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Iceland Annie: The Evolution of a CrossFit Games Legend
An inspiring memoir by CrossFit legend Annie Thorisdottir, the first woman to win the CrossFit Games twice.
In 2011, Annie Thorisdottir earned the title “Fittest Woman on Earth” after winning the CrossFit Games in only her second year as a competitor. In 2012, she did it again, becoming the first woman to ever hold the title twice and solidifying herself amongst the CrossFit greats.
Iceland Annie is the story of how she got there, but also everything that happened after. From first entering the CrossFit scene at the 2009 Games when she famously performed her first ever muscle-up mid-competition, to becoming a two-time winner and mentor to athletes like Katrin Davidsdottir, to surviving the difficult birth of her daughter and battling postpartum depression while fighting to return to the sport—which she successfully did in 2021, placing third at the Games less than a year after giving birth.
Now, for the first time ever, Annie shares the intimate details of her career, delving into her mental resilience, determination, and the struggles and triumphs she’s faced as top level competitor over three separate decades.
In 2011, Annie Thorisdottir earned the title “Fittest Woman on Earth” after winning the CrossFit Games in only her second year as a competitor. In 2012, she did it again, becoming the first woman to ever hold the title twice and solidifying herself amongst the CrossFit greats.
Iceland Annie is the story of how she got there, but also everything that happened after. From first entering the CrossFit scene at the 2009 Games when she famously performed her first ever muscle-up mid-competition, to becoming a two-time winner and mentor to athletes like Katrin Davidsdottir, to surviving the difficult birth of her daughter and battling postpartum depression while fighting to return to the sport—which she successfully did in 2021, placing third at the Games less than a year after giving birth.
Now, for the first time ever, Annie shares the intimate details of her career, delving into her mental resilience, determination, and the struggles and triumphs she’s faced as top level competitor over three separate decades.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 15, 2026
*ARC for Written Copy and Audiobook given by NG*
Anyone who has ever participated in functional fitness or spent time in CrossFit knows who Annie Thorisdottir is. She's one of the OGs of the sport and someone who has contributed immensely to its growth. Her story is incredibly relatable, especially when she talks about being a lifelong athlete, getting burned out, and walking away from college sports. I enjoyed reading about her accomplishments and what it took to become one of the sport's greatest athletes.
Even though I'm not a mom, the chapter about returning from maternity leave and hitting that incredible snatch lift was one of the most inspiring parts of the book. I also appreciated reading about the friendships she built and how those relationships evolved throughout her career.
CrossFit was once a sport built on the idea that fitness was for everyone—that anyone could become an athlete and prove they could do hard things. Unfortunately, while much of Annie's story was inspiring, it also unintentionally highlighted many of the issues that have pushed people away from the sport today.
CrossFit has increasingly become a pay-to-play sport, where access to elite coaching, training camps, travel, and resources often determines who has the best chance to succeed. Beyond that, there are ongoing concerns about favoritism, gatekeeping of Games spots, and protecting established athletes. I was disappointed by what felt like a lack of humility and acknowledgment of these issues and her part in them. Many of the sport's biggest names, including Annie, have had long, successful careers, (inability to create another career) yet there seems to be little willingness to step aside or recognize the barriers facing the next generation of athletes—the same opportunities they themselves were once given. Which once again, is a big issue amongst the sport especially those who come from wealthier families/upbringings.
Overall, I enjoyed learning about Annie's life and career, but I couldn't help seeing it as a reflection of both the legacy of CrossFit and the challenges that have changed the sport from what it once was.
*Reminder reading is subjective*
Anyone who has ever participated in functional fitness or spent time in CrossFit knows who Annie Thorisdottir is. She's one of the OGs of the sport and someone who has contributed immensely to its growth. Her story is incredibly relatable, especially when she talks about being a lifelong athlete, getting burned out, and walking away from college sports. I enjoyed reading about her accomplishments and what it took to become one of the sport's greatest athletes.
Even though I'm not a mom, the chapter about returning from maternity leave and hitting that incredible snatch lift was one of the most inspiring parts of the book. I also appreciated reading about the friendships she built and how those relationships evolved throughout her career.
CrossFit was once a sport built on the idea that fitness was for everyone—that anyone could become an athlete and prove they could do hard things. Unfortunately, while much of Annie's story was inspiring, it also unintentionally highlighted many of the issues that have pushed people away from the sport today.
CrossFit has increasingly become a pay-to-play sport, where access to elite coaching, training camps, travel, and resources often determines who has the best chance to succeed. Beyond that, there are ongoing concerns about favoritism, gatekeeping of Games spots, and protecting established athletes. I was disappointed by what felt like a lack of humility and acknowledgment of these issues and her part in them. Many of the sport's biggest names, including Annie, have had long, successful careers, (inability to create another career) yet there seems to be little willingness to step aside or recognize the barriers facing the next generation of athletes—the same opportunities they themselves were once given. Which once again, is a big issue amongst the sport especially those who come from wealthier families/upbringings.
Overall, I enjoyed learning about Annie's life and career, but I couldn't help seeing it as a reflection of both the legacy of CrossFit and the challenges that have changed the sport from what it once was.
*Reminder reading is subjective*
July 21, 2026
Reading this leading up to the CrossFit Games was perfect timing! Annie is one of the OGs and GOATs of the sport and I enjoyed my time reading her story!
Thank you St Martin’s for the gifted ARC!
Thank you St Martin’s for the gifted ARC!
