The OUT in the OPEN Leaderboard Returns for the 2023 CrossFit Open
On Feb. 8, 2023, The OUT Foundation announced the launch of their annual “OUT in the OPEN” leaderboard for the 2023 CrossFit Open. Per their press release:
Hundreds of LGBTQIA+ athletes and allies will join the inclusive leaderboard to celebrate diversity and encourage equity in the CrossFit Games.
The 2023 CrossFit Open begins with workout 23.1 on Feb. 16, 2023. The workout announcement will be made in Madrid, Spain, and feature elite CrossFitters Björgvin Karl Gudmundsson, Lazar Đukić, Laura Horvath, and Gabriela Migała.
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As was the case in previous years, the “OPEN LGBTQIA+ leaderboard aggregates scores from the CrossFit Games Open to ensure an inclusive experience for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to compete with each other to win weekly prizes. All funds raised will go to support The OUT Foundation.”
All gender identities and expressions are encouraged to compete on the OUT in the OPEN leaderboard:
“By using CrossFit Games verbiage of “CrossFit Men’s Standards” and “CrossFit Women’s Standards,” the OUT in the OPEN Leaderboard…permits an athlete the choice of which standards they wish to compete under,” mentioned the press release.
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The inaugural OUT in the OPEN leaderboard was in 2018. Athletes competing on the OUT in the OPEN leaderboard can register for profiles on The OUT Foundation’s website to raise money for the foundation and win prizes along the way.
CrossFit Games is working with us to continue having these important conversations and make steps towards inclusion.
The 2022 OUT in the OPEN leaderboard was a success. It included:
- Over 187 registered athletes ages 17-63
- Representing 22 different countries, spanning three continents.
- Raised nearly $30,000 to benefit The OUT Foundation’s programs
- Those programs “advocate for inclusion and access for the LGBTQIA+ community in fitness, health, and wellness.”
Some of the biggest names in CrossFit have competed OUT in the OPEN, including 2012 Fittest Woman on Earth® Sam Briggs, who retired from competitive CrossFit after the 2022 season.
2023 CrossFit Open
The 2023 CrossFit Open kicks off on Feb 16, 2023, with workout 23.1. Workouts 23.2 and 23.3 are scheduled for Feb. 23, and March 2, 2023, respectively. Where the live announcements will occur for the latter two workouts have not been released at the time of this article’s publication.
All LGBTQIA+ athletes and allies can register to be OUT in the OPEN at www.theoutfoundation.org/open/
Featured image: @out.fdn on Instagram