Our athletes and ambassadors are coming off the back of an incredible year and looking forward to a 2023 that’s set to get even hotter! We asked them for their 2022 highlights and favourite achievements, as well as to share their goals for the year ahead.
DAMIEN HUMBERT – TRAIL RUNNER, FRANCE
In 2022 my favourite achievements were victories on the Comapedrosa Skyrace and the Minotaur Skyrace, both part of the Skyrunner World Series, and setting a new course record on the High Trail Vanoise 45km. I also ended up second at Skyrunner World Series for 2022.
In 2023 I am hoping to score big at Transvulcania, CCC® and the Skyrunner World Series.
Damian Hall – Ultra Runner, UK
2022 was a funny one. The outcomes weren't there, but I had a blast. Spine Race DNF after 180 miles and with a four-hour lead. Unsuccessful Pennine Way record attempt, hampered by headwind but it was an almost-impossible dream. LOVED Tor des Geants but feel I could do better there. On the plus side, some domestic wins (including a joint win at the Fellsman) and a cracking adventure on the Meirionnydd Round, lots of ace days out with ace folk on ace lumps, another year injury free, done a book, and above average amounts of tea and nutbutter consumed (not together).
My 2023 goals are pretty much the same: to continue to bang on about our climate and ecological emergency; to remain injury-free; PBs at the Spine Race and Tor des Geants. And still trying to decide which of about five races/challenges I can squeeze in in between those two jogs.
Nicky Spinks – Ultra Runner, UK
My favourite achievements in 2022 were winning the Arc of Attrition in January; completing the Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge in less than 12 hours on my 55th birthday in April and then moving house without losing my sanity, my husband or half my stuff! Also surviving the Tor des Glaciers (a 450km race in the Alps) and coming 3rd lady. We also had our first holiday for years and climbed Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey.
Looking forward to 2023 I’ve got something in Spring and I haven’t decided for the rest of the year… shall I return to Italy for the TOR, enter the Swiss Alps 360 or stay local and complete a Scottish round? Watch this space!
LUDVIK FERNANDES – ULTRA RUNNER, FRANCE
My favourite achievements for 2022 were winning the MCC®, joining Team INOV8 in France and continuing to progress throughout the year. My goals for this year are to compete at the French Trail Running Championships, qualify for OCC® (and compete at OCC®) and to continue to have fun.
LUZIA BUEHLER – ULTRA RUNNER, SWITZERLAND
In 2022 I was out for more than 850 hours and I hope in 2023 it will be even more!
PAUL TIERNEY – ULTRA RUNNER, IRELAND
4th place at Tor des Glaciers (a 450km race through the Alps) was my favourite achievement in 2022. The sands of time have made me forget the moments of utter misery and all I'm left with are the fun bits
Scott Panchik – CrossFit Athlete, USA
Last year was both challenging and rewarding. I was rehabbing my knee from an injury during semi-finals; this was the second one I have had to rehab in two years! On the flip side, my son, Camden, was born November 30th, which has been so hard but so rewarding at the same time. 2022 has taught me a lot about presence and patience; moments are one thing in life that we get to always take with us and how we respond in situations is always on display to everyone around us. A huge highlight of 2022 was creating the personalised shoes with the INOV8 team, we created a lot of great memories with the community at the CrossFit Games because of them!
Looking forward to 2023 I am super excited to kick off the season at Wodapalooza on the competition floor with my brothers Saxon and Spencer.
KARA SAUNDERS – CROSSFIT ATHLETE, AUSTRALIA
The last year’s main challenge for me has been trying to find the right balance between being an athlete, a mum, and a business owner. They’re three big pieces and I’ve had to really lean into what I can control and try my hardest to let go of what I can’t. I have absolutely learnt to slow down to move forward.; every time I try to force something or race around it ends up in a mess. Slow down, ride the waves of opportunity, and it all lines up. There have been so many highlights from 2022; a huge one was taking my husband and daughter to the CrossFit Games with me after torturous year in 2019. It felt so surreal having my daughter at the CrossFit Games with me finally after I had been competing for so long. She was three before she could get there! I have loved being a part of team INOV8 again and there has been two standout moments from 2022: the first is getting to chat to random nice people that message me on social media looking for new training shoes for them and their loves ones. We try to find a style that suits what they are looking for and then they always end up being super friendly in my inbox moving forward! Secondly, the INOV8 girls flew from the UK to Texas for the Rogue Invitational and hand-delivered a fresh pair of runners for the surprise train run in the morning. It was so thoughtful, but also saved me so many falls!
