The 2016 CrossFit Liftoff runs from November 3rd to 7th this year, and the remote competition will test athletes across max lifts in the snatch, clean & jerk, and a to-be-released conditioning workout. Much like the CrossFit Open, participants can submit and validate their scores online, and prizes will be awarded for heaviest lifts, totals, and overall finish across both weight and age classes (Open (all ages), Masters (40+), and Teenage (14-17)).
This year, a new type of prize will be at stake for competitors: A chance to train with and be evaluated by top USA Weightlifting Coaches.
In an announcement posted on the Team USA site, USAW outlined the initiative and incentives for CrossFit Liftoff participants.
The top 3 US citizens in the Snatch and Clean & Jerk lifts in each Teen division weight category of the 2016 CrossFit Liftoff will be invited into a USA Weightlifting camp to be evaluated by top coaches. Those coaches include USA Weightlifting’s new Technical Director, three-time Olympic Champion Pyrros Dimas.
Winners in the Open and Masters Weight categories will receive a USA Weightlifting gift pack.
In addition, winners in each weight and age category will receive 4 tickets to the 2017 International Weightlifting Federation World Championship in November 2017 in Anaheim, California.
USAW’s announcement references athletes Mat Fraser, Mattie Rogers, Maddy Myers, and Lauren Fisher as individuals who have had success in both CrossFit and weightlifting competition.
Their announcement also gives a nod to CrossFit for expanding interest in the sport of weightlifting for young and aspiring athletes.
This is an opportunity for CrossFit athletes to pursue a competitive career in the Olympic Sport of Weightlifting and be exposed to a pathway to Olympic competition.
What do you think about USA Weightlifting’s announcement? Do you think CrossFitters have the potential to be great weightlifters? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured image: USA Weightlifting
