When we participated in the CrossFit Games Open last year CrossFit Anarchy was barely 6 months old. We had only been running as an affiliated CrossFit Box for a short time, however the fact that we registered 12 athletes – nearly a third of our total members at the time – was nothing short of inspiring. This year we nearly tripled the number of athletes competing and for nearly half of you it represented your first ever attempt at any level of competition. For me the Open represents something other than a competition and/or individual Scores!!!
You see...When I look back on this year’s Open, I’m not going to remember how many rounds I got on 14.1 or how many deadlifts I did during 14.3. In fact I'm not likely going to remember any of my scores... Here’s what I will remember:
The Friday lunchtimes with the Anarchy Crew on the couch in front of the big screen awaiting in anticipation of the Open WOD Announcement each week.
The great team work to get everything organised so we could all be judged and complete each WOD whether on the Saturday morning or during the following couple days.
The awesome atmosphere and camaraderie that was displaced by all who participated and gave their all no matter what level they were at or how long they had been training for.
How Adrian, Sherie and Georgina, who on the verge of quitting halfway through 14.5, showed true guts and determination and chose to fight on instead!!!
Some of you I know have not been well during some weeks of the Open yet you turned up and gave it your all, the pain only made more obvious once the WOD started, true grit!!!
How Edward, Shane and Ian all got their first ring muscle-ups through attempting 14.4!!!
The fact that so many of you were setting PB's in Open conditions was inspiring to say the least.
Whether it was your first Double-Under or Toe-to-Bar, or tackling the OH Squat weight, the looks on your faces when you succeeded at each task was amazing and most memorable.
Scores are nothing compared to these moments....
Over the last five weeks, these moments have become yet another part of our DNA. Our culture has been forged further in the crucible of the Open, and reflects some of its best themes — camaraderie, achievement, perseverance, determination and teamwork. This is who we are now. From competition comes a better athlete all round and you need only look at the whiteboard to see the effect it has had on individual performance.
Big Congratulations to all the CFA athletes that participated this year, officially or in class each week. You’ve inspired us all, and you are the heart and soul of our box. To all our new members—welcome! You’re just getting started, and there’s only one one way to go but up.
Together we rise.
Coach.