One of Case Western Reserve University’s own is officially the “Fifth-Fittest Woman on Earth.” Julie Foucher, a first-year student at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, earned the title when she placed fifth at the Reebok CrossFit Games last year—for the second year in a row.
CrossFit is a high-intensity group strength and conditioning program; its local CrossFit CLE location actually was founded by CWRU alum Aaron Shaffer. The CrossFit Games is a three-day competition in which some of the top athletes from around the world perform different feats of strength, from gymnastics to powerlifting, distance runs to swims in the Pacific Ocean.
Foucher did all of this—twice—and she wants to do it again. The Ann Arbor, Mich., native is training for this year’s CrossFit Games while also working toward her degree.
So what superpower does she want to have, and what did she want to be when she grew up? While “super strength” and “doctor” might be the predictable answers, you might be surprised by what Foucher had to say.
1. What superpower would you most like to have?
While super strength or super speed would definitely help me out in CrossFit, I still think I’d have to go with a super power that would give me more hours in a day. Then I could spend more time training to be faster and stronger myself, among other things!
2. What’s your favorite place to dine in Cleveland?
So many places! I have really enjoyed exploring different restaurants in the Cleveland area this past summer and fall. From Mia Bella in Little Italy to Brasa downtown to Market Garden in Ohio City, I don’t think I’ve had a bad meal out in Cleveland yet.
3. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I went through a lot of phases with different answers to this question as a child—I really loved Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie books growing up, so first I wanted to be a farmer and then an author. Eventually I progressed to just about everything else: a teacher, an interior decorator, even the president! I’m definitely happy with where I’ve landed in medical school, although there are still so many possibilities of where to go from here!
4. What accomplishments are you most proud of—personally and professionally?
I am very proud of my accomplishments with CrossFit as well as having the opportunity to study here in the School of Medicine’s College Track, but above all I am most happy to have close relationships with my fantastic family and friends who have enabled me to make such achievements.
5. What’s your favorite thing about Case Western Reserve University?
My favorite thing about Case Western Reserve University is its location—I think there is so much potential for good to be done in the city of Cleveland by the bright minds of students here.
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