Tell us a little about you...

My name is Elena Budz and I'm from upstate New York. I moved to Las Vegas in the fall of 2022 to train with the Underdogs Training Camp to pursue my potential in the sport of CrossFit.

Where did your fitness/athletic journey begin? How did you get into the sport you're in now? 

My fitness/athletic journey began when I started gymnastics at the age of 10. After a few years of that, I transitioned into competitive/allstar cheerleading where that become my soul focus and passion for 6 years. At age 16 I decided to move on and that's where I found CrossFit. Since I had devoted my life to a team sport for so long, it was the individual aspect of CrossFit that made me fall in love with it immediately. The fact that my results and outcome came solely from the hard work I would put in, lit a fire inside me. And the rest is history :)

Tell us about your accolades:

Best finish at a semifinal was 2022 Atlas Games I came in 9th. Unfortunately in the beginning of the 2023 CrossFit Games season I ruptured my Meniscus. 

Do you Coach CrossFit?

 I currently coach CrossFit yes, and have been coaching for 6 years now.

Do you have a favorite dessert or cheat meal?

Pizza, homemade chocolate chip cookies, Mac n Cheese

What’s been your most memorable time so far as an athlete?

My most memorable times so far as an athlete have been the experiences I've gained, the places I've gotten to go, and all the love and support I've received along the way from so many people near and far. Also seeing my progress along the years with the most recent one being my 9th place finish at Semifinals this past year.

What have been some trying times in your athletic career (or life) and what have they taught you?

Things are temporary. Injuries, "bad" days, heartache, pain, failure....we all experience it as an athlete so no one is alone in that. But they don't last forever and in the end the struggles do truly make you a better/stronger athlete and person.

Tell us a little about your training regimen - do you follow specific training program(s), coaching/coaches, etc.? How do you prioritize your training over other aspects of life to reach this level of competitiveness?

I'm with Underdogs Athletics working with Justin Cotler :) Since starting my competitive journey in this sport, prioritizing my training has been the sole focus for me in order to maximize each day in the gym. I recently moved across the country to be with an incredible coach and athletes that way I am surrounded by like minded people that will in return level up my fitness.

What’s the biggest piece of advice that you’ve been given, that’s made an impact on you as an individual, that you wish to share with others for their journey?

You have the power to achieve whatever you want to. But everyone's journey looks different in achieving these dreams and that's okay. And along this journey don't forget the moments and memories that are made because those are the things that will be remembered the most. Enjoy the big and small moments, the good and bad ones, because they're all a part of your individual success story

What are some of your goals for yourself in the sport?

My biggest goal has always been to make it to the CrossFit Games as an individual. Along the journey to achieving that goal, I just want to make myself proud with my hard work and efforts that I put into each day

Why do you choose to partner with Swolverine?

I am choosing to partner with Swolverine because they are about what their brand, their supplements, and their products can do to help athletes maximize their potential in whatever sport or lifestyle they chose to take on. Swolverine's products are clean, tested, and have so many different products to chose from based on whatever goals you're trying to achieve

What are your favorite products to use from Swolverine?

My favorite products from Swolverine are Post, Creatine Monohydrate, Beta-Alanine, Clean Carbs, and Intra.