Alexis Rufus spine surgery patient

Alexis Rufus’s life was built around competing at the highest levels in Muay Thai kickboxing, and latterly the Crossfit Games. Her career in both pursuits came to an abrupt end as a result of her spine injuries. She talks about the impact on her identity and how the psychological strain compared with her experience with eating disorders.

Topic list:

0:39 - What’s the history of your back procedures?
2:42 - Was surgery an option previously?
3:25 - Thai boxing for 10 years and the professional fighter circuit.
6:06 - The move to crossfit and reaching the World Games after 3 years.
8:00 - The great physical toll of competitve Crossfit.
9:40 - The Spondylolisthesis diagnosis and the numerous clinical opinions.
11:50 - You have to decide what’s the quality of life you want?
13:27 - Back to normal life and planning that.
15:35 - One day you feel good and the next….
16:40 - It all started to get a bit dark.
18:55 - Still working in the gym and crossfit environment.
20:30 - It was my identity. This wasn’t my choice.
23:05 - Anxiety and depression since surgery and past anorexia.
27:10 - What is taken away and acceptance.
30:10 - What are you working on to build back? A physical or identity rebuild?
34:05 - Returning to your previous physicality isn’t an option.
38:50 - Does coaching others help?
43:15 - Speaking and to others in the same position is big deal.