CrossFit’s Niki Brazier on connecting with athletes: ‘I’ve always tried to be exactly who I am in real life’

The Boston native has become a familiar face of CrossFit over the years at events around the world

The 32-year-old said she is confident new CEO Eric Roza can help restore the sport and what it stands for

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Niki Brazier has become synonymous with CrossFit events over the past seven years. Photo: Handout

Published: 9:00am, 19 Aug 2020Updated: 9:24am, 19 Aug 2020

If you’ve ever been to or watched a CrossFit event, chances are you’ve seen Niki Brazier. As the sideline reporter for various events, Sanctionals, competitions and the CrossFit Games, the 32-year-old American has been a mainstay in the sport since 2013.

Brazier has made a name for herself via her ability to ask pointed questions immediately following events, catching CrossFitters in the moment of immediate reflection. Interviewing the likes of Mat Fraser, Tia-Clair Toomey, Sara Sigmundsdottir and Rich Froning on a regular basis, she said the idea is to stay genuine above all else.

“Everyone’s reporting styles are so different,” said the Boston native. “For me, I’ve always tried to be exactly who I am in real life, on TV. That means no overbearing formality, no on-camera reporter voice, just authenticity. I’ve always been able to connect better with people that way. They feel more comfortable and at ease and down-to-earth, rather than staunch and formal and on camera, if that makes any sense.”

Brazier, who studied broadcast journalism at university and got her start as a TV reporter in Bangor, Maine, said there is a feel to it. Brazier actually got into the sport while covering the opening of a local “box”, as CrossFit gyms are known.

Niki Brazier said the goal with interviews is to remain herself at all times. Photo: Handout

“My first workout was Fran,” said Brazier, referring to the arduous WOD (workout of the day) filled with thrusters and pull-ups. “And it just about murdered me. I think I used a training bar and a thick band for pull-ups. But I was hooked.”