Image courtesy of WODfanatic
Over the years, we have seen a lot of changes surrounding the CrossFit Games. They have been held every summer since 2007, and participation, sponsorship, and prize money have grown rapidly since that time. In 2007, 2008, and 2009, the prize money for first place was $500, $1,500, and $5,000, respectively. In 2010, PROGENEX sponsored a purse of $25,000 each for the male and female champions. And in 2011, Reebok, the current sponsor of the CrossFit Games, increased the total purse to $1,000,000, with $250,000 each for the male and female champions.
Each year the event is a more and more challenging test of overall fitness, and the athletes that compete have been raising the level of competition to new heights. According to CrossFit Games.com, “The average Games athlete in 2012 will be dramatically more capable than the world’s best in 2007.” I would agree wholeheartedly!
Throughout this time, the faces in the winners circle at the CrossFit Games have certainly changed, as well:
At the inaugural CrossFit Games in Aromas, CA in 2007, the first place winners were James “OPT” Fitzgerald for the men, and Jolie Gentry for the women.
At the 2008 Games in Aromas, the male champion was newcomer Jason Khalipa and the female champion was Caity Matter.
The 2009 Games in Aromas saw Mikko Salo win for the men, and Tanya Wagner take first overall for the women.
2010 was the first year the Games were held in Carson, CA in the Home Depot Center, and we saw Graham Holmberg win for the men, and Kristan Clever take first for the women.
Last year, the 2011 Games brought new champions, with Rich Froning, Jr. taking over in first for the men, and Anníe Thórisdóttir sliding into the top spot for the women.
Does anyone have any predictions for the top 3 men and women at this year’s 2012 CrossFit Games? I’m interested to hear people’s thoughts about the current competitors. Post your predictions to the comments below!
Today’s Workout
Buy in – rowing technique, the focus is on:
* Driving back with the legs until they are fully extended
* Heading into the catch, make sure to hinge forward at the waist and get the hands past the knees before they bend
WOD – “Snatch It Up”
3 rounds of:
- 12 power snatch (75/125lbs)
- 10 pullups
Games Prep – upgrade to chest-to-bar pullups
Zone 3 – scale snatch to 65/95lbs
Zone 2 – scale to assisted pullups, scale snatch to 55/75lbs
Zone 1 – scale as needed
Cash Out – MWOD
* 5 way shoulder stretch
* Roll out your back and shoulders