Tia-Clair Toomey Kills Retirement Rumors in TV Interview

Six-time women’s CrossFit Games champion Tia-Clair Toomey has apparently quashed all the retirement rumors surrounding her career in a new television interview. 

One big thing: In speaking with local television station, NewsChannel5, in Nashville, TN, Toomey gave the most direct answer to date in response to the questions surrounding whether or not she will shoot for an unprecedented seventh straight title at the 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games.

• “Yeah, that’s the plan, you know,” said Toomey, “Actually, coming up at the end of October is the Rogue Invitational which is held in Austin down in Texas.” 
• “And then next year the season starts around February. And then it’s just getting ready and prepared for the 2023 season.”

Remind me: Speculation about Toomey’s future in the sport began during the final event of the 2022 CrossFit Games.

• On the live broadcast of that event, Sean Woodland said, “If you’re wondering why Tia Toomey took her time and soaked it in, this is it. She’s planning to retire after the CrossFit Games.” 
• And as she crossed the finish line, Woodland exclaimed, “For the sixth time and for the final time, Tia Toomey is the Fittest Woman on Earth!”
• He later clarified that he had permission and confirmation to make the announcement, but in her post-event interview, Toomey said, in response to reporter Niki Brazier’s asking if she would retire or come back again, “That’s the question. We’ll see.”
• At the press conference after the podium ceremony, Toomey continued to equivocate, ““Well technically I didn’t announce my retirement. We’ll see. There’s a bit of a trend going around, announcing retirement and then coming back. I’ll just keep you guys guessing.”

In the weeks since then, Toomey has made a few other statements, including an Instagram post that said “Seven sounds better, don’t you think?”

Worth noting: Toomey was invited to compete at the 2022 Rogue Invitational, but is not listed among the 20 women on the competitors list.

She also revealed that she nearly dropped out from the Games this year due to a back injury, the first time she has publicly talked about an injury of that magnitude.

Toomey has also been confirmed as competing on a team at the Down Under Championship in Australia, November 18-20.

The big picture: After 47 days of “will she or won’t she retire,” it appears we have a definitive answer from the GOAT herself. As of right now, Toomey’s plan is to prepare for the 2023 CrossFit Games in an attempt to continue her record-setting run.