Down Under CrossFit Championship Canceled, Tally Hits Eight
The Down Under CrossFit Championship alerted registered athletes on Monday via Instagram, that its Sanctioned event was officially canceled for the 2019-2020 season. It was originally scheduled to take place in Wollongong, Australia on May 22-24, but had already been postponed until July 3-5. Eight Sanctionals have now been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
One big thing: As with earlier cancelations, this puts the Down Under CrossFit Championship in a less than ideal financial position. In the message to competitors, the second-year Sanctional organizers did not mention refunds but indicated that all currently qualified and registered athletes will remain on the roster for the 2021 event.
From the message: “It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the cancellation of the 2020 Down Under CrossFit Championship.”
- “We have made all efforts to move forward and have exhausted all of our options. Sadly, we will not be able to conduct the Down Under CrossFit Championship for the 2020 Games Season.”
- “We are mindful of the health and safety of all athletes and staff and the continued efforts made by the community.”
- “We will reschedule the Championship for 2021 with all currently qualified and registered athletes remaining on the 2021 Athlete Rosters.”
- “Any vacant positions will be filled with the highest ranked athletes from the Expressions of Interest received, based on the Individual Performance from the 2021 CrossFit Games Open.”
The bottom line: The Down Under CrossFit Championship was one of the first Sanctionals to announce a postponement in March. At this point, seven Sanctioned events remain, some with a scheduled date, others without, who have yet to announce an official cancelation. It is likely we will see many more in the days and weeks to come.
