As part of the opening announcement celebrations, previous CrossFit Games finalists Roman Khrennikov, Haley Adams and Austin Hatfield competed against each other to do 25.1 at CrossFit Mayhem, one of the most famous CrossFit affiliates (independently owned gym with a license to practise CrossFit, often known as a ‘box’), with Hatfield coming out victorious. GOAT Rich Froning also took to the floor to join them last minute.

CrossFit Games controversy

Following the death of Serbian athlete Lazar Ðukić at last year’s Games during the opening run–swim event, several athletes have announced their decision to sit out of this year’s competition. Dominant CrossFit competitors such as Annie Thorisdottir, Patrick Vellner, Emma Tall and Lazar’s brother Luka have all withdrawn, citing athlete safety and lack of accountability as primary concerns.

‘There was nothing and no one in place to help anyone,’ came Tall’s recount of the tragic incident at Marine Creek Lake in Fort Worth, Texas. Posting on Instagram earlier this week, she noted:

‘There were no lifeguards. There were volunteers on paddle-boards. The day after the games 2024 I said that I will not participate in the CrossFit games season next year unless some significant changes were made and responsibilities were taken. Since that day I’ve gradually been more and more disappointed. I don’t believe that I can be at my best in that environment.’

The announcement of the Open 25.2 WOD will be streamed live at games.crossfit.com on Thursday, 6 March, starting at 12:00 PM (noon) US Pacific Time (GMT -7)

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