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THE WORK BETWEEN THE COMPETITIONS ❋ Linda Keesman
Nationality: Netherlands
Sport: CrossFit
Home Gym: Vondelgym
For Linda Keesman, becoming a professional athlete hasn't been about chasing motivation. It's been about learning to love the work that happens between competition weekends. We spoke with Linda about how CrossFit became her career, the routine behind professional sport and what she's still working towards.
THE WORK BETWEEN THE COMPETITIONS ❋ Linda Keesman
Nationality: Netherlands
Sport: CrossFit
Home Gym: Vondelgym
For Linda Keesman, becoming a professional athlete hasn't been about chasing motivation. It's been about learning to love the work that happens between competition weekends. We spoke with Linda about how CrossFit became her career, the routine behind professional sport and what she's still working towards.
01 — THE BEGINNING
I WAS OBSESSED FROM THE START.
There was no plan to become a professional athlete. Growing up, sport was simply something Linda enjoyed. Then, in 2016, she walked into a gym close to home and found something that immediately felt different.
What did sport look like for you before CrossFit, and how did you first discover it?
"As a little kid, I did gymnastics and played football. Then as a student, I joined a rowing club and started doing some fitness group classes. It was all for fun and nothing at a high level.
After studying abroad in South Africa, I had gained some weight, so back home in the Netherlands I signed up for a new gym close to home. Officially, it was a strength and conditioning gym, but it was basically CrossFit.
This was in 2016, when I touched a barbell and lifted weights for the first time. Within weeks, my goal shifted from losing a few kilos to getting strong, being able to do a pull-up and learning some other RX movements. I was obsessed from the start."
01 — THE BEGINNING
I WAS OBSESSED FROM THE START.
There was no plan to become a professional athlete. Growing up, sport was simply something Linda enjoyed. Then, in 2016, she walked into a gym close to home and found something that immediately felt different.
What did sport look like for you before CrossFit, and how did you first discover it?
"As a little kid, I did gymnastics and played football. Then as a student, I joined a rowing club and started doing some fitness group classes. It was all for fun and nothing at a high level.
After studying abroad in South Africa, I had gained some weight, so back home in the Netherlands I signed up for a new gym close to home. Officially, it was a strength and conditioning gym, but it was basically CrossFit.
This was in 2016, when I touched a barbell and lifted weights for the first time. Within weeks, my goal shifted from losing a few kilos to getting strong, being able to do a pull-up and learning some other RX movements. I was obsessed from the start."
02 — THE WORK
Learning to love the routine
Competition is the part people see. The reality of being a professional athlete is mostly everything in between: the repetition, the recovery and the countless ordinary days when the work still has to be done.
What does life as a professional CrossFit athlete really look like?
"Being a professional athlete means there is a lot of routine, and most weeks look exactly the same.
It’s also a lot of the little things: accessory work in the gym, recovery and chilling on the couch. It’s not as flashy as many people think it is.
It’s really important that you love the “boredom” of training because there are only a few weekends of competition each year. I can honestly say I love the routine."
What has pursuing CrossFit taught you, and what keeps you showing up?
"It has taught me that you can achieve something if you really want it, but also that you need to trust the process. It sounds cliché, but it’s a cliché for a reason.
I want to find out what I can become and achieve. There’s only one way to find out: by putting in the work."
Who are you outside CrossFit, and what are you working towards right now?
"A very chaotic and happy person! I love spending time with my people, going to the beach or having dinners with good talks.
Right now, I’m working on rehabbing my elbow injury and getting back to 100%. And then the goal is to qualify for the Games again in 2027."
02 — THE WORK
Learning to love the routine
Competition is the part people see. The reality of being a professional athlete is mostly everything in between: the repetition, the recovery and the countless ordinary days when the work still has to be done.
What does life as a professional CrossFit athlete really look like?
"Being a professional athlete means there is a lot of routine, and most weeks look exactly the same.
It’s also a lot of the little things: accessory work in the gym, recovery and chilling on the couch. It’s not as flashy as many people think it is.
It’s really important that you love the “boredom” of training because there are only a few weekends of competition each year. I can honestly say I love the routine."
What has pursuing CrossFit taught you, and what keeps you showing up?
"It has taught me that you can achieve something if you really want it, but also that you need to trust the process. It sounds cliché, but it’s a cliché for a reason.
I want to find out what I can become and achieve. There’s only one way to find out: by putting in the work."
Who are you outside CrossFit, and what are you working towards right now?
"A very chaotic and happy person! I love spending time with my people, going to the beach or having dinners with good talks.
Right now, I’m working on rehabbing my elbow injury and getting back to 100%. And then the goal is to qualify for the Games again in 2027."