June 26, 2026
Iceland Annie
By: Annie Thórisdóttir
Pub Date: 7/7/2026
Memoir
When I tell you I jumped up and down when I received the advanced digital copy from St. Martin’s Press & NetGalley, I mean I literally jumped up and down. And when I saw that Annie herself read the audio, and Macmillan Audio blessed me with an advanced copy for review - actual hollering. I am so thankful to have had a chance to read and listen, and provide my honest and original thoughts.
I have been doing CrossFit for 10ish years. I’m from the Reebok Nano generation - not the first wave of addicts but the pre-NoBull commercialized-era for sure. For a while, it was a big part of my personality, not just my fitness routine. I also currently hold an L1… though I only show up for WODs 5 days/week and not 7 any more.
I ADORE the CF OG’s. I follow most of them on the socials and love to watch them transition from badass athlete to parent. It really is the coolest thing.
I love Annie. Her positivity is contagious and her smile is infectious. Hearing her CF origin story in her own words felt like sitting on the couch, chatting with a friend. She shares so openly and honestly. 10/10 experience.
Thanks for sharing your story with the world, Annie.
By: Annie Thórisdóttir
Pub Date: 7/7/2026
Memoir
When I tell you I jumped up and down when I received the advanced digital copy from St. Martin’s Press & NetGalley, I mean I literally jumped up and down. And when I saw that Annie herself read the audio, and Macmillan Audio blessed me with an advanced copy for review - actual hollering. I am so thankful to have had a chance to read and listen, and provide my honest and original thoughts.
I have been doing CrossFit for 10ish years. I’m from the Reebok Nano generation - not the first wave of addicts but the pre-NoBull commercialized-era for sure. For a while, it was a big part of my personality, not just my fitness routine. I also currently hold an L1… though I only show up for WODs 5 days/week and not 7 any more.
I ADORE the CF OG’s. I follow most of them on the socials and love to watch them transition from badass athlete to parent. It really is the coolest thing.
I love Annie. Her positivity is contagious and her smile is infectious. Hearing her CF origin story in her own words felt like sitting on the couch, chatting with a friend. She shares so openly and honestly. 10/10 experience.
Thanks for sharing your story with the world, Annie.
May 5, 2026
This book is for everyone. A must if you work with athletes. A must if you experience a set back. A must if you become a mother.
I loved the story telling, I loved the raw and relatable moments. Well done, Annie, a top recommendation from me.
I loved the story telling, I loved the raw and relatable moments. Well done, Annie, a top recommendation from me.
July 18, 2026
The audiobook Iceland Annie by Annie Thorisdottir is fantastic. It is narrated by the author which always makes a memoir audiobook better. Annie writes about her personal journey growing up in Iceland, finding competitive sports in gymnastics, and then her journey to and through CrossFit. She also writes about her decision to have a family and her experience with postpartum. Annie is not only immensely strong physically, but mentally as well. And it shines in this book. I appreciated how much life Annie Thorisdottir put into her narration. It felt like a very close friend confiding in her deepest secrets about her life. I listened to this audiobook in almost one sitting because it was so good! Kudos to Annie! Five Stars!
Thank you Macmillan Audio for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own,
Thank you Macmillan Audio for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own,
July 13, 2026
I’ve waited over a year for this memoir. And it was worth it. I’ve always wanted to know more about Annie. I’ve always admired her. And after she became a mom she became sort of an icon for me. Listening to her go through adulthood and motherhood and everything In between. This was everything I wanted and more.
July 9, 2026
I have a confession, I really don’t know much about CrossFit and have never tried it myself….and I still really enjoyed this book! Yes there is a lot about CrossFit but there is so much more to Annie’s story.
She doesn’t hold back and was really honest about her life and upbringing and how she got into CrossFit. She’s hella competitive and strong and I love seeing female athletes get the spotlight. We also see another side to her, as she discusses topics like femininity and grief and resilience. Her vulnerable moments are just as strong and inspiring as her CrossFit wins. Ok yes those wins were VERY impressive but I hope you get my point!
Also, as a side note, one of my favorite places I have ever visited was Iceland and I loved learning more about the culture there!
She doesn’t hold back and was really honest about her life and upbringing and how she got into CrossFit. She’s hella competitive and strong and I love seeing female athletes get the spotlight. We also see another side to her, as she discusses topics like femininity and grief and resilience. Her vulnerable moments are just as strong and inspiring as her CrossFit wins. Ok yes those wins were VERY impressive but I hope you get my point!
Also, as a side note, one of my favorite places I have ever visited was Iceland and I loved learning more about the culture there!
Did Not Finish
July 14, 20262026 DNF, 7/14: GOT TO 11% (OR ~39 PAGES). My 14th DNF of 2026. I just couldn't get into this book, and it will be a helpful data point for the new Book Selection scoring part of my reading process. On a scale of 1–5, it scored a 3.6 ("Good candidate, but with notable risk or tradeoffs"), reinforcing that I will probably reserve my time for books that score as STRONG candidates or higher.
The publication-day audit question was: "Does the memoir build a resilient human arc beyond CrossFit achievement recap?" With only a couple days of post-publication data available, the answer appeared to be, "Mostly yes. Human resilience/postpartum comeback is present, but CrossFit achievement remains the spine."
Sports memoirs are always a bit of a gamble for me because I have virtually no personal interest in sports. That said, I've also rated several very highly—most notably Andre Agassi's Open, which remains my gold standard for the genre.
The difference wasn't tennis versus CrossFit. It was the narrative engine.
By page 39, I knew more about Annie's life events than I did about Annie as a person. I learned about her childhood, her early gymnastics experience, her desire to recreate the feeling of performing for an audience, and a brief foreshadowing of the difficult childbirth that would later change her perspective. But I never found the central human question that made me urgently want to know what happened next. She hadn't even reached CrossFit by the time I stopped reading.
