Keira McManus Becomes First Female Three-Time CrossFit World Champion

In July, 16-year-old Keira McManus etched her name in history as the first female athlete in CrossFit to win three teenage world championships. Competing in the age 16-17 category at the 2026 CrossFit Games held in California, Keira triumphed over 19 competitors, marking her third consecutive victory after clinching the title in the age 14-15 category twice before.

"I'm quite proud of myself because of all the training that went into it, and I've had such a busy year of competing," said Keira, reflecting on her journey. "To end the season with a win is just incredible and I'm really happy with it."

CrossFit is known for its high-intensity training that combines weightlifting, gymnastics, and running, among other disciplines. Athletes engage in various scored challenges, with the title of "fittest on earth" awarded to winners at the annual CrossFit Games.

Keira's success comes as no surprise, given her family’s deep-rooted connection to fitness. "It has always been a part of my life because we own a family gym," she explained. Combat Fitness Stoke, located in Hanley, is operated by her parents, Joel and Lisa. During the pandemic, when the gym faced challenges, Keira turned to weightlifting and CrossFit, finding her passion in the sport. "We wanted to give them something they can carry through their lives - fitness - and obviously it's working," Joel remarked, emphasizing the family's commitment to supporting their children’s athletic pursuits.

Keira's dedication is evident in her rigorous training regimen, which encompasses 25 hours a week. She has demonstrated remarkable strength, managing to clean-and-jerk approximately 120kg (264lbs). To fuel her demanding training, she consumes around 3,500 calories daily, highlighting the importance of nutrition in her performance.

The Role of Nutrition in Athletic Performance

"We're in the game where you're eating for performance, so you're literally fuelling up all the time," Joel noted, underscoring the critical role of diet in athletic success.

Despite the pressures that come with high-level competition, Keira remains focused on her goals. "It's the pressure you put on yourself to perform. When you've had a bad session, it feels like the end of the world, but it's really not," she shared, acknowledging the mental challenges of her sport.

Keira credits her parents as role models and attributes part of her growth to training alongside her brother, Tyler, who is 22. "He's always alongside me, doing the workouts and pushing me," she said, noting how their sibling rivalry has spurred her development as an athlete.

Athlete Spotlights

Recently, Keira completed her GCSEs and has secured a place at Loughborough College in Leicestershire, where she will participate in the Diploma in Sporting Excellence program. This course, in collaboration with British Weight Lifting, is designed for young weightlifters showing significant potential.

"I want to be the best I can be," Keira stated, expressing her aspirations for a career in sports. Her father, Joel, feels a sense of pride in his daughter’s achievements, often becoming emotional during her competitions. "It's hard to put it into words; you just feel super proud," he said, reflecting on the journey they have shared as a family.