistent and it was in my favor,” said Newlands. “It was cool to represent the 505 at an event like that.”
And the 505 welcomed their her home with a hero’s welcome, surprising her at the Sunport with signs, hugs, and chanting her name. “I don’t cry often but they did it,” said Newlands. “Seeing them, I was just so genuinely, genuinely thankful to see them there. It took me completely by shock. I have such a great, I keep saying it, group in my corner and I’m very thankful.”
She is committed to her craft and inspiring others along the way. “I’m not special, I was never special. But with a little hard work and consistency you can do anything,” said Newlands. “The hardest part is walking in the front door. I say that and I mean it…take that chance, take the risk and it will pay dividends.”
As for what’s next, Newlands said she’s already planning on going for next year’s title. “And see how it is round 2 and see what I can do. I’m curious to see what I’m capable of,” she said.
