Laura Horváth, crowned the fittest woman on Earth, believes every woman should be doing push-ups. After dominating the 2023 CrossFit Games, she has become a symbol of strength, resilience, and determination. More than just a competitor, Horváth is on a mission to break fitness stereotypes and encourage more women to embrace strength training.
A Childhood Built in the Gym
For Horváth, fitness was a way of life from the start. Raised in Budapest, Hungary, her parents built a climbing gym that became her second home. “They started building it when my older brother was born, 30 years ago, so I was basically born in the gym,” she recalls.
She spent her childhood climbing, eventually competing in national championships and European Cups. However, as she grew older, she realized she needed more. “I started doing strength training for climbing when I was 16 or 17. I knew climbing alone wasn’t enough,” she says. Her brother, Kristof, introduced her to CrossFit, and soon she transitioned from climbing to full-time strength training.
The Shift to CrossFit
Moving from boulders to barbells, Horváth embraced CrossFit with a natural competitive drive. “I’ve always been competitive in everything I do. Doing CrossFit just as a hobby was never an option—I always wanted to compete,” she says.
Strength Beyond Appearance
For Horváth, fitness is about more than looks; it’s about empowerment. “I started appreciating strong female physiques. It’s not about being tiny or helpless—it’s about performance.”
Her background in climbing taught her that being lighter was better, but CrossFit changed that mindset. “In CrossFit, your body naturally adapts to the demands of the sport. It’s not about how you look, but about what you can do.”
A Fitness Revolution for Women
Strength training is no longer just for men. Events like HYROX, which blends endurance and strength, are attracting more women than ever. With nearly 50% female participation worldwide, women are proving that lifting weights is about more than just muscle—it’s about confidence, community, and capability.
Horváth champions this shift. “I think everyone should be able to do a pull-up. My mom couldn’t do one for years, but after starting CrossFit, she can now. That’s amazing.” For her, strength training is about independence. “Why should only men be able to lift heavy things? Women should be strong, move their bodies, and build their own strength. Sure, it’s nice to have a man around to help, but I like knowing I can do it myself.”
Breaking Beauty Standards
Horváth refuses to conform to outdated beauty ideals. “I want everyone to feel good about themselves, regardless of body type. Why should only skinny models be considered beautiful? Strength is just as beautiful.”
She recalls looking at magazines and realizing she would never fit the conventional mold. “Why should I shrink myself to fit an unrealistic ideal? I’d rather be strong, powerful, and comfortable in my own skin.”
The Secret to Success: Discipline
Horváth’s success is rooted in consistency. “To master anything, you need a routine. Some days it will be boring because you’re doing the same thing over and over. But that’s how you get better. It takes 10,000 hours to master something—you just have to keep at it.”
A Simple Wish: Strength for a Better Life
For all the records she sets and the weights she lifts, Horváth’s ultimate goal is simple. “Through functional fitness, people can live longer, be healthier, and feel happier. That’s what truly matters.”
