In Spite of a Late Surge, Noah Ohlsen Fails to Qualify

Four weeks of Games-level performances weren’t enough to push Noah Ohlsen into a qualifying spot through the CrossFit Open, but there’s still a lot of season left.

“Can’t deny a bit of disappointment, [but] once the initial reaction is out of the way, [I feel] optimistic,” Ohlsen said.

Ohlsen was forced to dig himself out of an impossible hole after finishing 792nd in 19.1. Despite a string of impressive performances — 31st, 8th, 3rd and 47th — Ohlsen wrapped up his ninth Open in 67th place, his worst finish worldwide since 2012.

“Can’t deny a bit of disappointment, [but] once the initial reaction is out of the way, [I feel] optimistic.”

Going into the final week of the Open however, Ohlsen’s qualification wasn’t entirely in his hands. While mathematically it was clear he wouldn’t be able to make up the ground needed to end up in the top 20 worldwide, he still had a chance to get an invite from Wodapalooza thanks to the backfilling rules.

Ohlsen took third at Wodapalooza, just behind Travis Mayer in second and Patrick Vellner atop the podium, but with the backfilling rules Ohlsen could still get an invite if both Patrick Vellner and Travis Mayer earned spots through the Open by winning a National Championship or placing top 20 worldwide.

Mayer finished 16th worldwide but Vellner ended only three spots outside of a qualifying position. In fact, if Vellner had finished 19.5 just 9 seconds faster, Ohlsen would unofficially be heading to the Games.

Even still, Ohlsen is undeterred.

“Whether it’s the Wodapalooza spot or one I have to go earn somewhere else, I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge.”

Ohlsen is confirmed to compete at the Rogue Invitational. Given the roster of athletes competing who will already be qualified, it’s within reason that a fifth or worse place finish might be good enough to nab the invite.