As the date for the CrossFit Open Workout 25.1 approaches, the competitive landscape is witnessing significant changes. Some athletes are seizing opportunities by publicizing their involvement in the Open while others are opting out, choosing to focus on other events like the World Fitness Project, the Rogue Invitational, TYR Wodapalooza, and HYROX.
The Elite Departures
Several high-profile athletes have declared their non-participation in the 2025 CrossFit season. This decision has drawn attention not just from the CrossFit community but from the broader fitness world.
Here’s a list of athletes skipping the 2025 CrossFit Open so far:
This list will be updated as more athletes make public statements. It does not include those who dropped out due to injury or other private circumstances.
- Worth noting: The athletes on this list collectively possess 42 Games appearances, 33 Games event wins, 11 Games podium finishes, and two Games championships.
The Backdrop: CrossFit’s Safety and Accountability Plan
On November 20, 2024, CrossFit Headquarters announced the completion of a third-party investigation into Lazar Ðukić’s death at the 2024 Games. While the outcomes of the investigation were not disclosed to the public, CrossFit outlined a plan aimed at enhancing safety and accountability for the 2025 season.
Key points of the plan included:
- Retaining Dave Castro in his role as CEO.
- Appointing a “Senior Safety Leader” directly reporting to Castro.
- Establishing an independent “Athlete Council,” separate from the existing Player Federation for Athletes of America (PFAA).
Athlete Reactions
The revelations sparked a wave of reactions from within the CrossFit community. Freya Moosebrugger, Annie Thorisdottir, Julia Kato, and Cody Anderson publicly criticized CrossFit on the Games’ Instagram page. Anderson even questioned if CrossFit was “actively trying to sabotage itself.”
Eik Gylfadottir’s comment was equally forceful: “This is simply not good enough! No accountability, hopeless suggestions completely out of sync with what the athletes are requesting. Want to repair? How about starting by honoring your promise of transparency.”
Luka Ðukić’s post was the loudest cry. He asserted, “No investigation can reveal anything other than the fact that there was no reaction when it was needed.” He encouraged fans to think carefully before signing up for the Open or paying affiliate fees, labeling CrossFit LLC as a company “that does not value human life.”
Follow-Up Actions
Over the following days, Luka Vunjak, Bayley Martin, Caroline Spencer, and Caroline Lambray among others, echoed Ðukić’s sentiments, sharing his critical post.
Two days after the initial announcements, CrossFit released additional changes for the 2025 season. However, these revisions failed to satisfy many within the community.
In December, Emma Tall discussed her decision to skip the CrossFit Games season on the “The Athlete Zone Podcast.” Her decision was motivated by CrossFit’s lack of response to the PFAA’s demands earlier in the year.
Athletes Drop Out of the 2025 CrossFit Open
At the end of January, Annie Thorisdottir confirmed her decision to skip the CrossFit Open, marking the first time since its inception that she wouldn’t be competing. This was followed by Elisa Fuliano, Chandler Smith, Pat Vellner, and Jelle Hoste, all of whom cited CrossFit’s handling of safety issues as the primary reason for their departure.
Thorisdottir’s statement was resolute: “I have been a part of the CrossFit Open since the first time it started, and this will be the first time I will not be taking part.”
Fuliano reasoned, “After a lot of thinking, I’ve come to the decision that I won’t be signing up for the Open this year.”
Smith’s Instagram post was similarly clear: “Today I’m using my voice and following it up with action: I will not be competing in the 2025 CrossFit Games season.”
Vellner echoed the sentiment, stating, “This year, I’m taking a stand by voting with my feet.”
Hoste concluded with a powerful statement: “Silence doesn’t drive change – action does. That’s why I won’t be competing in the 2025 CrossFit Games season.”
Support Continues
Despite the widespread criticism, several athletes have shown their support for the CrossFit Open. Rebecca Fuselier, James Sprague, and Hattie Kanyo, among others, have collaborated with the CrossFit Games Instagram account, praising the Open’s significance in their lives as athletes.
The Future of Participation
The deadline for the first Open workout submission is March 3. While registration is open until March 17, the early indicators suggest a significant shift in participation numbers. This dynamic could reshape the competitive landscape of the fitness community for the coming season.
Conclusion
The decline in CrossFit Open participation this year underscores the ongoing tension within the CrossFit community over safety, transparency, and accountability. As elite athletes, these decisions not only shape their careers but also influence the broader fitness community. The future of the Open will depend on how CrossFit addresses these concerns and regains trust from its athletes.
Stay tuned for updates on how this developing story evolves. Your thoughts and feedback are valuable—join the conversation below or share your insights on social media.
More CrossFit Stories
Featured image: Scott Freymond
