Mikko Salo recounts the 7 kilometer run from the safety of Finland. He talks about the camaraderie of the weekend, and his introduction to Spealler on the last stretch of the run. "I don't know why I did it, it just came naturally... Hello, I'm Mikko... but I think it's the spirit of CrossFit. You are having this huge fight in the first event, for who will be number one and still we shook hands. It was quite nice."

Other than the run, most of the events were a blur to Mikko until he saw them on film. "I don't remember the events at the Games, they are not clear to me. It's quite funny to watch, I look and remember like ten things."

He was happy not to fully relive the events though. "I had flashbacks and thought, yes it was like that. But I did not feel that pain that is on my face."

Mikko Run Recap Video ... [wmv] [mov]

All superheroes have alternate identities. Tanya Wagner is no exception. The 26 year old school teacher from Pennsylvania co-owns CrossFit Apex with her husband and fellow competitor, Josh Wagner. She leads by example in compeition with an easy-going attitude and positive approach to sport. Tanya finished second at the 2008 CrossFit Games.

Going into the final chipper event on Sunday, Wagner was almost assured the title, 'World's Fittest Woman.' Annie Thorisdotter trailed by seven points and could dethrone Tanya if she finished 8 places ahead, or if Tanya failed to finish the workout.

The question? Ten muscle-ups. Annie had never done one and Tanya got her first just six months prior.

Wagner was having doubts entering the final event. "I was freakin' out and I just needed to calm down. Jolie really helped, she's awesome." Mostly, she was nervous about the muscle ups. She was unfamiliar with the equipment and had a realatively limited exposure to the movement itself. "I just got my muscle up in February... I've never done ten total in a workout."

In the end, Annie got her first muscle-up, and Tanya emerged victorious. She was proud of course, but ready for some well deserved rest. "I'm just happy it's over."

Tanya Wagner Interview video ... [wmv] [mov]

"You lift like a girl," should be taken as the highest of compliments, especially if the girl you refer to is Tanya Wagner, this years CrossFit Games Champion and the Fittest Woman Alive. Tanya solidified her lead with the second best performance overall in the Snatch Event.

Tanya entered Sunday with a two point lead over Annie Thorisdotter. In the snatch event she lifted 135 pounds, ten pounds less than Tamara Holmes, but enough to maintain her lead in the overall competition.

Women's Snatch Heat 2 Video ... [wmv] [mov]

Mikko Salo is opening an affiliate. From the new box he speaks about his plans for programming. "We will probably follow one cycle behind main site because it's great programming and it's enough for 99 percent of the people."

He recognizes that top Games competitors may need to supplement with additional workouts in order to win the CrossFit Games. However, all too often he sees people attempt too much right out of the gate. "We have seen guys, like in our firehouse, that get hungrier and hungrier and they want to do more than just the workout of the day. They'll make it like three or four days for maybe three cycles and then they burn out."

Mikko is going to be careful to indoctrinate clients slowly to allow proper adaptation.

Mikko on Programming video (also seen on the main site) ... [wmv] [mov]

Cyndi Frieling came to this year's Games with a 365lb deadlift PR in her back pocket. The hopper worked in her favor for the second event.

Many doubted that any men would make it through the gauntlet of bars in the deadlift competition. The expectations for the women, as echoed by some spectators, were lessened still. However, in spite of an unforgiving schedule, extreme heat and fatigue, PRs were the rule instead of the exception. The power of screaming fans and performance pressures that athletes face are intangibles that cannot be quantified.

Cyndi, from CrossFit Mesquite, inspired the whole stadium when she pulled a ten pound personal best, and became the only female to complete the entire event. She finished 21st at the 2008 CrossFit Games and rode a third place finish in the Great Basin Qualifier into this years competition.

Cyndi Frieling Deadlift Video ... [wmv] [mov]

Finally some concrete evidence that Mikko Salo is indeed human. From his hometown in Finland Mikko talks about how he dealt with the stresses dealt to his body from the demands of the games. Mikko woke up with cold sweats at 2 am on Sunday morning. "It was like sleeping in a pool... the night was a bit strange for me." But he rallied and pulled through for an amazing second day. "In the morning, I felt fine."

