Haley Adams Sharp and Relaxed Ahead of CrossFit Games 2026: "It Feels Like Home Again"

With just a few weeks to go, Haley Adams is deep in the final phase of her CrossFit Games 2026 preparation. From North Carolina, the American elite athlete is putting in long training days with trusted people around her and a clear strategy pointing toward California.

Back to Basics in North Carolina

In the lead-up to the Games, Haley Adams made a deliberate choice to return to Lexington, North Carolina, where her family lives and where she trained from a young age. It's no coincidence.

"It's really nice to be here," she says. "I haven't trained this intensively here since I was seventeen, so it feels special."

She trains at CrossFit Hogtown, a gym she has frequented for years. The familiar environment makes an immediate difference, from members who have known her since childhood to a social atmosphere that helps her push through the long training days.

Two Training Blocks Per Day

As you'd expect from a Games athlete, Adams' days are intensive and structured. She typically trains in two blocks:

Morning: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Afternoon/Evening: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Still, she emphasizes that it's not all-out effort around the clock. "I'm not going full throttle the entire time. I also take time to talk and just relax in the gym," she says. That balance appears essential during a phase when both physical and mental demands run high.

Collaboration with Her Coach

For her programming, Haley Adams works with Brute Strength. What stands out is that the collaboration is far from one-sided.

"I definitely give feedback," she explains. "He could say, 'this is how we're doing it,' but he actually listens. That works well, because I know my body too."

This back-and-forth between coach and athlete is becoming increasingly important at the elite level. Adams has been in the sport for years and knows exactly what works for her, and what doesn't.

Focus on Endurance and Versatility

Training in this phase places a heavy emphasis on conditioning and all-round capacity. Thursday, for instance, was entirely dedicated to cardio, combining running and swimming.

Notable is her self-awareness: while she doesn't consider herself a top swimmer, she ranks among the best within CrossFit. "For CrossFit, I'm a good swimmer," she says matter-of-factly. "Not like the Australians, but I'm usually right behind them."

That grounded perspective typifies her approach: realistic, yet confident.

Heading to California with Experience and Calm

With her tenth appearance at the CrossFit Games, Haley Adams is now one of the seasoned names in the field, though she doesn't necessarily see herself that way.

"It's strange," she says. "I've always felt like one of the youngest."

It's precisely that combination of experience and fresh perspective that makes her a serious threat heading into the Games. She knows what's coming, yet remains flexible and relaxed.

A Solid Foundation, a Clear Mission

Haley Adams' preparation is a reminder that elite performance isn't just about volume and intensity, it's also about environment, trust, and balance. With her family close by, a familiar gym, and a coach who truly listens, she's standing on solid ground.

And that could make all the difference when the competition heats up in California.