A New Era for Beyond the Sector: Rebranding, Rebuilding, and Rising
Big news: Beyond the Sector is officially under construction!
After months of reflection, experimentation, and growth, I’ve decided to reimagine what this platform stands for and where it’s going next. What started as a blog to share my journey as a thrower and post-collegiate athlete has evolved into something much bigger. Beyond the Sector is becoming a space not just for my story, but for all the stories that too often get overlooked in the world of track and field and women’s sports. The ultimate goal is to create a premier hub for track and field media and storytelling; that is where this rebranding process will go.
What’s Changing?
You’ll notice a fresh new visual identity, a redesigned website, and a sharper brand voice that matches the ambition behind this project.
Soon, the first athlete will be interviewed and you will be able to read about them here and/or listen on major podcast streaming platforms.
The Official Reveal: July 2025
Mark your calendars—Beyond the Sector’s new look will officially drop in July 2025. I’ll be unveiling the new brand, website design, and first wave of new content to kick off this next chapter. You’ll get a taste of what’s to come and how I’m carving out space in sports media—on my own terms.
Needed: Support
Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or you’re just joining the journey, thank you for your support. This rebrand is for you, too—athletes, fans, and creators who believe that women’s sports and field events deserve just as much shine as anyone else. Cheers to the rise of the new BTS!
Throwing it Far,
SGB
Oh Off-Season, My Dear Ol’ Friend…
Hello Off-Season.. We meet again! However, we’re changing things up around here - Let’s dive right in.
This year, I wanted to get out of the typical thrower’s routine of throw, lift, rinse, repeat. So I went back to where it all started, Crossfit. Back in May, I joined NCFIT, a renowned CrossFit gym nestled in the heart of the Bay Area. I immediately befriended a lot of people in the classes I joined and it felt nostalgic to come back. I started Crossfit back in 2011 and it played a huge part in my endurance on the basketball court, and my strength in the throws, which then gained me a spot on the OSU Women’s Track and Field team.
Incorporating CrossFit into my training has been a game-changer. The emphasis on functional strength, agility, and conditioning perfectly complemented my hammer throw preparation. Every session from Olympic lifts to high-intensity interval training left me feeling stronger and more explosive, ready to launch that hammer further than ever before.
2024 TYR Wodapalooza - Huntington Beach, California
Next up was the TYR Wodapalooza CrossFit competition, where I teamed up with two fellow athletes for an unforgettable three-person team challenge. Competing against some of the best in the region, our team fought hard, combining strength, strategy, and sheer determination.
We navigated through a series of grueling workouts, each designed to test our limits. The atmosphere was electric, filled with camaraderie and friendly competition. To say we were pumped would be an understatement! Our collective effort led us to an impressive 9th-place finish overall. Not only did we prove our mettle, but we also forged lasting friendships and learned valuable lessons about teamwork and resilience.
Side note, for my OG crossfiters from the 2010/2011 era… Would the names Valarie Vobiril and Sam Dancer ring a bell?! After all these years, I finally got to meet them! They were the kindest individuals and so fun to compete with!
2024 San Francisco Half Marathon.. More like “The San Francisco 8-miles-of-hills half marathon.”
No off-season would be complete without a little bit of distance running! I decided to challenge myself further by participating in the San Francisco Half Marathon. With the picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the crisp morning air, the race was as beautiful as it was daunting.
I set out with a goal in mind: to crush my previous personal record of 2:30. With every mile, I felt the burn, but I also felt the exhilaration of knowing I was capable of more than I believed. As I crossed the finish line with a time of 2:16:31, a new personal record, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. Will I run another half-marathon? Maybe go for the full marathon? I’m not sure, but I won’t say never! If anything, I would love to run the London Marathon and/or do the London Hyrox race.
As much as I enjoyed the Off-Season, I’m ready to compete!
This off-season has been a whirlwind of growth, challenge, and triumph. Joining NCFIT, competing at Wodapalooza, and smashing my half marathon time has not only enhanced my fitness but also reignited my passion for the sport.
As I look forward to the upcoming outdoor track and field season, I can’t help but be proud of the work I put in during this off-season. I’m coming out this fitter, stronger, and more confident than ever before. Here’s to breaking that 70m mark this year!
Throwing it Far,
SGB
The Wind
For most folks reading, you may be wondering, “What is the wind?” For hammer throwers reading, you know that the wind sets up the rest of your throw. If you have a good wind, your throw tends to be good. If not... well good luck and hold tight! With that, I gladly welcome you to the “wind” of this blog called Beyond the Sector.
My name is Sydney, or Syd for short. I threw shotput, discus, hammer, and weight at the Division I level and continue to throw hammer post-collegiately. Fun fact: My nickname in high school was “the hammer,” thanks to my AP history teacher and basketball game announcer (hey Mr. Morberg!). It seems fitting, right?
Throughout my career in track and field, I have had the privilege of meeting some of the most interesting, hardworking, and dedicated athletes. So, I created Beyond the Sector because I want you all to know them like I do - both in and out of their respective sectors.
The athletics world is witnessing an uproar of women surpassing every societal obstacle, and to be honest (and slightly selfish), I want to be part of the movement to share these incredible stories! I mean, have you seen the women throwers?! Talk about POWER!
Here’s what is to come:
Spotlight on Athletes:
In upcoming posts, I’ll spotlight athletes who have made and are continuing to make their mark on the international stage. Expect deep dives into their training routines, key competitions, pivotal moments that have defined their careers, and a good ol’ fashioned kiki session about life!
My Personal Path in Hammer Throwing
As for my own story, it's filled with ups and downs and many more lessons than victories. Over the years, training has become a harmonious sense of absolute chaos. I’ll share insights into my training regimes, the technical adjustments I’ve made over the years, and how I balance life’s responsibilities with the demands of being an athlete.
The Community
This blog isn’t just about sharing stories; it’s about building a community. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a seasoned coach, or a fan of track and field, I invite you to engage, share your experiences, and perhaps find a bit of inspiration or motivation to pursue your own goals, athletic or otherwise. C’mon! We’re all family here!
Here's to the start of a thrilling journey through the world of track and field, seen not only through the eyes of a competitor but also through the stories of some of the greatest athletes the sport has ever known. From intense workouts to the nerve-wracking moments before the competition, I’ll take you along for the ride in a transparent and honest portrayal of what it takes to compete at a high level.
I’m excited you are here. Follow me on social media, and stay tuned for future posts!
Signing off,
SGB