He also talks about how hard it was to refuel during the tenuous two days of competition. "Eating was hard for me...I wasn't hungry." He found it hard to choke down food even after both full days of hard work. "I knew I needed the energy, so I had to eat everything. But it was a bit of a struggle for me."

The competition was so intense, in fact, that Mikko's victory celebration party ended early with one beer, lots of untouched food and a very early bedtime. "It was a wise decision at that point."

Eating with Mikko ... [wmv] [mov]

Sometimes laughter is the best medicine. Pat Sherwood, of CrossFit HQ, is quick to deliver humor in most situations. On the eve of the competition, after the daunting itinerary of challenges had been announced, Pat needed a dose himself. "I'm here to go as far as I can and then cheer for Chris Spealler," he said.Sherwood finished sixth in the Mid-Atlantic Qualifiers in 2009.

After talking about strategy for the Affiliate North Pad WOD, conversation turned toward the 7 kilometer run, namely strategy for the downhill portion. "I'm calling it controlled falling... I guess... I'm gonna try not to roll both of my ankles and dislocate my hips. If all else fails, I may jump on Rob Orlando's back and ride along, like Yoda."

He commented on the formatting of the Games as well, which was not exactly to his liking. "I like to deadlift fresh... so the deadlift event is going to be a unique experience. We shall see."

Sherwood Interview ... [wmv] [mov]

What started as "just a good run" ended as a dream come true. As you can see in this video, Mikko is sportsmanship incarnate and the rightful proprietor of the title, World's Fittest Man 2009.

Whether a cause or effect of their training, CrossFit champions tend to exemplify the very best ethos of sport. Mikko is no exception. The firefighter and rescue diver from Finland embodies the spirit of the Games.

One of the amazing traits of Mikko is that he never seems fazed. He approached each event with an air of amusement. When he had reps taken away from him, he just kept going. Even after the brutal final chipper, which he completed nearly two minutes faster than any other competitor, he kept his humor and his humility.

"It's the ending I dreamed of," Mikko said in response to whether this was the result he wanted. "Not what I wanted ... dreamed of."

Mikko Champion Montage video ... [wmv] [mov]

James OPT Fitzgerald made peace with the new nature of his contribution to the Games in 2009 as an organizer, rather than an athlete. While extremely difficult for his athletic ambitions, the move was necessary in his mind to ensure the Canada West Qualifier best represented CrossFit and that appropriate standards were met.

OPT was the champion in 2007 and took 12th place last year. With such competitive statistics, it was a difficult pill for him to swallow.

"Honestly, I was OK with it," he said on day one of the 2009 competition. "I had planned on taking the whole year off and cycling in."

That was back in May. In a fortunate turn of events, OPT did make it to the competition and did exceptionally well. "Honestly I felt like I owed it to the community...This year I'm just here for the experience."

OPT To Compete or Not To Compete video ... [wmv] [mov]

Those who attended the European Regional knew there was something amazing about Mikko Salo. We knew he dominated that event, but we all wondered how he'd do on the world stage. He emerged the winner.

Throughout the eight events, the Finn stayed consistent and powerful across the broad array challenges. He entered the final event just one point behind Tommy Hackenbruck, but his dominant performance sealed him the victory. He completed the chipper nearly two full minutes ahead of Jason Khalipa, and the only man to finish under 20min.

In many ways, Mikko embodies the ideal virtues of a champion. He is modest, humble, focused, and unfazed by whatever is thrown at him.

Mikko post chipper video (also seen on the main site) ... [wmv] [mov]

Knowing the possibility of a swim event in the 2010 Games, Hollis Molloy, owner and coach at CrossFit Santa Cruz put Tamaryn "Taz" Venter (shown) of CrossFit New Zealand, and Patrick "The Manimal" Barber through a workout that had both standard CrossFit elements and a significant pool element.

Pat took 4th place in the 2008 Games and set the fifth fastest time in this years sandbag sprint event. Taz was the top female at the 2009 Australasian qualifier. She also has some lifeguarding and triathlon experience.

These two, combined with the CFSC Affiliate Cup team, trained outside their comfort zone. It's impressive to watch Pat suffer so much in the pool and then dominate on deck. It shows that some specific training will be required if the 2010 Games do in fact have a water element.

