The Sport of Fitness Podcast

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Ep. 071: Introducing the Worldwide Ranking System & Strength of Field Nov 09, 2022

Show notes

“What we are ready to talk about is how many minimum qualifiers we’re looking at out of Semifinals, how many leftover spots there are gonna be, and broadly, how we’re gonna divide those up worldwide.” — Adrian Bozman
In this episode, Director of Sport Adrian Bozman and Senior Manager of the Competition Team Dave Eubanks chat with host Chase Ingraham about Games-qualifying spots for the 2023 season and the new worldwide ranking system.
Recent details about the upcoming CrossFit Games season discussed the removal of the Last-Chance Qualifier competition, changes to the amount of Semifinal competitions in North America and Europe, and the guaranteed minimum number of designated Games-qualifying spots for each Semifinal.
Bozman and Eubanks review the Games-qualifying spots for each Semifinal and also describe the new worldwide ranking system — a model that uses data from the previous two years of CrossFit stages of competition to rank athletes — that will determine how many additional Games spots will be allocated from Semifinals.
The pair dig into the intention and process behind creating the ranking system and the basic framework for determining the strength of field and share what they’re most excited to see this season as a result of the new model.
Presented by goodr Sunglasses.

Ep. 070: Adaptive Season Updates - 2023 CrossFit Games Oct 26, 2022

Show notes

“(If) we want to be (at the Games) in 2024, it’s gonna take this year to do that. And even though it may look like there’s less (of) an opportunity, there’s a more significant opportunity, and it’s gonna have a larger level of impact on what we do moving forward simply by just showing up and signing up for the (2023) Open.” — Tom Miazga
Accessibility and Adaptive Sport Specialist Alec Zirkenbach, 2022 Men’s Seated With Hip Function champion Tom Miazga, and Competition Director Adrian Bozman join host Chase Ingraham on the latest episode to discuss updates to the 2023 Adaptive CrossFit Games season as well as the growth of and goals for the adaptive division in 2024 and beyond.
Some of the changes to the new adaptive season include a new scaled leaderboard for the CrossFit Open, the ability to verify eligibility for adaptive divisions prior to registering for the Open, and the removal of the Semifinal stage of competition.
Zirkenbach explains how the collection of data over the 2022 season, including feedback from specific adaptive committees and the community, helped inform some of the decisions for the upcoming season.
Miazga, an adaptive athlete and CrossFit Games commentator, provides his perspective on the new season structure and the representation of all adaptive divisions at the 2024 Games.
“I can understand why people would be frustrated,” Miazga says about athletes in five adaptive divisions being crowned the fittest at the end of the 2023 Open.
“I think this is necessary in order to get to where we want to be,” Miazga continues, “and the idea of (all adaptive divisions being at the Games) in 2024 is something I’m motivated by.”
Bozman reviews adjustments to the season, which will be detailed in the official Rulebook, and also offers his insight on the season structure.
“That was a hard decision to make,” Bozman says about eliminating Semifinals.
“Nobody wants less, however, we expect that this is gonna be a really positive step if people have the patience to see it through and see what we can get going in 2024 with full visibility and full representation,” he says.
The group also chats about Rinse ‘N’ Repeat from the 2022 Games — an event that was identical across all divisions — the possible addition of adaptive divisions in the future, and how CrossFit can benefit athletes of all sports and people of all ability levels.
Sponsored by O2.

Ep. 069: 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games Season Updates With Adrian Bozman Oct 15, 2022

Show notes

“The influence I’m going to bring to it, my history with CrossFit, who I am — it’ll be unavoidable to have some of that in there, but at the end of the day it’s not about me as the programmer. … It’s important to get the programming right. It’s important to have a test that makes sense from early stages through the most advanced stages, it’s important that you can see that progression not just through the season but through the history of the sport, but I don’t think it’s important at all that it has anything to do with me.” — Adrian Bozman on programming the 2023 season.
Competition Director Adrian Bozman joins the podcast to provide more details and clarity on the updates made to the 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games season.
Notable changes to the upcoming CrossFit Games season have been announced and Bozman touches on many of them, including the number of Semifinal competitions, eligibility requirements for teams, standardized programming at Semifinals, and Games-qualifying spots relative to the strength of field.
Bozman describes how and why the division of North America into two regions came to be, gives insight into why country of citizenship will continue to be used to determine where an athlete will compete in Semifinals, and briefly explains a petition of exemption process for athletes who haven’t lived in their country of citizenship as it relates to Semifinals. More details to follow.
Bozman also explains why programming at Semifinals will be standardized and digs into the power-ranking system as it relates to Games-qualifying spots, noting there will be a minimum number of Games-qualifying spots guaranteed at each Semifinal.
The competition director also reviews the truncated Quarterfinal schedule, how many age-group athletes will advance to the Games from the Semifinals, and Open requirements for teams to meet eligibility for competition.
Stay updated on details for the 2023 CrossFit Games season here → https://games.crossfit.com/article/2023-crossfit-games-season-updates

