The CrossFit Open: Don’t Boycott Your Way Out of a Positive Change
My name is Grant Hooper, and while I may be relatively new to the CrossFit scene, it’s completely transformed my life. Four years ago, in 2021, I walked into a san Diego affiliate weighing over 250 pounds and struggling to do a single pull-up.
crossfit is more than just a workout; it’s a community, a challenge, and a whole lot of fun. It’s constantly pushing you to learn new skills, refine movements, and beat your own personal records. Even after a grueling workout, I found myself eagerly anticipating the next day’s WOD. Deep down, my body knew CrossFit was exactly what I needed.
I’ve lost 75 pounds since I started crossfit, and it’s not just about the physical conversion. I’ve found a supportive community, made lifelong friends, and discovered a sense of accountability I never knew I needed.CrossFit also introduced me to the Open, an annual event that brings CrossFitters from around the world together. It’s a stepping stone for those aspiring to compete at the highest level, and for many of us, it’s the highlight of our year.
For most CrossFitters, the Open is where it begins and ends. Ther are plenty of experienced athletes who never progress beyond it. It’s my Christmas – I set alarms for announcements, strategize with friends, and inevitably overestimate my abilities, leaving me to redo each workout multiple times.
CrossFit HQ Isn’t the Problem
Some veteran CrossFitters are considering boycotting the upcoming Open in protest of recent decisions by CrossFit HQ.
I understand the frustration. CrossFit HQ has made mistakes, from controversial penalties in the Quarterfinals to workout leaks and imbalanced programming. But as someone newer to the sport, I don’t share the same level of jadedness. I haven’t lost sight of the astonishing positive impact CrossFit has had on my life and countless others.
“Boycotting” the Open only serves to undermine the very thing that has brought us together and helped us grow. It’s like being in a great relationship and throwing it away because of a few bumps in the road.
I stand with those who have voiced valid criticisms of CrossFit HQ,like Andrew Hiller. But let’s not forget the good that CrossFit has done and continues to do. We need to remember the sense of community, the push to be better, the joy of pushing our limits.
Let’s channel our energy into positive change. Let’s continue to participate, to voice our concerns constructively, and to work together to make CrossFit even better.
The CrossFit open: A Special Kind of Magic
The CrossFit community is facing a crossroads. There are calls to boycott the CrossFit Open, a movement fueled by anger and frustration towards CrossFit HQ, specifically Dave Castro and the private equity ownership. This anger is understandable, stemming from a tragic incident during the 2023 Games and concerns about safety, leadership, and the direction of the sport. But before we torch the very foundation of CrossFit,we should consider the potential consequences of such drastic action.
The Fragility of Outrage
It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of outrage, especially in the age of social media. But history has shown that mob mentality rarely leads to positive change. Greg Glassman’s ousting, driven by similar outrage, ultimately paved the way for the private equity ownership now facing scrutiny.
“Maybe back then, the people who were outraged should have considered the alternatives before they called for the head of Greg glassman?” This sentiment rings true. Destroying an existing structure without a clear vision for its replacement rarely yields a better outcome.
The dangers of Fragmentation
Some advocate for fracturing crossfit into smaller, independent organizations. However, this fragmentation could lead to disorganization and inconsistent safety standards.”Stupidity, as you know, is universal; there’s no avoiding it,” and a decentralized CrossFit landscape could amplify this reality.
” Just take a look at some of the clips on Andrew Hiller’s Instagram page from recent international competitions and ask yourself why you think a non-HQ CrossFit world would be better.”
The Reality of Professional sport
It’s crucial to remember that all professional sports face safety challenges. Baseball only expanded protective netting following a fan’s death in 2019,and the NFL continues to grapple with the long-term impact of head trauma. These are arduous issues with no easy solutions.
Every sport carries inherent risks, and tragedies can occur, forcing improvements. But boycotting the Open, a celebration of inclusivity and shared passion, is not the answer.
The Magic of the Open
Despite its flaws, CrossFit HQ, and specifically Dave Castro, have a genuine concern for the community. “Some of the very leaders being torn apart by the mob are actually more accessible than their counterparts in other sports, and I believe they truly give a crap. Dave Castro,despite being stubborn,brash,and flawed—gives a crap.”
The CrossFit Open is something truly special. It’s a time when everyone, nonetheless of skill level, starts at the same point, sharing in the excitement of competition and camaraderie. “Because here’s the real magic of the CrossFit open—WE ALL START AT THE SAME PLACE.”
Rather of tearing down the open, let’s use our voices to advocate for positive change, holding CrossFit HQ accountable while preserving the essence of this unique and inspiring event.
Imagine competing in the same tournament as Michael Jordan. Can you picture yourself teeing off at your local club championship alongside Tiger Woods, or facing Babe Ruth at the plate? In CrossFit’s Open, that dream becomes reality. You start on the same playing field as elite athletes like Pat Vellner, Jeff adler, Tia Toomey, and Laura Horvath, tackling the same workouts and sharing the same leaderboard – although finding your score might require a bit more scrolling.
You might even find yourself completing an Open workout right beside a Games athlete, or maybe the person next to you today will be tomorrow’s champion. This unique, unifying experience is exclusive to the CrossFit Open; no other sport offers anything comparable.
The Heart of CrossFit
“Remember, CrossFit’s core mission is improving people’s health,” a sentiment that resonates deeply within the community. The CrossFit Open injects a surge of excitement into this mission, drawing in individuals who might otherwise hesitate to embark on a fitness journey.
Scattered functional fitness gyms lack the shared mission, common goals, and consistency that define the CrossFit community. While CrossFit HQ doesn’t need to be a monopoly, the magic truly resides at the affiliate level, united under HQ’s umbrella.
People’s lives transform at CrossFit affiliates. They discover paths to better health, find solace from daily stresses, and forge lasting friendships, sometimes even finding their life partners within this supportive habitat. We have something truly special, and the CrossFit Open plays a crucial role in anchoring it all.
A Question of Values
Some argue that the $20 Open registration fee primarily benefits Private Equity profits. While this might potentially be true, withholding the fee won’t drive positive change. More profit could translate to enhanced safety measures, larger prizes for Games athletes, and a broader platform that attracts more everyday individuals to local affiliates.
Many of us patronize corporations like Walmart,Target,Starbucks,Amazon,and Apple without questioning their ethical practices. We seem to selectively choose our moral stances,lacking consistency in expressing outrage across the board.
Skipping the Open might appear to be a moral stand, but it’s a path that leads nowhere, potentially harming the CrossFit community we all cherish.
I will gladly pay my $20 to CrossFit HQ this year, and I encourage you to do the same. It’s acceptable to shop at Amazon, too. our world is a complex blend of good and bad; we don’t have to discard the entire system because of its imperfections. Let’s preserve the magic of CrossFit while continuing to voice our concerns and push for positive change within the community.