CrossFit Santa Cruz Pool WOD video ... [wmv] [mov]

Day One of the 09 Games was a brutal set of five events. The sledge hammer event put most of the athletes outside their comfort zone. The final couplet was simple but extremely painful. At the end of the day, a few were even questioning the wisdom of going on.

Jeremy Thiel talks about his mindset through the final two events. He finished 3rd overall in 08, and came in focused on the podium.

Matt Chan describes the day, and welcomes the challenge.

Mikko Salo appears unfazed by whole ordeal.

Athletes Reflect On Day One video ... [wmv] [mov]

Caity Matter returned to Aromas as the defending champion. She had been throwing around some amazing performances. She was also helping to run Rogue Fitness and planning a wedding.

A competitor by nature and years of practice, bolstered by D1 college and professional basketball careers, she was excited to compete this year. Yet, she knew that the field would be much stronger. "I want to win," she says plain and simple, "that's my motivation."

The competition was indeed tougher. She pulled an impressive 305 pounds in the deadlift event, but that was only good enough for 15th with this crowd. Cyndi Frieling won the event as the only woman capable of lifting all 20 bars (375lbs). This was not Caity's year, though. Dehydration and severe cramping caused her to withdraw after three events.

Caity Matter Deadlift Interview... [wmv] [mov]

Jolie relives this years' triplet, Freddy gets sentimental while Khalipa and Everett revisit their showdown in the '08 Games, ("it was like blood in the water for a shark..."). Then they set their gaze for next year. In this final installment of The Veterans Debate, an all star foursome revisit some of their favorite moments from Games past, and ponder what future games what look like.

Josh Everett started the final event of the '08 Games a full minute behind Chris Spealler, with Khalipa back further still (1:23). They revisit the drama and build up to the final event. "I didn't even know who this guys was," says Josh pointing towards Khalipa, "He was some dopey kid in the back room warming up...so things didn't end up how I thought."

Jason Khalipa went into the 2008 Games completely unknown to the CrossFit world. The evening before the final event, his coach told him he would be lucky to land in the top three. "Shoot for top three Jason, I mean, Josh Everett is here..." Two minutes and 48 seconds after the final event began, Jason was the '08 Games champion.

Veterans Debate P3 ... [wmv] [mov]

James "OPT" Fitzgerald takes CrossFit to another level, literally. In Every Second Counts, he talked about getting in touch with pain and how he learned to manage that relationship. In time the pursuit of better performance can take a spiritual edge.

"Get comfortable with uncomfortable," has become the theme at CrossFit Calgary. You have to be able to get into an uncomfortable position, of varying different intensities and varying different degrees - physical, emotional - and be comfortable with that... that's what CrossFit teaches you and that's why it went well with our philosophy, too."

The person that can deal with discomfort and abandon homeostasis most readily will be better not only at sport, but at life in general. James draws a parrallel to personal relationships, family and work and highlights the empowerment that transfers from 'embracing the suck,' in CrossFit. Clearly the philosophy runs in the family. His younger brother Michael finished this years Games in eleventh place, by conquering a considerable amount of pain.

Comfortable With Uncomfortable ... [wmv] [mov]

In conjunction with the venue itself, the stakes surrounding the Games continue to grow as well. As the competitor field goes international and big name sponsors take an interest, a commensurate amount of pressure is levied on the shoulders of the competitors. No pressure is greater to a performer, however, than the pressure of pride that they put on themselves.

"Of course I'm nervous, and of course I feel pressure... I put pressure on myself and there is pressure from everywhere," says Sveinbjorn Sveinbjornsson from Iceland who, along with Annie Thorisdotter, represented a country of only 400,000 inhabitants. His success in early events attracted the eyes of the crowd and he continued to excel, entering the final chipper event in the 14th position, on the heels of DJ Wickham and one spot ahead of Jeremy Thiel. The performance highlight for him was the first position finish in the Sandbag Sprint event with a time of 1:01. prior to day one he talked about the importance of this pressure when it comes to performance. "You can't do good if you don't have any pressure, put pressure on yourself... that's a part of it."

Sveinbjornsson On The Pressures Of Sport... [wmv] [mov]

That pressure is not doubt intensified for returning champions, a sentiment echoed by Jason Khalipa. In an interview filmed during his Level One Certification at CrossFit Elite 400 in Northern Ireland, Mikko Salo gave his thoughts on the pressure to perform next year and talked about the cultural differences between Finland and the US. "I think there is a small pressure for me... but it's ok." Mikko was suprised by the openness of the CrossFit family and compared the cultural differences to those of Finland. "I noticed, that when I was in Aromas, there was a tight family. I am not used to this in Finland... we are shy people."