In Open, I was immediately pulled into Andre Agassi's complicated relationship with his father, his hatred of tennis despite becoming one of its greatest players, and the psychological cost of extraordinary achievement. The sport itself became almost irrelevant because the person was so compelling.
Here, the memoir felt more chronological than revelatory. There wasn't an uncomfortable truth, surprising contradiction, or emotional hook that made Annie feel like a fully realized person beyond the facts of her life.
It's also fair to acknowledge that my own life circumstances probably lowered my tolerance for a slow start. However, experience has shown me that truly exceptional books still capture my attention during stressful periods, so I think this is a meaningful data point rather than simply bad timing.
Future Book Selection note: This DNF doesn't necessarily mean the memoir fails to develop into a compelling human story later—I only experienced the first 11%. The lesson for my book selection process is narrower: memoirs that haven't established a strong storytelling hook or central human question within the first 10% carry significantly higher risk for me, especially when they're competing against hundreds of other books for limited reading time.
One week after publication, Iceland Annie currently has a 4.67-star average by 48 GR peeps.
The publication-day audit question was: "Does the memoir build a resilient human arc beyond CrossFit achievement recap?" With only a couple days of post-publication data available, the answer appeared to be, "Mostly yes. Human resilience/postpartum comeback is present, but CrossFit achievement remains the spine."
Sports memoirs are always a bit of a gamble for me because I have virtually no personal interest in sports. That said, I've also rated several very highly—most notably Andre Agassi's Open, which remains my gold standard for the genre.
The difference wasn't tennis versus CrossFit. It was the narrative engine.
By page 39, I knew more about Annie's life events than I did about Annie as a person. I learned about her childhood, her early gymnastics experience, her desire to recreate the feeling of performing for an audience, and a brief foreshadowing of the difficult childbirth that would later change her perspective. But I never found the central human question that made me urgently want to know what happened next. She hadn't even reached CrossFit by the time I stopped reading.
In Open, I was immediately pulled into Andre Agassi's complicated relationship with his father, his hatred of tennis despite becoming one of its greatest players, and the psychological cost of extraordinary achievement. The sport itself became almost irrelevant because the person was so compelling.
Here, the memoir felt more chronological than revelatory. There wasn't an uncomfortable truth, surprising contradiction, or emotional hook that made Annie feel like a fully realized person beyond the facts of her life.
It's also fair to acknowledge that my own life circumstances probably lowered my tolerance for a slow start. However, experience has shown me that truly exceptional books still capture my attention during stressful periods, so I think this is a meaningful data point rather than simply bad timing.
Future Book Selection note: This DNF doesn't necessarily mean the memoir fails to develop into a compelling human story later—I only experienced the first 11%. The lesson for my book selection process is narrower: memoirs that haven't established a strong storytelling hook or central human question within the first 10% carry significantly higher risk for me, especially when they're competing against hundreds of other books for limited reading time.
One week after publication, Iceland Annie currently has a 4.67-star average by 48 GR peeps.
Read
July 5, 2026(I do not rate memoirs.)
For several years, I followed a lot of CrossFit content and became very familiar with a lot of the major names, including Annie Thorisdottir. I always appreciate memoirs for the opportunity to get a look into someone’s experience and how that shaped them. As I started reading this memoir, I found myself really engaged with Annie’s perspective on her upbringing, and what led her to become the competitor that she is today. Towards the 60% mark, my interest started to wane, not because things have changed significantly, but more because they hadn’t. At a certain point, the memoir became more about the grind of the CrossFit competitions, and less about personal introspection. That did shift towards the later pages of the memoir where she discusses her decision with her partner Frederick to start their family and her journey to coming back to competition after becoming a mother. The fact that these events which took place in 2021 made up the final pages of the memoir, which is just about to come out which is coincidentally before the tragic death of another CrossFit competitor at the opening event of the 2024 CrossFit games, which has changed a lot about how many competitors approached the sport. It also came before her transition to participating as a team member which from the way that she ended this memoir seems a bit odd because she ended the memoir on the high note of her third place finish in the 2021 games seeming like she was completely done with CrossFit. It’s interesting to think about what led into these various decisions, but overall I do still recommend this memoir.
For several years, I followed a lot of CrossFit content and became very familiar with a lot of the major names, including Annie Thorisdottir. I always appreciate memoirs for the opportunity to get a look into someone’s experience and how that shaped them. As I started reading this memoir, I found myself really engaged with Annie’s perspective on her upbringing, and what led her to become the competitor that she is today. Towards the 60% mark, my interest started to wane, not because things have changed significantly, but more because they hadn’t. At a certain point, the memoir became more about the grind of the CrossFit competitions, and less about personal introspection. That did shift towards the later pages of the memoir where she discusses her decision with her partner Frederick to start their family and her journey to coming back to competition after becoming a mother. The fact that these events which took place in 2021 made up the final pages of the memoir, which is just about to come out which is coincidentally before the tragic death of another CrossFit competitor at the opening event of the 2024 CrossFit games, which has changed a lot about how many competitors approached the sport. It also came before her transition to participating as a team member which from the way that she ended this memoir seems a bit odd because she ended the memoir on the high note of her third place finish in the 2021 games seeming like she was completely done with CrossFit. It’s interesting to think about what led into these various decisions, but overall I do still recommend this memoir.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Iceland Annie is the vulnerable and inspiring memoir by CrossFit games champion Annie Thorisdottir. Prior to picking up Iceland Annie, I had never heard of her, but that in no way took away from my enjoyment of this memoir. If you are a sports fan who likes personal stories of strength, achievement, setbacks, and comebacks, you will enjoy this memoir whether or not you are a CrossFit fan.
