Soon

Top 3 Predictions…CrossFit HQ offered up their own analysis and predictions for the podium this year. Here’s where the placed:

Rory McKernan: 1) Bjorvin Gudmundsson, 2) Mat Fraser, 3) Scott Panchik — 1) Katrin Davidsdottir, 2) Carol-Ann Reason-Thibault, 3) Annie Thorisdottir.

Sean Woodland: 1) Mat Fraser, 2) Brent Fikowski, 3) Ben Smith — 1) Tia-Clair Toomey, 2) Sara Sigmundsdottir, 3) Katrin Davidsdottir.

Pat Sherwood: 1) Mat Fraser, 2) Patrick Vellner, 3) Brent Fikowski — 1) Katrin Davidsdottir, 2) Tia-Clair Toomey, 3) Sara Sigmundsdottir.

Tommy Marquez: 1) Mat Fraser, 2) Patrick Vellner, 3) Scott Panchik — 1) Tia-Clair Toomey, 2) Sara Sigmundsdottir, 3) Katrin Davidsdottir.

O-COURSE SNEAK PEAK…Paul Tremblay runs through the obstacle course, and here’s the view from above via Rogue’s CEO Bill Henniger. Rory McKernan raced Adrian Bozman Sunday morning and Boz just barely beat Ro. You might still be able to watch it on Dave Castro’s Instagram feed.

THROWBACK…This year’s obstacle course “bracketed tournament” is setup nearly identical to the 2012 O-Course race format. “Athletes will race against each other head-to-head in a 3-round bracketed tournament. Athletes will race against each other in heats of 5. The first round will have 8 heats, with the top 2 finishers from each heat moving on to the next round.” The format continues in this fashion until the top five athletes make it to the final round.

Athletes are going strongman with two odd objects…the yoke and the farmer carry (seen in 2011 Games). Flashback to Skills Event from 2011 Games…three 1 minute max effort movements were paired together and scored as one event with no breaks in between. From the looks of the video, it appears to be a similar setup. New official CrossFit Games threads have been added to the CrossFit Store and this is how staff on the ground will be outfitted. Two new age group events were released: Double Under Snatch and the Quatrain. On Friday Aug. 4, active, reserve and retired members of the military, as well as fire, police and EMT personnel with a valid ID, will be granted free Festival access to the CrossFit Games. While you’re sitting at your desk…Watch Scott Panchik and Jeb Simmons retest Event 1 from the 2014 CrossFit Games. Then watch this when you need to LOL. Annie Thorisdottir really really hates bees and nearly chooses to scale down a 10-foot wall rather than face them. Ben Bergeron’s new book “Chasing Excellence” is currently ranked #6 on Amazon’s best seller list (as of writing this). Happy birthday Aaron Hinde, CEO of FITAID.

THE WEIGHT VEST DROPS…All teenage divisions and 35-49 Masters will complete 4 rounds of 400-meter run, 
24 squats and 
12 burpee box jump overs with a weight vest. 50+ Divisions
 will complete 3 rounds:
 400-meter run
, 24 squats, 
12 burpee box jump overs.

Your guide to some of the fun events big brands are hosting around Madison this week. One party you’re not going to want to miss…Kill Cliff and 5.11 Tactical blowing out Sky Club at Ovation 309 with a VIP Party and you can only get tickets by going here. On Thursday night, we’re hanging out with Dan Bailey, Emily Abbott, Chya Cho and Margaux Alvarez for a little wine tasting. Margaux’s opening up a few bottles of her new wine release and these athletes are going to be there describing the tannins. Grab your ticket fast cause they’re gonna sell out. Starting today, Rogue Fitness is taking over State Street Brats in Madison, WI with special deals on beer and food. Come and enjoy a cold one with the Rogue crew if you’re around. Tasia Percevecz’s brother owns the Hail Mary Sports Grill right in downtown Madison.

THINGS TO…

WATCH: Katrin V. Fraser

HEAR: Meet the Athletes of Invictus

DOWNLOAD: The CrossFit Games App

EAT: Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Salad