On Jan. 9, 2021, CrossFit HQ teased an announcement on the CrossFit Games Twitter account that read, “Fraser, Froning, the Open, teams, the Season and…we…have…an…announcement to make.” Would there be an update about Mat Fraser following his official retirement from competitive CrossFit? Was there more to Rich Froning rebuilding Team Mayhem Freedom to align with the new “100-mile” rule? Would there be new twists for the 2021 CrossFit Open set to kick off on March 11 or the 2021 CrossFit Games scheduled for July 27 through Aug. 1, 2021?
Only a half-hour was given for this kind of speculation before the CrossFit Games YouTube channel went live for the premiere of Games Central — a new weekly show hosted by Sean Woodland for news and updates regarding all things CrossFit®. Episode one — titled “The GOAT is Gone” recapped all of the major news in the CrossFit space over the past several weeks, including a brief look-back at Fraser’s CrossFit Games career, the respect he garnered from his peers, the new members of Team Mayhem Freedom, and teased a future announcement by CrossFit Games Director Dave Castro.
Check out the video below:
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The 2021 CrossFit Open
Woodland highlighted some of the differences in the 2021 CrossFit Open compared to years past, particularly the shortened schedule. The 2021 Open spans three weeks as opposed to the normal five weeks. Additionally, he broke down all the divisions and noted that each workout has scaled and equipment-free options (for folks more comfortable competing at their home gym).
2021 CrossFit Open Divisions
- Two individual divisions
- Four Teen divisions
- 12 Masters divisions
- 16 Adaptive divisions
- 1 Team division
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It’s also worth noting that the qualification system for this year’s Games is vastly different. Athletes will have to compete in a three-step process — including the Open, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals. There will also be a Last-Chance Qualifier for athletes who missed the cut by three spots.
Future Fittest On Earth
Reigning four-time Fittest Woman on Earth® Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr has a chance to claim a fifth CrossFit Games title in 2021 after winning her first bobsled race with the Australian bobsled team. With Brooke Wells as her new training partner, it will be interesting to see who can challenge Toomey-Orr for the throne.
On the men’s side, it is anyone’s game with the winningest Games competitor in Fraser calling it a career. We look forward to tuning into Games Central for future CrossFit news and to hear what Castro is planning next.
Feature image via CrossFit Games Instagram page: @crossfitgames