Alec Smith: CrossFit Champion to Grid League Competitor – A Comprehensive Profile

Alec Smith has built his career on versatility. A former gymnast turned CrossFit athlete who recently joined the Grid League, Smith brings a rare combination of strength and gymnastics skills to every competition he enters. His transition to the Grid League in 2024 marks an exciting new chapter in an already impressive athletic career.

Grid League History and Accomplishments 

The Daytona Beach Venom signed Smith mid-season in 2024, with his debut coming at the Olympia Expo in Las Vegas. While new to the Venom, Smith was no stranger to Grid competition, having previously competed with the Boston Iron alongside future Fort Lauderdale Lion head coach Jaime Gold.

Smith’s enthusiasm for his new team and sport is clear. “I love Grid. I actually like it even more than CrossFit. It’s so fast-paced and really high-skill. It’s everything I love to do,” he said after signing. His impact was immediate, leading him to commit to the Venom for the 2025 season as the team prepares for their relocation to Las Vegas.

Athletic Background

Smith’s foundation in athletics began with gymnastics, where he competed for eight years. This background proved invaluable as he moved into CrossFit, where he qualified for the Games four times – twice as an individual and once with CrossFit Krypton’s team, securing second place in 2019.

His high school athletic career was equally impressive. Smith earned 21 varsity letters across multiple sports:

– Four years of volleyball, including a state championship his senior year

– Four years of track and field

– Four years of swimming and diving, earning MVP honors three consecutive years

In one particularly memorable competition, Smith faced off against strongman Thor Bjornsson (The Mountain from Game of Thrones) in a clean ladder at the 2017 WOW Stronger event in Iceland, showcasing his ability to compete across different strength sports.

Early Life and Personal Background

Born September 16, 1992, Smith grew up in what became known as “the fittest family in the world.” His older brother Ben Smith is a CrossFit legend, having qualified for the CrossFit Games 12 times and winning the title “Fittest Man in the World” in 2015. Along with their brother Dane, the Smith brothers train together at CrossFit Krypton in Chesapeake, Virginia.

In 2019, Smith shared his personal journey by coming out as gay through an emotional video. He spoke openly about recognizing his attraction to men at age 12 and his initial struggles with self-acceptance. “It’s been a struggle. It really has. My whole life I’ve known I was different. When I was 12 years old, I was attracted to guys, and I hated myself for being attracted to guys. It led me to hide who I was.” In 2022, Smith got engaged to his partner Riley Hedstrom.

Professional Life

Smith has built his career around fitness and coaching. He works as a CrossFit coach at CrossFit Krypton, where he also coordinates their CrossFit Kids program. His coaching extends to gymnastics, working with the boys team at Gymstrada Gymnastic in Virginia Beach. Smith shares his expertise through “Accessories with Alec,” providing training tips and programming to help others improve their fitness.

Training and Competition Approach

Smith’s training typically includes five workout days with two active recovery days. He’s known for experimenting with various recovery techniques, including hyperbaric chamber therapy, while maintaining that different recovery methods work for different athletes.

His unique combination of gymnastics skills and strength makes him particularly valuable in team competitions. As a gymnastics specialist for the Daytona Beach Venom, Smith can tackle complex movements while still contributing to strength-based events, making him a versatile asset in the fast-paced Grid League format.