The CrossFit season is well underway but the first Sanctional of 2020 is set to take place this weekend. The inaugural Mayhem Classic will be taking place January 10-12 in Cookeville, Tennessee and is the latest stop on the road to the 2020 CrossFit Games. Four-time Fittest Man on Earth Rich Froning is now promoting events, and his competition has already created excitement of fans and athletes. We don’t know what individual events and workouts will be involved but here is what we do know about 2020’s first big event.
[Related: Here’s how to watch the 2020 CrossFit Mayhem Classic!]
The Mayhem Classic: What’s At Stake
This is an individual-only event, so no teams will be competing. As with the other Sanctionals, one man and woman will earn a qualification to compete in Madison later this summer. If the winning athlete is already qualified, either through winning a previous Sanctional, or by earning his or her spot in the CrossFIt Open, then the qualification will be forwarded to the highest finishing athlete not yet qualified for the Games.
Winning this event or earning the qualification allows athletes to determine their own strategy to prepare for the Games. If you don’t win, then you have to compete in more Sanctionals or hope to receive a wild card invite.
The Location
People who follow bodybuilding know that Gold’s Gym Venice in Venice, California is considered the “Mecca of bodybuilding.” If there was a version of this for CrossFit, then it would likely be CrossFit Mayhem in Cookeville. The best athletes in the sport of fitness either trained there on a regular basis or make it a priority to visit there to train with Froning and company. Being on the floor or competing in that event at that place will be very meaningful in its own right for the athletes.
Athletes Competing
The entire field hasn’t been announced as of this writing, but there have been some big names announced to compete at this competition. 2015 Fittest Man on Earth Ben Smith is in the men’s field along with Saxon Panchik, Will Moorad, Marquan Jones, and Josh Miller among others.
As for the ladies’ side, three-time and reigning CrossFit Games Champion Tia-Clair Toomey will be there to take part. Other notable athletes entering the field include Becca Miller, Steph Chung, Brooke Haas, and Danielle Brandon.
Stay tuned to BarBend for more updates about the Mayhem Classic in the days ahead.
Featured Image: Instagram/mayhemclassic