CrossFit Games semi-finalist Alexsandra Buzunova says ‘with great power, comes great responsibility’ as favourite tag adds pressure

Alexsandra Buzunova comes top in the region in the quarter-finals, and fears letting the opportunity to progress to the CrossFit Games slip

Finishing first is a blessing and a curse for the shy CrossFitter not used to the spotlight

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Alexsandra Buzunova is in pole position to go to the CrossFit Games. Photo: Handout

Published: 7:45am, 30 Apr 2021Updated: 7:45am, 30 Apr 2021

Alexsandra Buzunova finished top of the Asia region in the CrossFit Games quarter-finals, and is looking at the great performance as a blessing and a curse as she progresses to the Asia semi-finals, one step closer to the Games.

“Do you remember Spiderman? ‘With great power, comes great responsibility’,” the Russian said. “Now I came first, I feel the pressure of responsibility on my shoulders. I know it’s a good chance to go further. I have a little fear to lose this chance. But, with this, I enjoy it. I enjoy this chance and I’m full of interest to go further and compete with the top athletes in the world.”

The CrossFit Games changed its qualification process this year. The top 10 per cent in the online Open progressed to continental quarter-finals, which was also online. The winners progress to one of 10 continental in-person semi-finals, ensuring at least one athlete from each continent makes the Games, though the Asia event will be virtual due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. Before the CrossFit Games, there will be a last-chance qualifier for athletes who narrowly miss the cut in the semi-finals.

Buzunova is now in a great position to qualify for the Games, going into the Asia semi-finals on June 18-20 with the momentum of her quarter-final win behind her.

Alexsandra Buzunova feels extra pressure to make the CrossFit Games after finishing top of the quarter-finals.

“I didn’t expect it. I dreamed to be in the top five. But first place, it’s something we didn’t expect at all,” she said.