Annie shares in honest detail the many highs and lows of competing at the professional level. And while Annie is competing at the highest level in the world, her peaks and valleys are relatable to the average amateur athlete—the stakes and the output (in pounds, watts, and volume) is just lower. I appreciated hearing Annie’s journey with injury, mental battles, and her postpartum experience, as well as the different treatments she sought to heal from them.
I also enjoyed the peeks into Iceland’s culture, such as the tight-knit community and their thoughts on women with muscular bodies (spoiler: very different than the US’s). Overall, this a readable memoir that I highly recommend, especially if you like sports memoirs.
Favorite excerpts:
“His challenges allow me to practice that skill. By daring me to try hard things, he tells me that he believes that I can do them. By making them optional, he teaches me how to be brave: by feeling scared . . . then deciding to do it anyway.“
“But this is Iceland. The small networks of social connections in my country provide everyone with a link to someone who has been successful in some field and therefore perceive that they have the opportunity to do it as well. Watching Berglind vault gracefully into the air, I’m struck by that quintessential Icelandic thought: If she can do it, so can I.”
“Everybody thinks that getting to the next level is about learning how to play at the next level, but it’s really about learning how to suffer at the next level.”
“Not liking parts of myself I can’t change feels like a waste of time, and as of today, I can’t afford to waste time.”
“‘If you’re still feeling bad, think about why you wanted to do this in the first place. All of you have your own reasons for being here. Hold onto those this weekend. Emotions will lie to you, but your values won’t.’”
“Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship.”
“‘It feels scary because it’s unfamiliar, not because you’re incapable.’”
“It occurs to me that sport is compelling largely because of risk. The joy of winning relies on the pain of losing. Take that away and even the most impressive feats of athleticism become bland, all sugar and no salt. That is the dark pact at the heart of competition: suffering is part of the fun, too.”
“‘Since when is winning the barometer of getting better?’”
“But grief and joy are not opposites. They live side by side in my chest, one never fully eclipsing the other. It’s like Katrín said. We never “get over” or “move on” from loss. We are forced to make space for it. We carry it. We learn to live with it. And, sometimes, we thrive in spite of it.”
Annie shares in honest detail the many highs and lows of competing at the professional level. And while Annie is competing at the highest level in the world, her peaks and valleys are relatable to the average amateur athlete—the stakes and the output (in pounds, watts, and volume) is just lower. I appreciated hearing Annie’s journey with injury, mental battles, and her postpartum experience, as well as the different treatments she sought to heal from them.
I also enjoyed the peeks into Iceland’s culture, such as the tight-knit community and their thoughts on women with muscular bodies (spoiler: very different than the US’s). Overall, this a readable memoir that I highly recommend, especially if you like sports memoirs.
Favorite excerpts:
“His challenges allow me to practice that skill. By daring me to try hard things, he tells me that he believes that I can do them. By making them optional, he teaches me how to be brave: by feeling scared . . . then deciding to do it anyway.“
“But this is Iceland. The small networks of social connections in my country provide everyone with a link to someone who has been successful in some field and therefore perceive that they have the opportunity to do it as well. Watching Berglind vault gracefully into the air, I’m struck by that quintessential Icelandic thought: If she can do it, so can I.”
“Everybody thinks that getting to the next level is about learning how to play at the next level, but it’s really about learning how to suffer at the next level.”
“Not liking parts of myself I can’t change feels like a waste of time, and as of today, I can’t afford to waste time.”
“‘If you’re still feeling bad, think about why you wanted to do this in the first place. All of you have your own reasons for being here. Hold onto those this weekend. Emotions will lie to you, but your values won’t.’”
“Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship.”
“‘It feels scary because it’s unfamiliar, not because you’re incapable.’”
“It occurs to me that sport is compelling largely because of risk. The joy of winning relies on the pain of losing. Take that away and even the most impressive feats of athleticism become bland, all sugar and no salt. That is the dark pact at the heart of competition: suffering is part of the fun, too.”
“‘Since when is winning the barometer of getting better?’”
“But grief and joy are not opposites. They live side by side in my chest, one never fully eclipsing the other. It’s like Katrín said. We never “get over” or “move on” from loss. We are forced to make space for it. We carry it. We learn to live with it. And, sometimes, we thrive in spite of it.”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this Audio-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a huge CrossFit fan, who has watched Annie for almost her entire career, I am amazed at her ethos, her growth and how she becomes the person she is today. The way she describes getting bored with a workout plan, how she's constantly achieving; she needs a new goal and a new challenge at all times, but then how it all evolves after Freya is born.
I love hearing of Annie's early life- how she came to CrossFit, how she was supported so heavily from her entire family; her relationship with Frederik (I had to text my husband telling him I was delayed because Frederik and Annie just kissed for the first time and I can't stop listening!), and how she navigates the challenges of injury, heat stroke, the psychology behind overcoming that and also navigating the post-partum depression and fitness. The way she talks about hiding in the back corner of the gym so she can pee herself while doing double unders is so real for so many women.
It's an interesting situation to be in- Annie doesn't really recognize the privilege she has as a CF Games winner- she has more than enough money to travel around the world, meet specialists and hire coaches for literally everything she needs in order to become The Fittest on Earth. This isn't so much a deterrent to Annie- it just makes me feel really sad for people who DON'T have that access.
Overall, I loved this book and would listen to it again whenever I needed some more motivation when things stall for me. Annie has been an inspiration to me in my CrossFit and fitness journeys since I started. Will I ever be as fit as Annie? Hell no. But her story will absolutely inspire another woman in the future and that is what matters most. Congratulations, Annie, on this achievement.