Looking forward to 2023 I am excited to be soaking up my ‘old dog’/‘veteran’ status. I want to fall in love with the sport all over again, back like I did in 2011. So much has changed since then so I’m keen to focus on getting back to the roots of it all.
SPENCER PANCHIK – CROSSFIT ATHLETE, USA
After falling short by one or two places from reaching the CrossFit Games, my biggest challenge in 2022 was proving to myself that I was right! I had worked toward the goal of punching my ticket to the Games and every day I had to tell myself I was capable of doing it, despite previously not quite making it. Finally, eight years later, being able to prove that to myself was one of the toughest challenges I have faced but it becoming reality meant the world to me. My best moment of 2022 was being a part of team INOV8 alongside my older brother, Scott. INOV8 were the first shoes we started with in CrossFit and to finally join the team and showcase it on the biggest fitness stage in CrossFit was amazing. Joining the team really has been a dream come true!
Going into 2023, I am just so excited to have the opportunity to get back out and compete knowing that I have done my best to fill any holes in my performance from 2022.
JACK SCOTT – ULTRA RUNNER, UK
To pass through the year injury free is always pleasant and to race locally more often has been excellent. 2022 was full of variety in training and racing for me and I’m hoping this will continue into 2023. I have the Spine Race on the horizon which should be an interesting few days. Beyond that I’ll regroup and assess the rest of 2023 before a spring and summer of training in Snowdonia!
EMMANUEL GAULT – TRAIL RUNNER, FRANCE
My best achievement in 2022 was at the beginning of the year with my victory at the Northumberland Endurancelife trail race. I was very happy to run in the UK, to win on INOV8 territory and to come to the INOV8 HQ in Staveley and meet the team. I’m also really happy to end the season with good results at Templiers and Hivernale des Templiers, as well as a win on VENI VICI with a very good pace.
In the first part of 2023 I will run in Canaria, at the French Championship, Copenhague and VVX. Next up will be a return to OCC®, Templiers, VENI VICI and Hivernale des Templiers. I just hope to have a lot of fun and a strong shape to enjoy as much as possible.
ABEL CARRETERO – ULTRA RUNNER, SPAIN
My 2022 has been irregular, but I've enjoyed a 9th place in Ultra Pirineu and 4th place in the Spanish Championship. For 2023 my goal is to gain experience in long races, such as Transgrancanaria or Lavaredo, because my plan is to be competitive in 100-mile races in the upcoming years.
EDOUARD LAUDIER – TRAIL RUNNER, FRANCE
In 2022 I'm glad to have won two trail races, a 10k and 90k. I finished 15th at Templiers and at Trail du Ventoux - 2 beautiful, classic french races.
In 2023 I want to finish in the top 10 at my 3 ‘goal races’: La Skyrace des Matheysins, Marathon Race (MaXi-Race du lac d'Annecy) and TDS® (part of UTMB®).
Meryl Cooper – Ultra Runner, UK
My 2022 highlights include representing Great Britain & NI over the long trail distance at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships (WMTRC) in Thailand, plus podium finishes at Transgrancanaria and Ultra Trail Snowdonia.
My main goals for 2023 are Transgrancanaria 82K, selection for GB again at the WMTRC 2023, the British Ultra-Trail Championship in October and hopefully lots of other fun races in the middle! I would also love to take on one of the long Scottish rounds!
ELISE DELANNOY – TRAIL RUNNER, FRANCE
In 2022, I had an injury after winning (5th scratch) the Trail des Coursières next to Lyon... so I was on the bike more during summer! I did la Route des Grandes Alpes in 5 days at the end of August to forget my DNS at UTMB.
In 2023, my big goal is UTMB® and I will participate in the Marathon des Sables in Morocco in the end of April.
