By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rican athlete Andrea Agüero has achieved a groundbreaking victory, winning the world championship title in the Visual category at the 2025 Adaptive CrossFit Games. This remarkable achievement recognizes her officially as “The Fittest on Earth” in her division, making her the second woman globally to earn this distinction.
Agüero’s journey to this momentous win is particularly inspiring. For years, she competed in conventional CrossFit competitions in Costa Rica, facing athletes without disabilities due to the lack of inclusive sporting opportunities in the country.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the rising trend of Adaptive CrossFit, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The growth of Adaptive CrossFit presents unique legal and business considerations. Gyms and trainers must ensure they are compliant with accessibility regulations and provide appropriate insurance coverage. Furthermore, waivers and liability forms should be carefully drafted to address the specific risks associated with adaptive athletes. This proactive approach not only protects the business but also fosters a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the crucial intersection of legality, business acumen, and inclusivity within the burgeoning field of Adaptive CrossFit. Ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for adaptive athletes requires not just physical adaptations but also careful consideration of legal and insurance practices. This proactive approach ultimately benefits everyone involved, fostering a stronger and more diverse CrossFit community. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this important topic.
This was my first competition as an adapted athlete. Here in Costa Rica, there aren’t any adapted competitions, so I always participated on equal terms with people without disabilities.
Andrea Agüero, 2025 Adaptive CrossFit Games Champion
The Visual category presents a unique set of challenges within Adaptive CrossFit. Athletes must perform each workout completely blindfolded, relying on a personal guide to navigate movements and transitions. Agüero’s husband took on this vital role, providing essential support and guidance throughout the competition.
Training blindfolded was like starting from scratch. I faced fears, insecurities, and the need to completely trust someone else. My husband was my guide, and without him, this achievement wouldn’t have been possible. It was impressive everything we experienced to reach that stage.
Andrea Agüero, 2025 Adaptive CrossFit Games Champion
Agüero lives with a visual impairment resulting from a rare combination of Stargardt disease and Retinitis Pigmentosa, two genetic conditions affecting central and peripheral vision. These conditions impact her ability to perceive depth, recognize faces and colors, and navigate independently in certain environments.
However, her visual impairment has become a catalyst, igniting a new chapter in her athletic career. Her victory at the Adaptive CrossFit Games stands as a testament to her unwavering determination, discipline, and passion for the sport.
This triumph not only elevates Costa Rica onto the global stage of CrossFit but also shines a light on the power of inclusive sport and the immense potential of athletes with disabilities. Agüero’s story is an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with dedication and perseverance, any obstacle can be overcome.
Agüero’s victory highlights the need for more inclusive sporting opportunities in Costa Rica and globally. Her dedication to training and competing despite the lack of adapted programs underscores the importance of creating more accessible and inclusive environments for athletes of all abilities.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Adaptive CrossFit Games
About Adaptive CrossFit Games:
The Adaptive CrossFit Games is a competition designed to showcase the abilities and athleticism of adaptive athletes from around the world. The Games offer a platform for individuals with various disabilities to compete in a challenging and supportive environment. It celebrates the power of inclusivity in sports and highlights the remarkable achievements of these athletes.
For further information, visit the nearest office of CrossFit
About CrossFit:
CrossFit is a branded fitness regimen involving constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. It emphasizes overall fitness and prepares athletes for a wide variety of physical challenges.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built upon a foundation of unwavering integrity and a dedication to serving the community. The firm champions innovative legal solutions tailored to a diverse clientele while actively working to demystify the law through educational initiatives. This commitment to empowering society with legal knowledge reflects their deep-rooted belief in fostering a just and informed citizenry.