As a huge CrossFit fan, who has watched Annie for almost her entire career, I am amazed at her ethos, her growth and how she becomes the person she is today. The way she describes getting bored with a workout plan, how she's constantly achieving; she needs a new goal and a new challenge at all times, but then how it all evolves after Freya is born.
I love hearing of Annie's early life- how she came to CrossFit, how she was supported so heavily from her entire family; her relationship with Frederik (I had to text my husband telling him I was delayed because Frederik and Annie just kissed for the first time and I can't stop listening!), and how she navigates the challenges of injury, heat stroke, the psychology behind overcoming that and also navigating the post-partum depression and fitness. The way she talks about hiding in the back corner of the gym so she can pee herself while doing double unders is so real for so many women.
It's an interesting situation to be in- Annie doesn't really recognize the privilege she has as a CF Games winner- she has more than enough money to travel around the world, meet specialists and hire coaches for literally everything she needs in order to become The Fittest on Earth. This isn't so much a deterrent to Annie- it just makes me feel really sad for people who DON'T have that access.
Overall, I loved this book and would listen to it again whenever I needed some more motivation when things stall for me. Annie has been an inspiration to me in my CrossFit and fitness journeys since I started. Will I ever be as fit as Annie? Hell no. But her story will absolutely inspire another woman in the future and that is what matters most. Congratulations, Annie, on this achievement.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Iceland Annie: the Evolution of a CrossFit Games Legend by Annie Thorisdottir
Audiobook narrated by Annie Thorisdottir
Publish date: July 7, 2026
This is an autobiography written by a CrossFit legend, Annie Thorisdottir (the subtitle exactly describes this book). I have seen Annie from a few CrossFit documentaries, and I have hard time saying no to a biography of an athlete. She is candid, easy to relate to (if being a bit too much of an overachiever), and extremely competitive, which I would imagine absolutely necessary in such sport. This looks back her young life through competing in CrossFit, even after having a child. I love that she is very body positive, and I also learned a few things about Icelandic culture.
Audiobook is well narrated, and I enjoyed her Icelandic accent. There are some sections that were voiced over, which I hear from time to time in other audiobooks as well. These insertions are not very frequent and didn't bother me that much. It was also a little too long and tedious (I can't begin to imagine how heavy or light of weights she is lifting, not practicing sports - so I don't have to hear it every time she lifts something, but I am sure this is an impressive figure if you knew weight lifting).
An advanced copy of this audiobook was provided courtesy of NetGalley and Macmillan Audio. Opinions stated herein are my own. Thank you!
Audiobook narrated by Annie Thorisdottir
Publish date: July 7, 2026
This is an autobiography written by a CrossFit legend, Annie Thorisdottir (the subtitle exactly describes this book). I have seen Annie from a few CrossFit documentaries, and I have hard time saying no to a biography of an athlete. She is candid, easy to relate to (if being a bit too much of an overachiever), and extremely competitive, which I would imagine absolutely necessary in such sport. This looks back her young life through competing in CrossFit, even after having a child. I love that she is very body positive, and I also learned a few things about Icelandic culture.
Audiobook is well narrated, and I enjoyed her Icelandic accent. There are some sections that were voiced over, which I hear from time to time in other audiobooks as well. These insertions are not very frequent and didn't bother me that much. It was also a little too long and tedious (I can't begin to imagine how heavy or light of weights she is lifting, not practicing sports - so I don't have to hear it every time she lifts something, but I am sure this is an impressive figure if you knew weight lifting).
An advanced copy of this audiobook was provided courtesy of NetGalley and Macmillan Audio. Opinions stated herein are my own. Thank you!
July 28, 2026
In this inspiring memoir from CrossFit legend Annie Thorisdottir, she explores how she got her start in sports and worked her way up into becoming the first woman to win the CrossFit Games twice. Learning about her growth as an athlete in a brand-new sport, the book combines her growth as a competitor and the history of CrossFit into one compelling and intense story. The book delves into the highs and lows of her career and personal life as she sought to balance her family with the intense training required for these notoriously difficult and unpredictable competitions. Emotional and detailed, readers will love the clarity of the prose and Thorisdottir’s awareness of her journey to this point and the challenges she faced from others and from herself. The centrality of her family and relationships will be deeply relatable to readers, while her desire to continuously challenge herself is awe-inspiring and impressive. The time span of the book is not overwhelming, and the book is well-organized in its chronological structuring. With so much to cover, Thorisdottir’s memoir is fascinating, detailed, and inspiring, and readers will love seeing how her athletic career unfolded over three decades of competition at the highest CrossFit level.
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the advance copy.
July 26, 2026
As a former CrossFitter from the 2009 era, this one was a trip down memory lane.
Annie Thorisdottir, two time CrossFit Games champion and twelve time Games veteran, tells her own story in this memoir. From bursting onto the scene at the 2009 Games and famously hitting her first ever muscle-up mid-competition, to podium finishes (2x Fittest on Earth), recovering from injury, and her stunning comeback placing third at the 2021 Games less than a year after giving birth.
The training stories, the Games events, the athletes she mentions along the way, all of it brought back my own CrossFit memories. The sport has evolved, the events getting wilder and more demanding every season, and Annie’s perspective on that evolution is fascinating. She highlights her relentless and indomitable spirit, the drive to be the best that shes had her entire life. She is candid and vulnerable in ways you might not expect, sharing the hard parts of her career and personal life with an openness that makes her feel genuine and relatable.
