According to reports, Dave Castro will be named the new CEO of CrossFit HQ after Greg Glassman stepped down from the position following extensive backlash for comments he made on Twitter regarding the Black Lives Matter movement, specifically his “It’s FLOYD-19” tweet.
Update: CrossFit has officially announced that Dave Castro will be the company’s new CEO. In the same statement, Greg Glassman announced his intent to retire.
From Glassman:
“I’m stepping down as CEO of CrossFit, Inc., and I have decided to retire. On Saturday I created a rift in the CrossFit community and unintentionally hurt many of its members. Since I founded CrossFit 20 years ago, it has become the world’s largest network of gyms. All are aligned in offering an elegant solution to the vexing problem of chronic disease. Creating CrossFit and supporting its affiliates and legions of professional trainers has been a labor of love.
Those who know me know that my sole issue is the chronic disease epidemic. I know that CrossFit is the solution to this epidemic and that CrossFit HQ and its staff serve as the stewards of CrossFit affiliates worldwide. I cannot let my behavior stand in the way of HQ’s or affiliates’ missions. They are too important to jeopardize.”
From Dave Castro:
“CrossFit is a community — one that is global, diverse, and tough. Every person in our community shares a common bond. We are all dedicated to a visionary, transformative approach to health and fitness. Our individual passions for that approach have forged an enduring community.
Our community is hurt, though. Our shared bond brings together millions of people with differing opinions, viewpoints, and experiences. Friction is inevitable. Common ground, mutual respect, and fellowship must also be inevitable. I’m honored to take on the role of CEO of CrossFit, Inc. I hope to do right by affiliates, trainers, athletes, and other members of the CrossFit community around the world and never lose sight of the mission Greg established for us all.”
The move was originally announced in a call with CrossFit HQ seminar staff on Tuesday. The announcement appears to have leaked on the CrossFit subreddit earlier in the day as well.
That backlash to Glassman’s remarks included swift action from both gyms and business partners alike. Director of Training Nicole Carroll resigned, Reebok ended their partnership with CrossFit, Rogue Fitness announced they would remove the CrossFit logo from the 2020 Rogue Invitational taking place this coming weekend (which Reebok is the new partner for), and over one thousand gyms worldwide have announced their intent to de-affiliate from CrossFit.
Some of the biggest names in the sport spoke out against Glassman’s comments including 4-time Fittest man on Earth Rich Froning, reigning 3-time Fittest Women on Earth Tia-Clair Toomey, and 2-time Fittest Woman on Earth Katrin Davidsdottir. 2019 Reebok CrossFit Games runner-up Noah Ohlsen and CrossFit Games mainstay Chandler Smith announced their withdrawal from the 2020 Games until organizational changes were made.
Glassman responded to the controversy surrounding his comments saying:
“I made a mistake by the words I chose yesterday. My heart is deeply saddened by the pain it has caused. It was a mistake, not racist but a mistake.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B946SJYgwWG/
Prior to being named CEO, Dave Castro was the co-Director of Training (with Nicole Carroll) and CrossFit Games Director.
Questions remain as to Glassman’s ownership and control of CrossFit Inc. It is widely believed that Glassman holds outright control and ownership over the company.
Feature image from @thedavecastro on Instagram
FAQs
Who is the current CEO of CrossFit?
Dave Castro is the current CEO of CrossFit, Inc. He became CEO after Greg Glassman retired from the position in June 2020. Glassman retired after a number of controversial Twitter remarks, letters, and statements made on calls.
Before he was CEO, Castro as co-Director of Training for CrossFit (with Nicole Carroll) and Director of the CrossFit Games.
Why did Greg Glassman resign?
Greg Glassman stepped down as CrossFit’s CEO after controversial tweets pertaining to the death of George Floyd and the #BlackLivesMatter movement. In one such tweet, he said “It’s FLOYD-19”, referencing the public reaction to George Floyd’s death and the COVID-19 pandemic.
