“It’s Devastating” — Ricky Garard Will Sit Out the 2023 CrossFit Games Season
Ricky Garard is out of the 2023 CrossFit season. The 2022 CrossFit Games podium finisher announced his withdrawal on Apr. 5, 2023 on both his Instagram page and YouTube channel. He has been sidelined after getting surgery following a shoulder injury sustained in a mountain biking accident.
Garard, who only just made his return to the Games in 2022 following a four-year suspension, will have to sit out the entire CrossFit season.
The Australian explained that in late March, he landed on his shoulder when falling off his mountain bike and ruptured his acromioclavicular (AC) joint. He needed surgery in early April and he says his recovery will take four to six months.
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Garard expressed frustration and disbelief at having suffered the injury, stating on social media, “… that means my season is gone for 2023. It’s devastating.”
Ricky Garard’s CrossFit Career
In 2017, Garard reached the podium at the Games, only afterward becoming infamous in the CrossFit world for having the third-place ranking stripped from him. He was disqualified from the season and had his medal revoked after he failed a drug test. Garard served a four-year suspension.
Garard made his first appearance back at the 2022 CrossFit Games, when he fought his way to the podium once again. He was crowned the third-Fittest Man on Earth® behind returning champ Justin Medeiros and second-place-finisher Roman Khrennikov.
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The athlete’s season has subsequently been a bit of a roller coaster, with an upward trend since the start of 2023. He took home a middling 10th place at the 2022 Rogue Invitational. But at the 2023 TYR Wodapalooza, Garard edged out Khrennikov to take home first place.
The 2023 CrossFit season was going well for Garard, who finished seventh in the world in the CrossFit Open and 15th in the Quarterfinals.
What’s Next for Ricky Garard?
In his announcement, Garard said that his injury is expected to take four to six months to heal after spending four to six weeks in a sling. That will prevent him from competing at the 2023 CrossFit Games, which are slated for Aug. 3-6 in Madison, WI.
However, the Australian hopes to come back toward the end of the year, aiming to possibly compete at the Rogue Invitational, Dubai Fitness Championship, Down Under Championship, and TYR Wodapalooza.
There’s still plenty of competitions on the horizon for me.
After four years on the sidelines and another season out of his grasp, Garard is likely to come back with a vengeance.
Featured Image: Ricky Garard on YouTube