“After graduating OIT I spent a few years coaching college and high school girls’ soccer while diving into Olympic weightlifting!” Newell said. “When I moved to Portland! I missed running! so I got into Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) and ninja training! think American Ninja Warrior! and I was instantly hooked! until Covid shut that down for a bit.”
Chrish Newell! right! and partner Jess Contreras! left! at the Ski erg station during the HYROX 2025 Atlanta Doubles in late April. They qualified for the World Championships scheduled Sunday! June 15! 2025! in Chicago. (Photo courtesy Chrish Newell)
At the same time Newell was also working full-time as a
veterinary assistant! which led to vet school in 2023.
“Honestly! veterinary medicine started as my backup plan to becoming a professional athlete!” Newell said. “I’ve always had a passion for animals and medicine! so becoming a veterinarian felt like the perfect combination of both. I’m currently in vet school and while it’s a huge commitment! I feel called to serve both animals and their people in meaningful ways. What’s cool is that what once felt like an “either-or” dream — athletics or veterinary medicine — has turned into a “why not both” journey. I’m now chasing both passions at once.”
During this pursuit she has dabbled in strongman! sprint triathlons! ultra trail running and grip sport for fun.
“I found Hyrox after realizing I loved both running and lifting and started searching for hybrid fitness events!” Newell said. “I came across it one day and the moment I saw it included heavy
sled work and weighted lunges between 1K runs! I was in.
I signed up for my first race while recovering from a knee injury! and even though it nearly broke me! I was determined to try it again and do better…It blends endurance and strength in a way that’s raw and intense. You don’t have to specialize! you have country wise email marketing list to be a well-rounded! gritty athlete. I also love that it’s standardized worldwide! so you can compare your time with anyone! anywhere. The community behind it is pretty amazing as well. Racing inside a packed convention center! you’ll have complete strangers cheering you on.”
In 2023 Newell played a season of professional women’s tackle football for the Oregon Ravens! but tore her ACL and meniscus during a game! which sidelined her from contact sports. Between both knees! she has torn both ACLs! multiple menisci! and had several surgeries but never stopped chasing her athletic goals.
Chrish Newell! right! and partner Jess Contreras!
left! compete in the sled pull station during the HYROX 2025 Atlanta Doubles in late April. They qualified for the World Championships scheduled Sunday! June 15! 2025! in Chicago. (Photo courtesy Chrish Newell)
A HYROX competition starts with a one-kilometer run security of payment followed by one of eight workout stations and then repeated eight times. A typical race would follow this pattern: 1km run! Ski Erg (1000m)! 1km run! Sled Push (50m)! 1km run! Sled Pull (50m)! 1km run! Burpee Broad Jumps (80m)! 1km run! Rowing (1000m)! 1km run! Farmers taiwan lists Carry (200m)! 1km run! Sandbag Lunges (100m)! 1km run! Wall Balls (100).
“I train eight to 14 hours a week while uggling
18 to 21 credits in vet school and a 60-mile commute!”
Newell said. “I’ll often squeeze in a run between classes
and lift in the evening.
During long cardio sessions! I’ll even listen to lectures! it’s a grind! but I love it.”