Molly O’Hara is not your typical high school freshman. At just 14 years old, she’s already making waves in the world of CrossFit, and her story is as inspiring as her impressive achievements.

Molly’s journey with CrossFit began at a remarkably young age. “I have formally been training in CrossFit since I was 5 years old,” she explains. “But I’ve been doing weight training and functional fitness for as long as I can remember. When I was three, I would lift light weights with my dad.” Her early start is evident in her accolades. Molly has triumphed in numerous local competitions, but her crowning achievement came when she won First Place in the World Wide CrossFit Open for the State of Florida. This victory earned her the title of the fittest 14-year-old in Florida and positioned her as the 32nd fittest 14-15 year old globally.

(Molly began training with her father at age 5. Here she is doing her first bench press 9 years ago.)

Despite her success, Molly remains grounded and motivated by her role models. “I really enjoy the Rocky movies,” she says. “Even though Rocky is a fictional character, his story of being the underdog and becoming a champion through hard work really inspires me.”

(Through the years Molly has grown strong. She is now among the top youth CrossFit stars in Florida.)

Athleticism runs deep in the O’Hara family. Molly’s mother was a collegiate softball player, her father was a weightlifter and football player, and her grandfather, ‘Coach O’ Bud O’Hara, was among the first football coaches at East Ridge High School (ERHS) when it opened in 2002. “My grandfather is in the East Ridge High School Sports Hall of Fame,” Molly proudly notes. “Representing ERHS is a blessing for me. I am excited to carry on the O’Hara legacy.”

Academics are just as important to Molly as athletics. With a GPA of 4.5, she has maintained straight A’s throughout her academic career. “Academics are very important to me, and I hope to continue that tradition in high school,” she says. Her dedication to her studies is matched by her athletic pursuits, and she is eager to contribute to the ERHS Bowling Team, the Girls Weightlifting Team, and the Softball Team—despite only being one week into her freshman year.

(Molly “Center” competes at a recent CrossFit competition. CrossFit is growing more popular every year around the USA.)

Molly’s passion for CrossFit is driven by her love of competition. “I love the adrenaline and determination that comes with competing,” she shares. “CrossFit is a great way to show your athleticism and when I’m competing, I feel like I can accomplish anything.” Her goals extend beyond her current successes; she dreams of standing on the podium alongside legends like Tia Toomey and representing the United States on an even larger stage.

Outside of CrossFit, Molly enjoys playing softball with her travel team, WICKED, and finds relaxation in jigsaw puzzles and reading. Family time is also precious to her. “I love going on vacation with my family, especially camping and cruises,” she says. “Being the middle child, my sisters are really special to me, and I love hanging out with them. My parents aren’t half bad either!” she said chuckling.

As she embarks on her high school journey, Molly O’Hara is not just balancing academics and athletics; she is setting new standards for what’s possible for a young CrossFit athlete. While her high school career is just beginning, Molly O’Hara is a name that we will be talking about for many years to come!

Photo Credit – Daniel O’Hara