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Liam McCroary is a former professional footballer who now works full time as a prison officer and competes among the Elite 15 in HYROX. In this episode, Liam shares his journey from professional football into HYROX while balancing a demanding career in the prison service. We talk about confidence, growth, and learning to perform at a high level while competing alongside some of the best athletes in the sport. This is a positive conversation about belief, progress, and enjoying the challenge one race at a time.

Josh van Zeeland joins the 8x8 Podcast to talk about what happens when you suddenly find yourself racing at the front of HYROX. We get into the pressure of the Elite field, blocking out outside noise, mental battles at the top, and the moment you stop chasing and start believing you belong. We also talk future race times, the idea of a perfect HYROX relay, and what this sport could look like in the next few years. Straight talk. No fluff.

This week’s episode breaks the usual format, no structure, no script, just a real conversation with Luke Greer, the newcomer who’s already rewritten what’s possible in the UK HYROX scene. Luke has only been in the sport for a year and somehow he already holds the UK record. He walks into the studio looking like the most normal, down-to-earth guy… and then you remember he’s running times that don’t make sense for someone this early in their career. We ask him the question that everyone else has been whispering: “How does it feel to have the community calling you the future of HYROX?” And for the first time, he talks honestly about what that label does to him: the pressure, the excitement, and the expectations he’s still learning to carry. We go deeper into the three-year break he took from sport, the moment he quit his job after Chicago to go all-in, the speed he had long before HYROX, and what last week’s race in London meant to him on a personal level. It’s raw, funny, and real, exactly why he’s our first guest in the new “Rising Star” series.

In this episode, we sit down with Ida Mathilde Steensgaard, the athlete, yes, but more importantly, the person behind for a very real conversation about pressure, expectations, and the strange way imposter syndrome can creep in, even when you’re performing at a high level. We also get into the deeper question of why some people chase bigger and bigger goals. Is it because we genuinely love the challenge… or because it helps us avoid the tougher parts of life? Is it passion? Is it pain? Is it escape? Ida shares her experience qualifying for the World Championships, getting lost in a training bubble, and using that focus as a way to escape everything else happening around her.  She also opens up about the contrast between her corporate career and her life as a multisport athlete — and how she tries to keep both worlds balanced. A very honest look into ambition, pressure, and the mindset behind high performance: the happy and positive minded Ida Mathilde Steensgaard.

Tomas Tvrdik doesn’t exactly live life in the slow lane.  His friends call him T1000. He’s a husband, a dad, a soldier, and a guy who loves anything with an engine, but he’s also someone who decided that “average” wasn’t an option. He talks about what it’s like to live at a constant high heart rate, both in HYROX and in life. He went from 109 kilos to one of the athletes in the Elite 15, while juggling family life and joining the military at 37.  We hear why he chases adrenaline, how hard it is to shave off fractions of a second at this level, and what it felt like during the qualification race with Sean. We also touch on his podcast, his personality, and yes… his secret dance move.  It’s the story of someone who really meant it when he said “f*ck average”: a man who lives loud, trains hard, and refuses to let age or expectations set his limits.

Inside the Mind of Kate Davey: Crazy Energy, Real Friends & a Bloody Nose  In this episode of the 8x8 Podcast, Kate Davey brings her crazy energy, honesty, and humor to the table. She talks about the side of herself most people never get to see: from the random things she's obsessed with, to coming out of the water with a bloody nose. Kate opens up about what truly makes her happiest, how training keeps her grounded, and the mental strength she’s built along the way of recovery. She also shares how helping others ended up helping her, and how tough moments have taught her who her real friends are. This conversation is full of laughter, real talk, and pure “Kate energy.” You’ll definitely walk away inspired.

