It’s become something of an annual tradition here at the Morning Chalk Up to gather our staff for a roundup of their favorite stories of the year — and, of course, 2024 was no exception.
Below, each of our staff members picked one story they loved from last year and shared some insight into why it topped their personal list. From community spotlights and stats-based deep dives to inspiring profiles and competition results, here’s the best of the best, according to our staff.
Joe Genetin-Pilawa, Managing Editor
Story: “Is There a Sophomore Slump at the CrossFit Games?” by Dave Charlton
Through the 2024 season, Dave Charlton wrote some really insightful, analytical stories, breaking down historical data to provide a clearer look at some key questions in the sport. In this case, he charted the career stats at the Games from an athlete’s rookie season through their second year.
Presenting data in an easy-to-grasp and compelling way is Dave’s talent, so these stood out to me.
In another story, he charted how many years it takes an athlete to make it to the Games (of course, that one included a lot of caveats and definitional questions.)
Emily Beers, Senior Writer
Story: “My Hiller Challenge: Part 1, Endings and Beginnings” by Athena Perez
My favorite story of 2024 was Athena Perez’s multi-part series called “My Hiller Challenge,” where she documented her journey working with CrossFit YouTuber Andrew Hiller, who acted as her coach.
- Perez — the owner of Scaled Nation CrossFit, which caters to larger-bodied athletes — has struggled with her weight her entire life. She even wrote a book about it a few years ago called Lifting the Wait.
A talented writer, Perez is vulnerable and relatable in how she tells her story about the unlikely partnership she created with the outspoken Hiller. Like any good series, I found myself looking forward to the next part the moment I finished reading each one.
Teaganne Finn, Senior Writer
Story: “Affiliate of the Month: Rare Breed CrossFit Offers Fitness Home for LGBTQ+ Community in Kansas City” by Emily Beers
I chose this story written by Emily Beers, but really, it’s the entire “Affiliate of the Month” series that I’d like to highlight.
- The CrossFit community has been through a lot this year, and while changes seem to be happening at a macro level, the community is sticking together and continuing to do what it does best — fitness.
Emily’s stories are great reminders of what CrossFit is and how it continues to be a sport that brings people together. People are out there doing important and honest work, and it’s such a joy to read these affiliate stories each month.
Scotty Freymond, Staff Writer
Story: “The 2024 Belgrade Games Wraps, Honors Lazar Ðukić” by Nicky Freymond
This is my favorite article of the year, and it was impossible to read without tearing up.
Honoring such a beautiful human as Lazar is difficult and emotional. Both Nicky and the Belgrade Games did so extremely well.
Julia Papworth, Staff Writer
Story: “Organización de Amigos: Using Fitness to Help Oregon’s At-Risk Youth” by Nicky Freymond
Sometimes, as CrossFit athletes, we get caught up in the heavy lifts and competitive aspects of the sport, but Nicky Freymond’s article brought me back to what it is all about – community and how impactful CrossFit can be on populations that need it most.
In her piece, Nicky talks about the importance of getting at-risk youth into the gym to build strength in body and mind.
Dave Charlton, Staff Writer
Story: “10 Moments That Made Us Smile at the 2024 CrossFit Games” by Scott Freymond
The loss of Lazar Ðukić at the CrossFit Games was a tragedy we never thought possible. Watching from home, I could not imagine the pain and sorrow athletes, coaches, media, and fans on site were processing, given the range of emotions I was feeling.
Regardless of your thoughts on the continuation of the Games, the show went on, and the athletes who took the floor showed us why we love the sport of CrossFit, even in the face of tragedy.
In the darkness that was the 2024 CrossFit Games, Scott highlighted the bright spots of why we watch in the first place.
Nicky Freymond, Social Media Manager
Story: “How Elite Athletes Recover From Achilles Injuries” by Julia Papworth
One of my favorite articles from the year was Julia Papworth’s story about Achilles tendon injuries.
She spent so much time interviewing multiple athletes and injury specialists for this piece, and it was just so well done. I loved how she was able to tie in multiple sports and experiences from people who have suffered the injury in the past, all the way up to this season.
- She also did such a lovely job of recounting the incidents of injury with such professionalism and respect for the individuals.
Julia’s pieces are always so “human first,” and I love that about her writing.
Featured image: @alexgrodriguez4 / Instagram
