What it Takes to Put on the CrossFit Games

August 15, 2022 by
Photo credit: CrossFit, LLC / Tai Randall

For the fifth year in a row, the CrossFit Games has come and gone in Madison, Wisconsin, and whether you were with us in-person or watched from home, it’s hard to deny the exceptional spectacle that is a five day, multi-division competition — particularly when accompanied by unexpected weather, event twists, live broadcasts, elevated fan experiences, new management and more. 

With 27 divisions and a $2.5 million total prize purse up for grabs, what exactly does it take to put on the Games? Well, it’s probably too much to fully encapsulate here, but we’ll give you a peek. 

John McLaughlin, a logistical czar of sorts, has been spearheading CrossFit events, and the Games specifically, for the last 15 years. The Florida-based jack of all trades is also a Battalion Chief of 30-years, and even qualified for the CrossFit Games himself as a Masters athlete in 2013 and 2014 (however, he chose to “give the test, not take the test”). 

McLaughlin and other key team leads are supported by literally hundreds of new and seasoned volunteers alike that make the feat that is crowning the Fittest on Earth possible. 

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