The best part of the audiobook is that Annie narrates it herself. Her voice and her warmth make the whole experience feel like sitting down with her directly. A must listen for CrossFit fans old and new.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Annie Thorisdottir, two time CrossFit Games champion and twelve time Games veteran, tells her own story in this memoir. From bursting onto the scene at the 2009 Games and famously hitting her first ever muscle-up mid-competition, to podium finishes (2x Fittest on Earth), recovering from injury, and her stunning comeback placing third at the 2021 Games less than a year after giving birth.
The training stories, the Games events, the athletes she mentions along the way, all of it brought back my own CrossFit memories. The sport has evolved, the events getting wilder and more demanding every season, and Annie’s perspective on that evolution is fascinating. She highlights her relentless and indomitable spirit, the drive to be the best that shes had her entire life. She is candid and vulnerable in ways you might not expect, sharing the hard parts of her career and personal life with an openness that makes her feel genuine and relatable.
The best part of the audiobook is that Annie narrates it herself. Her voice and her warmth make the whole experience feel like sitting down with her directly. A must listen for CrossFit fans old and new.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2026
I have loved having Iceland Annie's story as my companion over the past 2 weeks. What a journey!
I first learned about CrossFit through the Fittest On Earth documentaries and when I saw that one of the OG athletes was publishing a book, I had to check it out. Annie Thorisdottir shares her childhood, her love of competition and the challenges and injuries she faced, with great storytelling and the vulnerability that only comes from hard won wisdom.
I love how she embraces her emotions and uses them. She is strong and sensitive, and she shows how strength and resilience is inherently feminine. I felt so many emotions on this ride! It was surprising, it made me happy and almost made me cry there at the end. One of my favourite takeaways were her thoughts on grief. She shares that her joy and grief are not opposites but that they live side by side in her. I love this concept.
I do wish she shared a little bit about her plans for the future at the end. I believe she is now officially retired as a professional athlete, which she doesn't address.
If you're not familiar with Annie Thorisdottir or even with CrossFit, but you like memoirs and stories of resilience, this is a book worth checking out!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for the Advanced Listener Copy!
I first learned about CrossFit through the Fittest On Earth documentaries and when I saw that one of the OG athletes was publishing a book, I had to check it out. Annie Thorisdottir shares her childhood, her love of competition and the challenges and injuries she faced, with great storytelling and the vulnerability that only comes from hard won wisdom.
I love how she embraces her emotions and uses them. She is strong and sensitive, and she shows how strength and resilience is inherently feminine. I felt so many emotions on this ride! It was surprising, it made me happy and almost made me cry there at the end. One of my favourite takeaways were her thoughts on grief. She shares that her joy and grief are not opposites but that they live side by side in her. I love this concept.
I do wish she shared a little bit about her plans for the future at the end. I believe she is now officially retired as a professional athlete, which she doesn't address.
If you're not familiar with Annie Thorisdottir or even with CrossFit, but you like memoirs and stories of resilience, this is a book worth checking out!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for the Advanced Listener Copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Annie recount her journey from childhood gymnastics to repeat CrossFit Games champion to motherhood and then back to the Games! As a former CrossFitter, I remember watching so many of the events she describes competing in. Hearing her account brought back all of that excitement and emotion that I felt as a spectator (and competitor, though nowhere near elite level). It was so much fun!
One thing that stood out to me about Annie's journey and success was the strong support system she had, even from childhood. It is easy to see where she gets her grit and determination. I appreciated her account of her postpartum journey, which was far different and more difficult than she anticipated. I found it incredibly relatable in comparison to my own journey of early motherhood.
I thought that Annie and Christine Bald did a really great job of following the theme of "evolution" though the entirety of the book. I did find it to be a little on the longer side for a memoir and wonder if the details of so many CrossFit events would be difficult to follow for a reader who is not as familiar with the structure and movements of CrossFit.
I enjoyed Annie's narration quite a lot! Since I have been listening to her on through Games broadcasts, interviews, and podcasts since 2013 (when I started CrossFit), it was like listening to an old friend tell me a story.
Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the free ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One thing that stood out to me about Annie's journey and success was the strong support system she had, even from childhood. It is easy to see where she gets her grit and determination. I appreciated her account of her postpartum journey, which was far different and more difficult than she anticipated. I found it incredibly relatable in comparison to my own journey of early motherhood.
I thought that Annie and Christine Bald did a really great job of following the theme of "evolution" though the entirety of the book. I did find it to be a little on the longer side for a memoir and wonder if the details of so many CrossFit events would be difficult to follow for a reader who is not as familiar with the structure and movements of CrossFit.
I enjoyed Annie's narration quite a lot! Since I have been listening to her on through Games broadcasts, interviews, and podcasts since 2013 (when I started CrossFit), it was like listening to an old friend tell me a story.
Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the free ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve always been drawn to books about athletes, especially those who have faced setbacks that would have ended most careers. Winning is impressive, but resilience is what keeps me turning the pages.
Annie’s story is about far more than CrossFit titles. It’s about perseverance, rebuilding after injuries, handling disappointment, and finding the determination to keep showing up when the path isn’t easy. Those are the stories that inspire me the most.
Even if you’re not a CrossFit athlete, there’s something relatable in her journey. The mental battles, the sacrifices, the comeback after setbacks, and eventually balancing elite competition with motherhood all remind us that life rarely follows a straight line.
As someone who enjoys memoirs from athletes who have overcome adversity, I really enjoyed this book. Annie’s honesty, grit, and love for the sport shine through, and I finished it with even more respect for everything she accomplished. If you enjoy stories of resilience and determination, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a read.
Annie’s story is about far more than CrossFit titles. It’s about perseverance, rebuilding after injuries, handling disappointment, and finding the determination to keep showing up when the path isn’t easy. Those are the stories that inspire me the most.