AMY RUSIECKI – ULTRA RUNNER, USA
While it is an ever-evolving process (so I am not sure I can call it an achievement as the work is not done), I am proud that in 2022 I have been more accepting of the athlete that I am today not comparing myself to the athlete I was 5 or 10 years ago. This has allowed me to reframe my joy, and appreciate the beauty of the trails and nature, while adventuring without judging my pace or place. I'm also stoked to finally complete a race that's been on my bucket list for years now - Laurel Highlands Ultra.
My big 2023 goal it to continue to find the joy in trail running, while accepting that my body and mindset have changed from my younger self.
SIVIWE NKOMBI – TRAIL RUNNER, SOUTH AFRICA
My biggest achievement for 2022 was to come back from a hectic year of struggling with injury to finish 4th overall at the 35-km Ultra Trail Cape Town. My 2023 goal is to compete at (MUT) Mountain Ultra Trail 42KM in George, South Africa, and then race the 35-km UTCT event again later in the year.
IDA MATHILDE STEENSGAARD - OBSTACLE COURSE RACER, DENMARK
2022 has been the wildest season in my athletic career so far. This year has been a full-on performance year for me in the OCR scene, and I am super grateful that I’m finishing 2022 with no less than 2 titles: Double European Champion & World Champion in OCR. It has been my goal since I entered the sport back in 2014, and to reach both of these within the same year has been absolutely amazing!
I am going into 2023 full of energy and confidence from an exciting 2022. I am looking forward to trying out more hybrid fitness racing besides OCR, such as Hyrox, and I am looking forward to trying to reclaim my titles as European and World Champion.
SARAH MCCORMACK – MOUNTAIN RUNNER, IRELAND
My favourite results from 2022 were winning the Three Peaks Race, coming fifth at Sierre-Zinal and setting a new course record at Rivington Pike Fell Race. This year, I’d like to go back to the Three Peaks Race as well as have a go at the Trail Running World Championships in Innsbruck, Austria, and do a few of the Golden Trail or Mountain Running World Cup races too!
CORY KEEHN – TRAIL RUNNER, USA
2022 was a year of recovering from a major injury but I was still able to race in the US Mountain Running Championships. This was my first championship race since 2016! I also launched my coaching business towards the end of the year and look forward to where that is going to take me.
My health has finally returned, so for 2023, I hope to capture a golden ticket to the Western States 100 at the Bandera 100k in January.
MARINE COQUARD – ULTRA RUNNER, FRANCE
My highlights of 2022 were completing the Pierra Menta race (3 days, 75km and 7000m), getting 2nd place at the Serre Chevalier Trail and running in the Dolomites.
My goals for 2023 are to do the Maxi Race, One&one, Marathon des Causses and Skyrace du Rocher Blanc. For training, I plan on doing the Chamonix Zermatt.
JAMES FORREST – HIKER, UK
In 2022 hitting the tabloid headlines for the 'UK's rudest walk' after hiking 500km from my home in Cockermouth to my brother's house in Lickey End was my biggest achievement. My 2023 Goals are still to be determined.
TOM ADAMS – TRAIL RUNNER, UK
Trying not to sound like a broken record… my favourite achievements for 2022 have to be winning the Montserrat Skyrace [Tom has won it 5 times] and qualifying for Team GB to race in Thailand at the World Trail Running Championships.
My 2023 goals are to have another crack at the Three Peaks Race. I know that I've got more to give in the race, so hopefully some better fuel management will see me through.
ANETE ŠVILPE – TRAIL RUNNER, LATVIA
My biggest achievement in 2022 must be finishing UTMB®. I knew about the race before I even started running and it took me years to build up for it, so finally doing it was a big deal for me. However, the more I look back on this year, the more I realise that the fondest memories are from moments when I’ve explored new places and shared the trails with other people and been more involved in the community around me. Therefore, as I’m slowly planning my 2023, I’m determined to keep the community an integral part of it and do events that really matter to me.
CHRIS HOLDSWORTH – TRAIL RUNNER, UK
Favourite 2022 achievements have been mainly focussed on coaching others to success and growing the Pennine Trails races, but I managed a good couple of results as part of the Golden Trails Series personally. My big 2023 goals will be to dedicate a little more time to myself and aim to achieve some success over a few long-distance events.
