As fans of CrossFit settle into 2021, one common question was when Mat Fraser and Tia-Clair Toomey would be able to defend their titles as Fittest on Earth. A second question was if they actually planned on competing.
At least that first question now has an answer.
On January 22nd, organizers of the CrossFit Games announced the dates for their landmark event in 2021, and they shared the news on their Twitter account as well as on the Games’ website.
“The 2021 CrossFit Games will take place from Tuesday, July 27 through Sunday, Aug. 1.” – @CrossFitGames on Twitter
The 2021 CrossFit Games will take place from Tuesday, July 27, through Sunday, Aug. 1.
— The CrossFit Games (@CrossFitGames) January 22, 2021
The timing of the 2021 Games is similar to that of previous years. The exception was 2020 when the championship event was set for September and October in a split format due to the pandemic. It’s widely assumed the Games is still set to take place in Madison, Wisconsin, though location could be subject to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials could be waiting to determine if fans will be allowed to attend before making that decision.
The dates of this year’s event is interesting, considering that it could potentially overlap with the first week of the Olympic Games, which are set to take place in Tokyo, Japan.
The Olympics are still scheduled to take place from Friday, July 23 to Sunday, August 8. There have been concerns and rumors that Japanese government officials may cancel the Olympics, but recent official statements from International Olympic Committee indicate that event is still set to take place.
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With the cancellation of events like Wodapalooza and other Sanctionals™ events not being scheduled at the moment, the dates of the Games at least provide a finish line to train for. But qualification will look very different this year.
Among those changes are a continent-based qualification system and the introduction of a Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Last Chance Qualifier roadmap for all Games spots in the Open division.
As with every CrossFit season, it will start with the Open, which begins this year on March 11th. Registration for the Open has already started.
Stay tuned to BarBend for further developments of the 2021 CrossFit season.
Featured Image: Instagram/crossfitgames