The 2010 Games are over, and another year of training is about to commence. After watching the 2010 Games in Carson, I realized that the sport is no longer something done recreationally. Although the athletes aren’t awarded large purses quite yet, they’re training still resembles that of a professional athlete. This year’s Games proved how skilled and conditioned one has to be to even compete at the same level as Clever, Annie, Spealler, Mikko, Khalipa, and the new champ Holmberg. What does this mean?
After talking to my coach, Wes Kimball (CrossFit Austin), and Jeremy Thiel (2007-2009) Games competitor, I concluded that it means everyone needs a coach and sport specific training (CrossFit the sport). Gone are the days where one can just hit the main site WOD’s hard and have a legitimate shot at winning the CF Games. It is similar to the evolution of the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. Remember the original UFC matches where 2 gladiators would battle it out using their raw strength, speed and fighting ability. Now the matches are very technical with MMA fighters having boxing, jiu-jitsu, and conditioning coaches. I think this is the direction CrossFit is heading, and I think it’s great. CrossFit athletes will soon need gymnastic, Olympic lifting, and CrossFit specific coaches; hopefully with this, we will see the sport gain legitimacy.
I myself have had the great opportunity of training with Ursula Garza and Chad Vaughn, both of whom are outstanding Olympic lifting athletes and coaches. I hope this training will transfer into my sport, the sport of fitness. There are big things to come this year, and I can’t wait to continue learning and training.
It’s funny that you laughed at me when I explained this progression just three to four months ago. Good post though.