Ep. 068: 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games Season Details with Justin Bergh Oct 13, 2022

Show notes

“What you should start expecting from CrossFit is that we are going to share CrossFit with more people with the goal of more people doing CrossFit with a coach in an affiliate. … I’m excited that we’re doing it with athletes and really honoring that experience.” — Justin Bergh
General Manager of Sport Justin Bergh joins host Chase Ingraham on the podcast to give further insight on some of the changes to the 2023 CrossFit Games season and CrossFit’s goals for the years ahead.
Season details have been released earlier than ever. After a recap of the 2022 season, Bergh discusses the motivation behind the early announcement and the importance of creating a more positive, enjoyable experience for athletes and the CrossFit community.
The structure and number of Semifinals have also changed. Bergh explains why the number of events was reduced and how CrossFit will take ownership of the programming at each competition. He also gives more details about the minimum number of Games-qualifying spots and the strength of field.
Bergh’s recent experience competing at a local CrossFit competition for the first time not only made him excited for the upcoming Open, but he also gained perspective from an athlete’s point of view.
“I have way greater appreciation with (what) the athletes go through. I have better empathy for the athlete experience that has really opened my eyes to how much we can offer and how much progress we need to make there in order for (CrossFit) to really grow,” Bergh says.
Additional details for the 2023 CrossFit Games season will be announced. Stay up to date by visiting Games.CrossFit.com and signing up for the monthly Hopper newsletter.

Ep. 067: Swimming, Sandbags, and Pure Strength — Saturday Recap, 2022 CrossFit Games Aug 07, 2022

Show notes

“I was losing it. I truly was actin’ a fool down on the floor. … I was wanting to yell, and scream, and say things like ‘you got this,’ and I felt like a kid in a candy store, that’s how excited I was.” — Adrian Conway
Games athletes Dan Bailey and Adrian Conway join host Evelyn Curry for a recap of Day 4 at the 2022 NOBULL Crossfit Games.
The group runs down the day’s events, diving deeper into the swim, the individual dumbbell squat snatch, and the 1-rep-max sandbag events.
The trio also highlights notable performances from the athletes, including Dani Speegle’s and the individual men’s performances in Sandbag Ladder, and the excitement from the unique Coliseum event.
Curry, Bailey, and Conway close out the podcast detailing what to expect on the final day of competition.

Ep. 066: The Iconic Trip to the Capitol, Friday at the CrossFit Games Aug 06, 2022

Show notes

"I think today is one of the most fun days I've ever had at the CrossFit Games." — Evelyn Curry
Multiyear CrossFit Games athletes Adrian Conway and Dan Bailey join host Evelyn Curry on the podcast to recap the best moments of Day 3 at the 2022 NOBULL CrossFit Games.
The trio shares their favorite moments from the day, including the memorable event at the capitol building and the announcement of the block handstand push-up.
The group also highlights impressive athlete performances from the day and what's coming up in Day 4.

Ep. 065: Programming in Action, 2022 CrossFit Games Day 1 & 2 Aug 05, 2022

Show notes

"If after Friday evening, you all are very, very upset at the programming … you need to go read the Level 1 manual. There’s a site called CrossFit.com. You can download the PDF, and you will have a better understanding, or a more complete understanding, of what we’re trying to do here, why things are the way they are, and why the tests that are coming are great, awesome tests for these athletes." — Dan Bailey
Multiyear Games athletes Dan Bailey and Adrian Conway join host Evelyn Curry on the podcast to recap Days 1 and 2 of the individual competition at the 2022 NOBULL CrossFit Games.
The trio discuss the design and innovation of this year’s tests and programming, surprising performances from rookies and Games veterans, including Ricky Garard and Emma Lawson, and what to expect on Day 3 of the competition.