HALLVARD SCHJOLBERG – ULTRA RUNNER, NORWAY
My favourite achievement in 2022 was finishing the UTMB® 170k despite having a very bad day in the mountains. I managed to change my focus from fighting for a top spot to focusing on just finishing and really enjoying the amazing scenery and atmosphere. My next dream is the Hardrock 100. I didn't get a ticket in the lottery for 2023, so my upcoming races this year will be a Hardrock qualifiers so I can try my luck again in the 2024 lottery.
ALLIE BAILEY – ULTRA RUNNER, UK
My fave 2022 moments - running 1,053 miles in 30 days (Land End to John O'Groats). It was an incredible experience, and one I’ll never forget. Shout out to the INOV8 PARKCLAW G 280’s that got me there - I only went through two pairs! Experiencing my first two big DNF’s at the Arc of Attrition and Dragon’s Back Race - if we’re not winning, we’re learning, and those two events taught me so much about myself. Continuing to grow my coaching business and having my first ‘happy’ year in decades and of course another year sober!
My big 2023 goals - my first 200 miler at the White Horse 200, returning to the ARC of Attrition to try and finish it off once and for all, a good crack at the SDW100 (South Downs Way 100) and consistent mountain training for Dragon’s Back Race 2024 - including heading up and over the Welsh 3000’s a couple of times. I’m also attempting to run all 214 Wainwrights in a year with my dog Pickle and there’s also talk of a big adventure on Easter Island in October. There are a few more events I’ve got my eye on but the key to 2023 is strength, consistency and getting good on those mountains. Dragon’s Back Race 2024 - I am coming for you!
ANNA HOOGKAMER – RUNNER, UK
It’s hard to pick a ‘Biggest achievement of 2022’. My literal ‘biggest’ would have to be conquering my fear of heights and climbing Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia at 2863m, in the snow. A close second was completing the OMM in Langdale, UK, in apocalyptic conditions. I’ve also been lucky enough to start combining my love of running and being outside with my career in medicine and did an amazing Expedition/Wilderness Medicine course in 2022.
ANDY BERRY – FELLRUNNER, UK
My 2022 highlight was an epic day out in May with friends old and new across some of Snowdonia's best hills doing the Paddy Buckley Round in 15 hours 38 minutes. In 2023 I aspire to add another top to the Lakeland 24-hour record which is currently an incredible 78 peaks set by Kim Collison in 2020.
SAM TYRER – ULTRA RUNNER, UK
In January, 2022, I won the Lady Anne’s Way 100 miler by just under an hour, which was my first 100 mile event! Definitely my favourite result for 2022.
2023 will be my ‘comeback’ from a minor setback. After focusing on what I can control through a period of being injured, 2023 will be when I toe the start line again. Let’s go!
ALISON WALKER – ULTRA RUNNER, UK
Being able to finally go back to Malaysia after COVID restrictions were lifted to see my family was undoubtably my biggest highlight of 2022! And winning the Race Across Scotland.
A very early goal for 2023 is to kiss the wall at the Borders Hotel after completing the 268-mile Spine Race in January.
PIERRE JORDAN – ULTRA RUNNER, SOUTH AFRICA
My big achievements for 2022 were not as big or athletic as I'd planned, but the year still held some very memorable experiences. Most significant was travelling from South Africa to the UK, fastpacking alone in the Cairngorms, summiting Ben Nevis via the CMD arete and then racing the Ultra Trail Snowdonia 165km where I was in 3rd place when the race was called off. I am happy to have rounded off 2022 with a personal best at The Skyrun 100 mountain race, finally running under 16 hours and placing 5th overall.
In 2023 I'm hoping to run the Ehunmilak Ultra Trail 100-miler in Spain as my goal international race (and also possibly qualifying for the Hardrock 100 miler)
NICOLETTE GRIFFIEON – ULTRA RUNNER, SOUTH AFRICA
In January, 2022, I won the Lady Anne’s Way 100 miler by just under an hour, which was my first 100 mile event! Definitely my favourite result for 2022.
2023 will be my ‘comeback’ from a minor setback. After focusing on what I can control through a period of being injured, 2023 will be when I toe the start line again. Let’s go!