Tom Rodgers is a HYROX Elite athlete with the engine, focus, and discipline to compete at the top level. As a full-time police officer, he balances demanding shifts with intense training, building strength, speed, and strategy that make him stand out in the HYROX community. Currently sidelined by injury, Tom shares what it takes to stay disciplined, maintain his mindset, and prepare for the day he’s back on the course. This is a look at an athlete who combines elite potential with real-world grit — and why Tom Rodgers is one to watch. #TomRodgers #HYROX #HYROXElite #HybridAthlete #PoliceOfficer #Injury #RecoveryMindset #ElitePerformance

In this special 8x8 Pod episode, the HYROX Elite 15 share their best advice on how to cut 10 minutes off your HYROX time. Featuring Alexander Roncevic, Lauren Weeks, James Kelly, Dylan Scott, Tim Wenisch, Sean Noble, Jon Wynn, Hidde Weersma, Vivian Tafuto, Pelayo Menendez, Beau Willis, Jess Pettrow, Amy Bavilacqua, and Harry Thompson, this episode is packed with elite-level insights to help you race smarter, train harder, and perform better.

We finally made it happen!  After last week’s chaos, we’re back and this time we actually got to sit down with the amazing Vivian Tafuto. A former D1 swimmer turned hybrid fitness athlete, Vivian brings the perfect mix of insight, energy, and humor. The banter is top-tier. We laughed, we overshared, and somehow managed a proper conversation in between it all. From training talk to total behind-the-scenes mayhem, this episode has everything: laughs, chaos, and a seriously well-balanced athlete at the center of it. Watch for the laughs, stay for the chaos; it’s a good one. #8x8Podcast #VivianTafuto #PodcastLife #HybridAthlete #HYROX #HYROXWorld

We finally got to sit down with Hidde Weersma, one of the best HYROX athletes in the world — and honestly, this one hit different. What started as a chat about training and performance quickly became something deeper. We talked about balance, mindset, life, and what it really takes to stay grounded when you’re at the top. There’s also a really personal side to this story — a part of his life that made this win mean so much more than just a race. It’s a reminder that behind every athlete, there’s a person fighting battles we don’t always see. This conversation was moving, honest, and full of perspective. #HYROX #HiddeWeersma #Mindset #Performance #8x8Pod #AthleteStory #Balance #TheCostOfGreatness

Last year, Alexander Rončević said he wanted to dominate HYROX. This year he has started like he will, with a world record performance major 1. But behind the wins and records, there’s always a story people don’t see — the grind, the pressure, the moments that never make it to social media. Season 2 starts with Alex — the World Champion, the teacher turned athlete, the guy who somehow makes pain look easy. We talked about everything: how things changed with coach Tiago, what pressure really feels like when the sponsors and cameras show up, and what separates the champion from everyone else when the field is stacked and everyone’s ready to bleed for it. We even went a bit off-script — desert island albums, the “sex symbol” thing (you’ll want to hear his take 😅), and what his life might’ve looked like if HYROX had never existed. This one hits deeper. Welcome to Season 2. 🎧 Episode 1 with Alexander Rončević is out now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. #HYROX #AlexanderRoncevic #Podcast #Season2 #AthleteMindset #HYROXWorld #TrainingMindset #FitnessCulture

When it comes to dominance in the sport, Lauren Weeks might just have the most significant wins and the best winning average. But the real question is—are we ready to officially crown her the GOAT of HYROX? This conversation felt more like a fireside chat between two passionate individuals navigating the ups and downs of life, sports, and parenting. We quickly learn that, above all, Lauren is a mom first, athlete second. As we dive deeper, we discover her roots in New York, why she’s dedicated to helping others break into the sport, and her inspiring mission to motivate women from all walks of life to reach their full potential. With HYROX at the heart of this discussion, we also get a sneak peek into what to expect from Lauren as the Glasgow event approaches. Her unique ability to put her values first means she races without the pressure of expectations. We even asked the community whether you'd prefer the raw, unedited version of this conversation (where we get to know each other first) or a more refined take—and the raw version won by a landslide! Hope you enjoy this real, unfiltered conversation. Ryan

