“I want to be a hero for my son and have him see me fight to the end.”- Roman Khrennikov following his emotional performance in Test 11: Parallel-bar Pull at the 2023 CrossFit Games
CROSSFIT GAMES
Unbroken: Veteran Noah Ohlsen Holds Record for Longest Streak of Games Tests Completed
Sunday marked Noah Ohlsen’s tenth year competing at the CrossFit Games, and his last as an individual. The Training Think Tank athlete looks ahead to 2024, as he plans to compete in the team division with fellow individual competitor and best friend, Chandler Smith, but not without soaking in the final moments of his individual career.
One big thing: Not only does the tenured athlete have ten consecutive Games appearances under his belt, but Ohlsen holds the longest record of tests completed: over his ten years at the Games, Ohlsen has completed every single workout, never having withdrawn or been cut.
Remind me: Ohlsen first competed at the Games in 2014, and over the last ten years, placed as high as 2nd in 2019, and was one of the final five athletes in 2020 to compete at the Ranch, where he finished in 4th place.
In 2022, Ohlsen won the Spirit of the Games award, an acknowledgement of his warmth, comradery and kindness. On winning the award, Ohlsen said,
“For the first time ever, I was given an award that will shape my future. I promise to always navigate life with that trophy as a reminder of the person I want to be.”
He reflected on his relationship with the leaderboard and the ups and downs he and fellow athletes face during Games preparation and Games week.
“(My wife) and I had a deep discussion about finding purpose beyond the leaderboard. While I was committed to doing everything in my power to win the CrossFit Games, I didn’t want to let that make or break me and whatever legacy I’m lucky enough to leave in our sport. I promised her that I would hold my head high regardless of the results and try my best to keep a smile on my face,” said Ohlsen on Instagram.
“It’s not an easy week. We’re taxed to the max physically, mentally, and emotionally. We experience the highest highs and the lowest lows. It’s so admirable that all the athletes that compete even have the courage to step onto the floor,” said Ohlsen.
2023 Games: With a 16th place finish, and completing 12 tests over the last four days, Ohlsen ends his individual career with 141 tests, in a row, under his belt, more than any other individual competitor in history.
After his final test of the day, Ohlsen expressed his gratitude for his career.
“You guys, this sport has changed my life completely. I’m so grateful to all of you. My heart felt so full of gratitude for all of the strength. This isn’t the end of the book, just the end of a chapter. Hopefully getting a gold medal in the team,” said Ohlsen.
The big picture: Whether Ohlsen is competing as an individual or on a team, he will forever be beloved by fans worldwide. Time will tell if his record of tests completed will be challenged, as many new up and comers are hitting the roster every year.
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A look back: We’ve had our eyes on the 2023 Fittest Man on Earth, Jeffrey Adler, for quite awhile here at the Morning Chalk Up. Check out this four-part mini-documentary we made in 2020, following the Canadian national champion as he competed in the Dubai CrossFit Championship, called “Proving Grounds: Jeffrey Adler in Dubai.”
You may have missed it, as Roman Khrennikov’s dramatic fight through tests 11 and 12 took center stage, but Jamie Simmonds withdrew from competition on Sunday morning prior to the beginning of the day’s events. She cited an elbow injury sustained during Test 10: Olympic Total on her final max snatch attempt.
Amanda Barnhart, who placed 24th overall at the 2023 CrossFit Games, took to Instagram to share the news that she is a new foster mom..
“Sad and disappointed but still walking away with a full heart. The last month has been one of the most challenging months of my life. Exactly 5 weeks ago my husband and I took an opportunity to foster a 4 year old little boy. Our lives have shifted completely. We became parents over night and have had a lot to learn. Sacrifices were made and my training definitely took the back burner. I showed up this weekend feeling hopeful and ready to give it my best no matter what.”
“But my body had other plans. My ability to recover the last month has been pretty bad. So it definitely limited my training leading into the games and really challenged my overall recovery this weekend.”
“I’m not sharing this to make excuses – I’m sharing this to show that I am human and life happens. I’m proud of my effort. I’m proud of my sacrifice. And I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Keep Moving: 5 Ways to Take Fewer and Shorter Breaks in a CrossFit Workout
Scaling and pacing are two of the most valuable ways you can instantly improve at CrossFit. We may not be able to lift as heavy or move as fast as the fittest in the world, but we can learn from the way they approach their training.
Learning to breakdown workouts, pacing correctly and finding ways to keep moving will not only improve your fitness, but make training more fun and sustainable for the long term. Today we’re giving you five different strategies to help you take fewer and shorter breaks in your CrossFit workouts.
Dave Castro Addresses Cuts, Next Games Location and if He's Here to Stay
Several weeks ago the news dropped that Justin Bergh was leaving CrossFit HQ and Dave Castro would step in as General Manager of Sport. Castro has been in and out of leadership roles at the corporate level, but assured the community on Sunday that he is here to stay.
When asked if he’s in the role for good, Castro said, “I hope so, I sure f***ing hope so.”
The 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games has concluded, but not without some lingering questions, such as the two rounds of cuts athletes had to go through and the fact that individual athletes didn’t see a barbell workout, other than the Olympic Total, until the last day of competition.
Castro attended a press conference alongside the first place finishers in the mens, womens, and team division on Sunday night following the award ceremony where he addressed several of the questions the Morning Chalk Up team, and likely CrossFit fans alike may have on a range of topics, including where the new home for the 2024 Games will be.
Don’t spend your day looking for places to refill your bottle. YETI Gallon and Half-Gallon jugs ensure you’ve got enough hydration on-hand, through the heat waves and the two-a-days. And for the days that feel like you need a gallon of coffee (whether it’s for you or the crew), you’re covered.
The Devils Press, which is aptly named, is a fan favorite for CrossFitters everywhere (hopefully you can hear our sarcasm), and can easily be done incorrectly. Watch this video from Daily Training Tip for common mistakes and fixes!
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