Meet Your Coaches: Say Hello to Cormac

Say Hello to Coach Cormac - Our Sports Mad Irishman Coach! 

Cormac has been living in Hanoi for the last four years, and part of the CFTH Coaching Team for the last two. Cormac describes himself as a sports enthusiast - and he practices what he preaches! Not only does he train to compete in CrossFit, but he is a committee member in charge of hurling/camogie for the Viet Celts, and he regularly partakes in triathlons! It’s a good thing that he spends his days teaching Physical Education to the youth of Hanoi - he is literally surrounded by sports all of the time!

Cormac brings a calming presence to our CFTH Community. He is always willing to help and jump in on any events and extracurriculars we have going on. He has also probably recruited more new members than anyone else! 

Read on to find out more about Cormac, including how the people of CFTH have shaped his time, his advice for anyone starting out, and even more sports that he loves! 

Certifications: Masters in Performance Sport Science, CrossFit Level 1, CrossFit Kids

Hometown: Wexford, Ireland

How did you get into CrossFit and how long have you been doing it? 
I watched the Rich Froning Documentary on Netflix and thought it looked cool, never looked back. 

Do you remember your first ever CrossFit workout? 
It was in an essentials class, Some variation of wall balls, kb swings and sit ups. 

What were your thoughts after? 
My thoughts were more focused on the weights and movements that the current gym members were doing, thinking I’d never get to that level. 

When and why did you decide to become a coach? 
Through GAA, I have always been interested in coaching, be it on the field training, or strength and conditioning in the gym. Then after a year or so of training CrossFit, I felt coaching CrossFit specifically would be something I would enjoy doing.
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What do you like about coaching?
 I love helping people reach their full potential. It's amazing when your coaching and someone does something they never thought they could do. Seeing smiles on faces after PB’s and workouts is great as a coach.

What advice do you have for people just getting started with CrossFit? 
Turn up and be patient! It will be frustrating at the start, you might feel like you're making no progress but it will come, give it time. Also make friends, chat to people. CrossFit is such a great way to meet new people. 

What is your favorite CrossFit Tay Ho moment?
 Hard to pinpoint one moment, but my favorite thing about CrossFit Tay Ho is the people. I have made so many friends since I arrived 4 years ago. It's such a welcoming environment and that’s what makes it great. 
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What is a fun fact that would surprise us about you? 
Outside of CrossFit and GAA, I also love following other sports such as Snooker, darts, golf and Tennis. I have been to numerous events over the years including Wimbledon, Darts/Snooker World championships and the Open in Golf. 

Cormac's Official Bio

Cormac is a sports enthusiast, active traveler and lover of all things fitness. He is an international teacher by day and Crossfit Coach by night. He hails from Wexford, Ireland but had been living abroad in Hanoi for the last 4 years. His two main loves in Hanoi are GAA and crossfit and he plays an active role in both communties. When he isn’t at school or the gym, you can find him at the driving range, trying new coffee shops, or planning his next holiday.