If you walked into Premier CrossFit on any ordinary Tuesday evening, you’d see Jericho Littauer coaching a class of everyone from advanced athletes, fitness beginners, to stay-at-home moms. You’ll see him explaining movements, making modifications, teaching quality form, encouraging, and motivating each person to push outside of their comfort zone.
But if you didn’t take a hint based on the size of his upper body that earned him the nick-name “gorilla”, you might not realize that he is an elite athlete and competitor. Athletic ability and strength have always been a strong suit of his…. Wrestling as a teen and being no stranger to the gym as an adult.
But in 2012, he found CrossFit.
Jericho excelled in CrossFit and quickly entered the competitive arena. In the four years since he began he’s competed in Wodapalooza in Miami, The Granite Games in Minnesota, and The Fittest games twice. In the 2014 Open, he earned one of the highly coveted spots at Regionals… When the top elite athletes from the South, Southwest, Latin America Region come together to compete in a grueling, several-day event to see who will claim one of the top five spots and earn the opportunity to compete in the CrossFit Games in California. Jericho proudly finished 15th at regionals in 2014 which is no small accomplishment given the incredibly high level of competitors.
He returned and trained even harder for the next year, ready to return in 2015. But during the Open, that goal faded away at the hands of a jumprope… A story you can read here.
Jericho didn’t waste any time letting the 2015 disappointment keep him down. That only stoked the fire inside of him. He trained with more fervor than ever before.
But only months before the 2016 Open, Jericho tore his bi-cep while training at Invictus in California. With such a serious injury, his training had to be limited to things that wouldn’t prohibit the healing process. It became doubtful that he would be able to regain all of his strength and ability and make up for modified training in time for the 2016 Open. But though it looked like 2016 might not be his year again, his outlook and perspective stayed strong. He said that through the challenge of being injured, he got the chance to take a step bac
k and through that he gained perspective and learned the value of pursuing balance in all areas of life even while chasing his goals and dedicating himself to training.
He not only made a full and complete recovery, but also advanced even further in his strength and ability, smashing old personal records just before the Open came.
Through the five weeks of the Open, his performances soared to the top of the leader boards, earning him the spot to compete in Regionals which will be held this week-end.
So much could be said about Jericho. He moves weight like it’s nothing, he has an iron mindset and laser-focused determination that makes him excel in competitions, and he is truly an incredible athlete. But even more than those obvious and extraordinary accomplishments, it’s his humility and strength of character that makes him impressive. He thrives not only in training and competing but in helping someone get their first box jump, giving encouragement and confidence to those who lack it, giving a tip that changes the way someone lifts forever. He’s down to earth, he works hard every single day without complaint, and he uplifts everyone around him. That’s why we love him!
His training: Jericho’s training consists of at least two sessions a day, totally about 2-3 hours a day. He rests two days a week. A sizable chunk of his time is spent in recovery doing things such as arosti, massage, chiropractor, and physical therapy.
His food: If you spend much time with Jericho, you will see him eating. He eats constantly. He says that much of his diet consists of simple, easy foods that he can prepare himself. Sausage and eggs, oatmeal, tuna, sweet potatoes, and basic vegetables are all staples in his diet.
The one exercise he can’t stand: Running. His least favorite “girl” is Helen which consist of running, kettlebell swings, and pull-ups.
His favorite movement: Any heavy lift. Particularly heavy snatches or cleans.
We are looking forward to supporting Jericho as he competes this week-end at Regionals!