In Episode 10 of the 8x8 podcast Ryan & Lillie chat to Jess Pettrow from NOT BYRON BAY, as she prepared for the HYROX Las Vegas Elite 15 Major. In this episode we walked through her transition from being an Elite runner to Hyrox, the impact of her family on her performance, her fathers amazing transformation, views on modern day Hyrox coaches & how puma manage their athlete sponsorships. Jess is now all in on the sport and she bares all in this awesome conversation. If you wish to support Jess you can do so via her coaching program https://app.fitr.training/t/277119/ that is run by her and her husband Ted.    If you enjoyed this episode or any others - we would appreciate if you could SUBSCRIBE, LIKE and COMMENT. Without your support we wouldn't be able to grow and develop the channel to bring you these incredible athletes stories. As aways the craic was mighty and we appreciate the time given and the knowledge shared. 8x8 Instagram:   @8x8pod    Harry Instagram:  @jess_pettrow Lillie's Instagram:  @lilliebailey__   #HYROX #HYROXTraining #HYROXChallenge #HYROXWorldChampionship #HYROXAthlete #HYROXEvent #FitnessCompetition #FunctionalFitness #EnduranceTraining #HYROXCommunity #HYROX2025 #RaceDay #HYROXElite #HYROXJourney #HyroxNation #EnduranceEvents #FitnessMotivation #StrengthAndEndurance #ObstacleRace #FitnessAddict #HYROXCompetitor #HYROXResults #HYROXFamily #HYROXPerformance #HybridAthlete #StrengthEndurance

In Episode 9 of the 8x8 podcast Ryan & Lillie chat to Harry Thompson from England, as he prepares for the HYROX Las Vegas Elite 15 Major this Friday. In this episode Harry share with us how to perform while having a demanding career, his passion for wildlife and tortoises, philanthropy, how to succeed across many sports, some fun celebrities stories from his hometown and his challenges overcoming injuries.    If you wish to support AGS you could do so via this link https://www.adaptivegrandslam.com/ Adaptive Grandslam inspire and support injured veterans alongside of the disabled community. This is an initiative founded and run by injured veterans in the UK.   If you enjoyed this episode or any others - we would appreciate if you could SUBSCRIBE, LIKE and COMMENT. Without your support we wouldn't be able to grow and develop the channel to bring you these incredible athletes stories. As aways the craic was mighty and we appreciate the time given and the knowledge shared. All the best in Las Vegas this Friday Harry! We will be cheering you on! 8x8 Instagram:   @8x8pod    Harry Instagram:  @hpthompson32 Lillie's Instagram:  @lilliebailey__   #HYROX #HYROXTraining #HYROXChallenge #HYROXWorldChampionship #HYROXAthlete #HYROXEvent #FitnessCompetition #FunctionalFitness #EnduranceTraining #HYROXCommunity #HYROX2025 #RaceDay #HYROXElite #HYROXJourney #HyroxNation #EnduranceEvents #FitnessMotivation #StrengthAndEndurance #ObstacleRace #FitnessAddict #HYROXCompetitor #HYROXResults #HYROXFamily #HYROXPerformance #HybridAthlete #StrengthEndurance

In Episode 8 of the 8x8 podcast Ryan & Lillie chat to Pelayo Menendez Fernandez from Oviedo, Spain as he prepares for the HYROX Las Vegas Elite 15 Major this Friday. In this episode Pelayo share with us his philosophy on life and training, what it means to him to be the worlds leading hispanic athlete in the sport, how he balances three careers and the differences of living in Spain and the USA. Pelayo is far from a typical athlete and has strong morals for how to treat the planet, his longterm health and people.   Link to books and articles discussed: https://quizasvivirseaesto.com/    If you enjoyed this episode or any others - we would appreciate if you could SUBSCRIBE, LIKE and COMMENT. Without your support we wouldn't be able to grow and develop the channel to bring you these incredible athletes stories. As aways the craic was mighty and we appreciate the time given and the knowledge shared. All the best in Las Vegas this Friday Pelayo! Vamos con todo! 8x8 Instagram:   @8x8pod    Pelayo Instagram:   @pelayofelechosa  Lillie's Instagram:  @lilliebailey__   #HYROX #HYROXTraining #HYROXChallenge #HYROXWorldChampionship #HYROXAthlete #HYROXEvent #FitnessCompetition #FunctionalFitness #EnduranceTraining #HYROXCommunity #HYROX2025 #RaceDay #HYROXElite #HYROXJourney #HyroxNation #EnduranceEvents #FitnessMotivation #StrengthAndEndurance #ObstacleRace #FitnessAddict #HYROXCompetitor #HYROXResults #HYROXFamily #HYROXPerformance #HybridAthlete #StrengthEndurance