NIC HARDY – HIKER, UK
What a year! 2022 was jam packed full of fast hiking adventures. My absolute highlight has to be the Panorama Ridge in British Columbia, Canada. Black Tusk mountain loomed over me as I hiked through the floral Taylor Meadows, my senses heightened keeping an eye out for bears. After gaining the ridge, the bright blue alpine waters of Lake Garibaldi appeared like a mirage, it's hard to image it's real - I've never seen a shade of blue like it! I'm looking forward to hiking the Alpine Passes Trail in 2023 - a month-long adventure in Swiss hiking paradise.
ALEX STANIFORTH – ULTRA RUNNER, UK
My 2022 favourite achievement was completing the ‘26 Lake, Meres and Waters’, my first 100-miler and thus joining a fairly exclusive club. It was a magical experience and showed the Lake District community at its best.
My 2023 Goals… being able to run again.
CHRISTINA HERBST - AUSTRIA
My biggest achievement in 2022 was finishing the last-ever Gigathlon Switzerland.
An extreme triathlon with 3km-swim, 33km-run, 146km-road cycle, 43km-mountain bike and 24km-trail run with nearly 6000m ascent. It took me 18 hours from Zürich to Vicosoprano and finished 10th woman. It was a lifetime goal of mine and I was one of the last 500 people who had a chance to do that.
In 2023, my main goals are the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, which will be one for me, and the Xterra World Championships. I will try to qualify at 3 Xterra races.
KAT TOWNSHEND – FELLRUNNER, UK
At the beginning of 2021, I fell pregnant with my second child. My goal was to run, cycle, hike and race throughout my whole pregnancy and I managed to achieve that. This year my goal is to get back to my pre-pregnancy fitness and build a strong base for the years to come. And, of course, have lots of outdoor adventures with my family.
LAURA POTTER – HIKER, UK
My favourite 2022 achievements were raising money for the British Heart Foundation by hiking and running every day throughout October; hiking to a Glacier in Norway and starting a family project of hiking all of Wainwright’s Outlying Fells in the UK’s Lake District.
In 2023, we have trips in Wales and Scotland booked. I’m very excited to hike our first Munro, a Scottish mountain over 3000ft, and Snowdon with my family! My other goal is to be happy and to continue living an active outdoor life in the hills!
WILL HORDLEY – HIKER, UK
2022 was full of outdoor hiking adventures and freezing cold wild swims! I managed to remain consistent with my health and fitness, and the wild swimming was new to me. I distinctly remember the exhilarating feeling after that first dip.
In 2023 I hope to do more hikes and wild camping and complete some more of the classic scrambles in both Snowdonia and The Lake District. I am looking forward to capturing these special moments with my new passion for photography.
DALLIN PEPPER - CROSSFIT ATHLETE, USA
One of the biggest challenges for me this year has been falling short of my expectations and goals while competing at the CrossFit Games. I learned a lot, but I still have a long way to go. Some of the most memorable moments this year have come from the hours and hours in the gym with my team. And I got a puppy! I’ve learned a lot about myself this year, especially how to chase my goals as well as where to put my focus while chasing these goals. One of my favourite moments from 2022 with team INOV8 has been creating content for all the new shoes and color ways that have been released.
I am stoked for the 2023 season to show how much I have continued to grow as an athlete and person.
KRISTOF HORVATH - CROSSFIT ATHLETE, HUNGARY
2022 has been a great year. There have been adversities, like there are for everyone, but looking back on the year just brings me a huge sense of gratitude and accomplishment for the work that I know I have put in. It was the first year I made CrossFit semi-finals and this has been a huge goal of mine for years! Alongside these professional achievements, spending time with my girlfriend, family, and friends (both in and out of the gym!) has made 2022 a memorable year. The best thing I’ve learned in the last year is that no one believes in my goal more than I do; I love my daily training but also have a lot of untapped potential and fire in me! Another great highlight of 2022 has been joining team inov-8; meeting the team behind the brand and seeing how positive, driven, and passionate they are has been amazing. It is more so a family than co-workers and I have felt welcomed in at every step.
In 2023 I am just excited to get my head down, train, compete, and make memories. And spend even more time with loved ones!
