We’d say spoiler alert, but it’s no secret that Wasatch CrossFit upset CrossFit Mayhem at this year’s Reebok CrossFit Games. This loss knocked CrossFit Mayhem out of contention for a three-peat, and it was the first year since 2010 Froning didn’t win the Games as an Individual or member of a Team. And by now, you’ve probably seen a fair amount of posts about Rich Froning’s face on the podium following CrossFit Mayhem’s second place finish.
We’ve seen everything from satire articles, comparison pictures, and so on. But never once does a lack of smile mean Froning was being a poor sport towards Wasatch CrossFit. At the end of the day, Froning is a top-level competitor, and losing is never easy.
Earlier today, Froning shared an Instagram post that addresses all of the criticism he’s gotten, and to clear the air on his 2017 Games thoughts.
Froning leads off the post by thanking those who volunteer to make the CrossFit Games a possibility, “First of all thank you to all those who volunteered their time and worked long hours to make the CrossFit Games possible. Thank you to the best fans in all of sports for being with us all weekend and pushing us along.”
Next, Froning goes right into congratulating Wasatch on their first place finish, “Congratulations to all competitors in all categories who competed, it’s an honor to compete along side you! Congratulations especially to Wasatch CrossFit (@adrianconway_ @builtfjordtough@spjut2 @tensparkles @mandi_janowitz@hungryfitness) for winning the Affiliate Cup, you guys are all true champions and it was great to compete against you guys and get to know you better all weekend. Proud of my team and the effort they put in, definitely not the outcome we wanted but it wasn’t because they didn’t put in the work or push hard enough.”
Froning continues on to thank his family, wife, and all of his sponsors, but ends with, “For those saying I am a poor sport for not smiling on the podium, I will not apologize for who I am. I’m a competitor to my core, I do not like to lose, and I do not hide my emotions well. There’s one thing you can be sure of, we’ll be ready next year.”
Froning makes a strong point. Everyone points fingers and wants to claim he’s being a poor sport, but no one enjoys losing. In our view, it doesn’t mean Froning lacks respect for his competition. And we don’t know about you, but we’re already excited for next year’s Games.
Feature image from @richfroning Instagram page, photo taken by @flsportsguy.