Even if you’re not a CrossFit athlete, there’s something relatable in her journey. The mental battles, the sacrifices, the comeback after setbacks, and eventually balancing elite competition with motherhood all remind us that life rarely follows a straight line.
As someone who enjoys memoirs from athletes who have overcome adversity, I really enjoyed this book. Annie’s honesty, grit, and love for the sport shine through, and I finished it with even more respect for everything she accomplished. If you enjoy stories of resilience and determination, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a read.
July 19, 2026
I have always been slightly obsessed with Annie since she won the CrossFit Games the first time. So reading this memoir was a no-brainer.
I think she is just a different breed of athletic specimen. She is on a totally different playing field compared to most other women/humans. No doubt she works her ass off, anyone who follows her IG can attest to that. But man….. she is just…. Different. Anyway, that’s my take on her.
But the book read a lot like a fictional story at times, with lots of quotes and a LOT of personal insight that a teenager or tween would NEVER have made or thought. The first two parts were really good. The last part wasn’t as good because it wasn’t as “training heavy.” And sometimes she waxes on poetically or philosophically, when it’s not needed.
But still great insight into a woman who I thought was invincible. I like it when I realized that she was just a human…. Not a machine.
I think she is just a different breed of athletic specimen. She is on a totally different playing field compared to most other women/humans. No doubt she works her ass off, anyone who follows her IG can attest to that. But man….. she is just…. Different. Anyway, that’s my take on her.
But the book read a lot like a fictional story at times, with lots of quotes and a LOT of personal insight that a teenager or tween would NEVER have made or thought. The first two parts were really good. The last part wasn’t as good because it wasn’t as “training heavy.” And sometimes she waxes on poetically or philosophically, when it’s not needed.
But still great insight into a woman who I thought was invincible. I like it when I realized that she was just a human…. Not a machine.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Iceland Annie: The Evolution of a CrossFit Games Legend is an inspiring look at Annie Thorisdottir’s journey from a young athlete in Iceland to becoming a two-time CrossFit Games champion and one of the sport’s most influential figures. Rather than simply recounting victories, the book focuses on her growth — highlighting the injuries, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt that shaped her resilience and mental toughness. It offers an honest portrayal of what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Accessible and motivating, the book emphasizes mindset over mechanics, making it appealing not just to CrossFit fans but to anyone interested in perseverance and high performance. While it doesn’t dive deeply into training specifics, it succeeds as a story of grit, evolution, and the relentless pursuit of improvement.
Accessible and motivating, the book emphasizes mindset over mechanics, making it appealing not just to CrossFit fans but to anyone interested in perseverance and high performance. While it doesn’t dive deeply into training specifics, it succeeds as a story of grit, evolution, and the relentless pursuit of improvement.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you, Net Galley, for this Arc!
Audiobook.
As a CrossFit Lover, I was excited to listen to Annie's memoir about her time in CrossFit. It was great that she narrated the book herself as well. It was easy to understand despite her accent, even listening at 2x speed. The story itself was very well done. The structure she chose to tell the story kept me really intrigued. Despite watching all the CrossFit games and documentaries and behind the scenes, you never really know what's going on with the athletes. This memoir definitely pointed out how much these athletes have to sacrifice and push to be in the top. There was a lot of great motivating quotes that will stick with me. I enjoyed that Annie touched on her postpartum and training afterwards.
I think if you are a female athlete or love CrossFit you would enjoy this memoir.
Audiobook.
As a CrossFit Lover, I was excited to listen to Annie's memoir about her time in CrossFit. It was great that she narrated the book herself as well. It was easy to understand despite her accent, even listening at 2x speed. The story itself was very well done. The structure she chose to tell the story kept me really intrigued. Despite watching all the CrossFit games and documentaries and behind the scenes, you never really know what's going on with the athletes. This memoir definitely pointed out how much these athletes have to sacrifice and push to be in the top. There was a lot of great motivating quotes that will stick with me. I enjoyed that Annie touched on her postpartum and training afterwards.
I think if you are a female athlete or love CrossFit you would enjoy this memoir.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Iceland Annie: The Evolution of a CrossFit Games Legend by Annie Thorisdottir is a wonderful book detailing the challenges and obstacles of a professional athlete. The book is approachable and engaging, and I particularly appreciated Annie's honesty about her journey, warts and all. She shares genuine wisdom on the mental aspects of pushing yourself further than you think possible, and how to overcome fear, pressure, and anxiety — feelings that any athlete can relate to, not just professionals. As someone currently training for my first marathon, I found myself drawing directly on her tools to persevere even when I wanted to give up. This book has an appeal that reaches well beyond the CrossFit community. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about overcoming challenges, the lives of professional athletes, or simply finding the mental strength to push through adversity.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Iceland Annie is an engaging and surprisingly introspective look at the making of one of CrossFit’s most iconic athletes, Annie Thorisdottir. Rather than simply recounting competitions and training milestones, the book digs into the emotional and psychological evolution behind her public persona—her resilience after injury, her relationship with pressure, and the quiet discipline that shaped her into a two‑time Games champion. The narrative balances grit with vulnerability, offering a portrait of an athlete who is both formidable and deeply human. As an advance reader copy, it reads like a candid, behind‑the‑scenes conversation, making it compelling not just for CrossFit fans but for anyone fascinated by the inner architecture of excellence.
July 7, 2026
I love reading about women that are the best at what they do. The drive, the sheer grit, the internal motivation. I am here for it.
I also have periods where I am VERY into watching the CrossFit games. I find them fascinating and Annie is one of my favourites. So this book was clearly for me.
