Elsa Eastabrook: Journey from the DEKA World Championship to Western University
As we celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, we recognize and thank all the women who work in Sports & Recreation; women who are redefining success, both professionally and personally.
Elsa Eastabrook, the new Membership Services Coordinator at Western Campus Recreation, is one such individual who exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and empowerment that the Western Mustangs strive for. Right before starting into her leadership role at Western University, Elsa made history when she won the 2024 DEKA World Strong Championship (Individual Female, Age 40-44) on December 15, 2025, in Ocala, Florida. 2024 DEKA World Championship - Ocala, FL, 12/13/2024-12/15/2024 : : my.race|result
Her journey from fitness enthusiast to world champion is one of determination and a fierce belief that it's never too late to challenge yourself and pursue greatness, no matter the obstacles.
Elsa's journey to the DEKA World Championship was not a typical one. Although she had always been active and enjoyed fitness training, it wasn't until later in life that she discovered DEKA, a unique fitness competition that combines functional fitness with competitive racing. As a woman in her 40s, Elsa saw DEKA as a challenge that would allow her to compete in age-group categories and measure her progress over time.
"I wanted a sport where I could compete within my age group and see measurable progress. It took two years of focused training, perseverance, and refining my skills to get there," Elsa explained. She viewed her age as an asset, not a barrier. For her, it was essential to prove that age does not limit potential. "I wanted to show that it's never too late to pursue a goal or enter a new competitive space, especially for women," she said.
Her training was intense and involved a balanced mix of strength sessions, running, high-intensity intervals, and recovery practices such as yoga and mobility work. Elsa's commitment to mental toughness was equally important, practicing mental strategies to push through the toughest moments in the race when it would have been easier to quit.
"Those are the moments in the race when you feel like giving up, and that's where the real work lies—pushing through," she noted.
The road to the championship was long and arduous, but Elsa's unshakable belief in her abilities, combined with an unwavering commitment to her training, led her to achieve a dream many would have considered impossible.
Winning the DEKA World Championship was more than just a personal achievement for Elsa—it was a validation of her belief in pushing boundaries and inspiring others.
"Winning this championship is deeply personal," Elsa shared. "It represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and the determination to overcome self-doubt. As a female athlete in my 40s, it's a powerful reminder that we are capable of achieving greatness at any stage of life."
Elsa sees her success as a powerful motivator for others, particularly women. "I want to show others that with determination, consistency, and smart training, you can accomplish things you never thought possible," she said.
As the Membership Services Coordinator at Western Campus Recreation, she brings her passion for fitness and personal development into her work every day. Her role involves helping students connect with fitness programs, and she takes pride in encouraging them to set and achieve their own goals.
Elsa's journey proves that success is not about age or circumstance—it's about mindset and the willingness to put in the work. And her success in DEKA Strong is a testament to her exceptional ability to juggle multiple responsibilities.
In addition to her fitness training, Elsa was just transitioning into her new role at Western, managing family commitments, and planning for the holidays. Despite the demands of her personal and professional life, Elsa never lost sight of her fitness goals.
"Perseverance and time management were two key qualities that helped me succeed," she reflected. "Training for DEKA required balancing intense workouts with my professional responsibilities and family life. My ability to set clear goals, remain consistent, and adapt to challenges directly translates into my role as Membership Services Coordinator."
Elsa's experience serves as an inspiration to others who struggle with balancing their personal and professional goals. She demonstrates that setting clear, achievable milestones and staying consistent is the key to success, no matter the area of life. Whether it's completing a race, managing a career, or taking care of a family, Elsa's message is clear: dedication and adaptability are key to thriving in every aspect of life.
Elsa's advice for those looking to follow in her footsteps is simple and empowering. "Start now. You don't have to be perfect or know everything—just take the first step," she encourages. "Consistency is far more important than perfection. Age is not a limitation; it's a strength. Surround yourself with a supportive community, set realistic but challenging goals, and celebrate every milestone along the way."
Her message is clear: don't wait for the perfect moment or condition. The best time to begin is right now, and small steps lead to big progress.
Although Elsa has already achieved her dream of winning the DEKA World Championship, she isn't stopping now. She continues to seek out new challenges and opportunities to push her limits further.
"I plan to continue competing in events and explore other fitness races that push my limits," Elsa said. "My ultimate goal is to keep inspiring others—particularly women—to redefine what's possible at any stage of life."
Elsa's future in fitness is not just about her personal achievements—it's about motivating others to believe in themselves and take bold steps toward their own dreams.
We are proud to celebrate Elsa Eastabrook's accomplishments, recognizing her on International Women's Day, and thankful that she chose to join our Sports & Recreation - Campus Recreation team. She is a great example of the power of dedication, resilience, and hard work – and a reminder that women—at any stage in life—can begin a journey, and overcome obstacles that may seem insurmountable.
