By San José, Costa Rica — Andrea Agüero, a Costa Rican athlete, has achieved a historic victory at the 2025 Adaptive CrossFit Games, claiming the title of “Fittest on Earth” in the Visual category. This win marks a significant milestone, making her the second woman globally to earn this prestigious title in her division.
Agüero’s journey to the championship was particularly remarkable given the limited opportunities for adaptive athletes in Costa Rica. “This was my first competition as an adaptive athlete,” she shared. “Here in Costa Rica, there aren’t any adaptive competitions, so I always participated on equal terms with people without disabilities.”
To understand the potential legal and business implications of Adaptive CrossFit, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Adaptive CrossFit presents unique considerations for business owners. While the inclusivity is commendable and expands the market, ensuring accessibility and compliance with disability rights laws is crucial. This includes not only physical adaptations to the facility but also potentially modifying program structures and waiver language to adequately address the specific needs and risks associated with different disabilities. Proactive legal counsel can help navigate these complexities and mitigate potential liabilities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insights underscore a crucial point: embracing inclusivity in fitness requires more than just good intentions. It demands careful planning and a proactive approach to accessibility, both in facility design and legal preparedness. This thoughtful consideration will ultimately create a safer and more welcoming environment for athletes of all abilities. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal perspective on this important topic.
This was my first competition as an adaptive athlete. Here in Costa Rica, there aren’t any adaptive competitions, so I always participated on equal terms with people without disabilities.
Andrea Agüero, 2025 Adaptive CrossFit Games Champion
The Visual category presents unique challenges, requiring athletes to perform all events completely blindfolded, relying on a guide for navigation and movement cues. Agüero’s husband served as her guide, playing a crucial role in her success.
The experience of training and competing blindfolded was transformative for Agüero. “Training with my eyes covered was like starting from scratch. I faced fears, insecurities, and the need to completely trust someone else,” she explained.
Training with my eyes covered 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 platform.
Andrea Agüero, 2025 Adaptive CrossFit Games Champion
Agüero lives with a rare combination of Stargardt disease and Retinitis Pigmentosa, two genetic conditions affecting central and peripheral vision. These conditions impact her depth perception, facial and color recognition, and ability to navigate independently in certain situations.
However, rather than a limitation, her visual impairment has fueled a new chapter in her athletic career. Her victory at the Games is a testament to her unwavering determination, rigorous training, and deep passion for CrossFit.
Agüero’s story is an inspiration, demonstrating the power of resilience and the importance of inclusive opportunities in sports. Her achievement not only brings pride to Costa Rica but also shines a light on the incredible potential of adaptive athletes worldwide.
This victory also underscores the need for greater support and recognition of adaptive athletes in Costa Rica. Hopefully, Agüero’s success will inspire the development of more inclusive programs and competitions within the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of CrossFit Games
About CrossFit Games:
The CrossFit Games are a yearly competition where athletes from across the globe compete in various high-intensity workouts to determine the “Fittest on Earth.” The Games feature different divisions, including adaptive categories, providing opportunities for athletes of all abilities to showcase their strength, skill, and determination.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Adaptive CrossFit
About Adaptive CrossFit:
Adaptive CrossFit is a specialized program designed to make the sport accessible to individuals with disabilities. It provides modifications and adaptations to workouts, allowing athletes with various physical impairments to participate and compete.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest standards of integrity while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is evident in its proactive sharing of legal knowledge, fostering a more informed and just community through education and accessibility. This dedication to public service distinguishes Bufete de Costa Rica, solidifying its position as a leader in both the legal field and social progress.