Annie has contained so much internal motivation since she was a child and I truly think that’s what has gotten her so far. She knows what she wants and she has no problem putting the work in to get there.
This is exactly what I want when I read memoirs. The highlights of how they made it but not too much of the boring background. This significantly focuses on her CrossFit experiences which I loved. Annie is a legend.
Pub date: July 7
Thank you stmartinspress for the book.
I also have periods where I am VERY into watching the CrossFit games. I find them fascinating and Annie is one of my favourites. So this book was clearly for me.
Annie has contained so much internal motivation since she was a child and I truly think that’s what has gotten her so far. She knows what she wants and she has no problem putting the work in to get there.
This is exactly what I want when I read memoirs. The highlights of how they made it but not too much of the boring background. This significantly focuses on her CrossFit experiences which I loved. Annie is a legend.
Pub date: July 7
Thank you stmartinspress for the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was really interesting. Learning about her upbringing, her parents and how she was raised helps us understand her mindset and how she thinks about sport. It's fascinating to hear how she managed to get to the point she is. She is truly inspiring, and hearing about her pregnancy and mental health was amazing. I felt like workout descriptions were going into too much, but I'm guessing this might be a plus for other people. I listened to the audio version, at first I was unsure about the narration, but in the end, who could tell this story better than the athlete herself!?
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2026
As a huge CrossFit fan, I was so excited to learn more about Annie Thorisdottir. I loved hearing about her experiences competing in CrossFit and how she balances elite athletics with motherhood. Her journey is both inspiring and insightful, especially for anyone who appreciates the dedication it takes to perform at such a high level.
My only critique is that her accent is quite strong at times, which occasionally made parts of the narration a little harder to understand. That said, if you enjoy autobiographies and sports memoirs, you’ll definitely enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this audiobook ARC!
My only critique is that her accent is quite strong at times, which occasionally made parts of the narration a little harder to understand. That said, if you enjoy autobiographies and sports memoirs, you’ll definitely enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this audiobook ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As a huge crossfit fan, I have followed Annie's career throughout the years. This was a fantastic timeline of what brought her to eventually find crossfit and her career through the years. I loved the details and insights into her process and thoughts. It was very tedious and workout focused so if you don't find that subject fascinating I do think this could feel like too much detail.
Annie did her own narration which I really appreciate! Loved hearing her Icelandic accent throughout the book.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Annie did her own narration which I really appreciate! Loved hearing her Icelandic accent throughout the book.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Not me already crying through the intro 😭🤣
As a former crossfitter, current fitness enthusiast, and mom of a young child, I loved this memoir. I have always been a fan of Annie’s, and hearing her story in her own words just made me like her even more. She has incredible grit and determination, overcoming so many obstacles over the course of her CrossFit career. The story of her struggle back to herself as a new mom was all too relatable.
HIGHLY recommend the audio, as Annie reads it herself. There is no better way to experience this one!
4.75 ⭐️ rounded up
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of the audiobook!
As a former crossfitter, current fitness enthusiast, and mom of a young child, I loved this memoir. I have always been a fan of Annie’s, and hearing her story in her own words just made me like her even more. She has incredible grit and determination, overcoming so many obstacles over the course of her CrossFit career. The story of her struggle back to herself as a new mom was all too relatable.
HIGHLY recommend the audio, as Annie reads it herself. There is no better way to experience this one!
4.75 ⭐️ rounded up
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of the audiobook!
April 27, 2026
4.25/5 - Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Women are just amazing, period. And I'm not taking any criticism on the matter.
It's interesting to read the memoir of an athlete who was not raised in Canada, the US or the UK - Annie Thorisdottir has a completely different attitude towards sport than a lot of athletes on my side of the world, and I found that interesting and refreshing. I also found it crazy how she was living in a "bubble" of sorts where she was shielded from sexism and misogyny while competing in Iceland... there were a lot of moments where I was just like "huh." Overall, though, there was a lot of vulnerability shared in her memoir and I think that a lot of people, whether they're familiar with crossfit or not, can resonate with some of Annie's words.
Women are just amazing, period. And I'm not taking any criticism on the matter.
It's interesting to read the memoir of an athlete who was not raised in Canada, the US or the UK - Annie Thorisdottir has a completely different attitude towards sport than a lot of athletes on my side of the world, and I found that interesting and refreshing. I also found it crazy how she was living in a "bubble" of sorts where she was shielded from sexism and misogyny while competing in Iceland... there were a lot of moments where I was just like "huh." Overall, though, there was a lot of vulnerability shared in her memoir and I think that a lot of people, whether they're familiar with crossfit or not, can resonate with some of Annie's words.
July 30, 2026
I love me a good sports memoir, I'm deeply connected to Iceland, and I dabbled in crossfit for a couple years so this was geared up to be a good one from the outset. And it was. I felt a lot for her and from her throughout, especially making a comeback after injury. I would have loved to see more detail on the day in and day out routine of training but I geek out about that kinda stuff. There was something that puts her just outside is reach still with this... her parents and childhood are portrayed maybe a little too perfectly, especially her mindset as a child felt too polished. But it makes for a good story I guess!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is about Iceland Annie and all she learned after deciding to do CrossFit Games. Preparing, getting her mind where it needed to be, having injuries, and all it took to get healthy again. Along the way, she had to learn new things as things changed, how to deal with her thoughts, how to bring her brain focused on what she needed it to be. I learned a lot about what it takes, and even though I am not athletic, I discovered things that will help me in my life.
I received an ARC St Martin's Press through NetGalley.
I received an ARC St Martin's Press through NetGalley.
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