Ep. 064: The Future of NOBULL in CrossFit Jul 26, 2022

Show notes

“This is the most important relationship that we have. We’re CrossFitters, we are fans of the sport, we are members of affiliates, we’ve been through the last five, eight years just like everyone else has, and we’re more excited for the future than we have been.” — Todd Meleney, Chief Marketing Officer of NOBULL
Chief Marketing Officer of NOBULL Todd Meleney joins host Chase Ingraham on the podcast to discuss NOBULL’s partnership with CrossFit and the future of the company in the sport.
Meleney opens up about NOBULL’s beginnings in the CrossFit space, becoming the title sponsor of the CrossFit Games, and working closely with CrossFit to ensure a positive experience and thriving future for both parties, including the CrossFit community and athletes.
Recently, NOBULL announced replica jerseys for purchase that will don the names of Games athletes. Meleney explains the creation and production of the new athlete jerseys and how they are supporting the athletes, the influence from fans in making the jerseys, and the goal for the product in the future.
Looking ahead to the CrossFit Games next week, there are plenty of NOBULL-sponsored activities to get involved with in Madison, according to Meleney.
NOBULL will host community workouts at Olin Park, affiliate-only events to connect with affiliate owners, and a BBQ for members of NOBULL’s loyalty program The Chipper. NOBULL and CrossFit athletes Sydney Wells and Alec Smith will also host community workouts, as well as former NFL athlete Curt Maggitt. Fans can also expect to see new products on the field.
In London, CrossFit enthusiasts can head to Rosslyn Park for the CrossFit Games London Fanzone Experience.
Throughout the podcast, Meleney opens up about how NOBULL and its products have grown over the years, the importance of CrossFit in its continued evolution, and NOBULL’s vision to continue working with CrossFit to support the professionalization of the sport.
Presented by NOBULL.

Ep. 063: Programming the CrossFit Games Jul 22, 2022

Show notes

"These are not meant to be workouts. … The goal here is not to leave that competition floor pushing the needle forward with your fitness. ... What is supposed to happen is that you're supposed to take what you've been training all year and see what you can do with what's put in front of you." —Adrian Bozman
CrossFit Director of Competition Adrian Bozman joins the podcast to discuss the theory behind programming for the CrossFit Games — the ultimate test of fitness.
After 15 years of programming by Dave Castro, the Games will now be designed with Bozman at the helm.
Bozman shares his approach to programming and outlines what goes into creating a well-balanced test of fitness when the goal is to find the Fittest on Earth. He also opens up about his objectives for the competition, not only for the athletes but for the fans and spectators as well.
Bozman also shares the cut schedule for the individuals and teams at this year’s Games — age-group and adaptive athletes will not be cut.
The cut process started in 2009 and has been carried out intermittently since. Bozman explains the rationale behind the process.
For anyone expecting something new and unique at this year’s Games, Bozman says, “There are a few things that are unique as far as equipment (and) format, which I'm really excited about.”
During the podcast, Chase Ingraham and Bozman also discuss the impact of an athlete’s size on programming, how the athletes and sport have evolved since the inception of the Games, and how the tests at the competition differ from regular training workouts.
Learn more about Bozman’s approach to programming, how cuts will affect individuals and teams, and what unique elements athletes and fans can expect to see this year.

Ep. 062: Defeating CrossFit Mayhem Jul 20, 2022

Show notes

“I think with the team side, there are some unique things to consider. … A combination of men and women, how they work together, how they communicate, the way they’re training leading up to competition, how they were able to build their individual fitness all year long. … There are so many more variables with teams than there are with individuals.” — Adrian Conway
Multi-year Affiliate Cup champion Adrian Conway joins host Chase Ingraham on the podcast to talk about team competition and what it’s going to take to beat Affiliate Cup reigning champion CrossFit Mayhem at the CrossFit Games.
Having captained a CrossFit Games affiliate to victory against Mayhem and also having experience as an individual competitor, Conway shares his knowledge and experiences competing in both divisions. He weighs in on the varying degrees of pressure, discusses the differences between four- and six-person teams, and reflects on what he’s learned over the years to maximize his team’s and his own potential.
Conway and Ingraham discuss balancing strategy, teamwork, and fitness in team programming, and how and what athletes should be tested on to determine the fittest affiliate on Earth. They also note challenges athletes can face working as a unit, and identify mental and physical characteristics that make a formidable team member.
The duo close out the podcast by sharing their best strategies for defeating CrossFit Mayhem. Conway and Ingraham highlight events and movements that tend to favor the dominant affiliate, note the advantages of confidence and momentum on the competition floor, and acknowledge the impact of a flawless performance.
Will anyone beat CrossFit Mayhem? Tune in to the 2022 NOBULL CrossFit Games, Aug. 3-7, to find out.

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