More than anything Mikko is excited to share information about how he trains and recovers for better performance. "My goal for the next games is to be a better CrossFitter, and if I'm a better CrossFitter... I'm happy, doesn't matter if I come in first or last."

Mikko in Ireland - CrossFit Family ... [wmv] [mov]

It's nearly impossible to convey the devastation that the athletes experienced during the third event of the CrossFit games. While the event itself was relatively short, explosive, and simple, the pain it inflicted was described by many as the worst they had ever experienced.

Crystal McReynolds and her heat hammered up the 170 meters of steep dirt path in whatever manner they could sustain. Running, walking, and eventually diving across the finish line became the standard for all heats while hauling 35 pounds of sand. McReynolds finished 28th with an impressive time of 1:20.5. The fastest women's time of 1:07 was set by Annie Thorisdottir. When she regained her breath, McReynolds suggested a unique cool down technique that is likely to catch on.

Crystal McReynolds Sandbag Sprint ... [wmv] [mov]

Three of this year's top competitors had something in common, they rebounded from an unfortunate performance at regionals to qualify via the Last-chance qualifier online video submission.

Entering day two of this years Games Tommy Hackenbruck, Spencer Hendel and Peter Egyed were among the top ten competitors. When the smoke cleared on the final day, they finished second, fifth and sixth, respectively.

"Tommy Hackenbruck is why we have the online qualifiers." Hackenbruck dominated the metcon event at the Northwest Qualifier, but failed to place high enough in other heavily strength-based events to secure a spot. He flipped the script in Aromas and entered day two of competition one point ahead of Mikko Salo.

Both Egyed and Hendel had similar experiences at their regional qualifiers. Peter was on the heels of Chris Spealler and Eric O'Connor going into the second event at the Great Basin regional qualifiers when he ran into trouble. At the Midwest Regional Qualifier Hendel failed to make the top 6 athletes but placed third in the Last Chance event.

Without this alternative to regional competition, some of the top-contenders for the world's fittest would have had to wait another year for their chance to compete.

CrossFit Animals... [wmv] [mov]

Following this year's CrossFit Games, Concept 2 graciously invited this year's top male and female competitors, Mikko Salo and Tanya Wagner, to the CRASH-B's, the world indoor rowing championships. They could come as special guests of C2 to watch, or if they wanted to compete, C2 would send two of the world's best coaches to train them to compete in the event. Guess which one they did!

Over 2,000 rowers are expected to come from all over the world to participate in the largest indoor rowing race of the year. It is likely that specialists in the field will dominate the event, but we are excited to see how proficiently our athletes can perform on limited experience.

So far, so good. Tanya smashed all the women's records for Angela Hart's rowing seminar practice drills. Mikko recently did a rowing workout on the same day he performed the 2:16 Fran. The workout was five 1000m splits, with just a 3min rest in between each split. His times were 3:15, 3:15, 3:15, 3:18, and 3:17. Not too shabby for a guy 5'8" and 176lbs.

To return the favor, we have invited the top eligible male and female winners of the CRASH-Bs to compete in their Regional Qualifier for the 2010 Games. We say eligible because the true winners are likely to be competitive rowers, and the Games season coincides with their rowing season (which is why the CRASH-Bs are in Feb, not June). We are going to send them to a local affiliate to prepare before heading out into the most competitive CrossFit arenas.

The following is a letter from Tracy Desrocher of Concept 2, explaining the details of the exchange and updating the progress of Mikko and Tanya:

We are so psyched to hear back from both Mikko Salo and Tanya Wagner that they will be participating in the 2010 C.R.A.S.H.-B. event. It will be such an experience for the rowing community to meet some of CrossFit's finest and learn from them.

Concept2 and members of the rowing community are standing by to offer their help on how to best train for the CRASH-B competition. Likewise Mikko, Tanya and the participating CrossFit community will be cheering on their best and offering their own expertise on how best to use CrossFit for a rowing competition. Everyone benefits by bringing these two communities together.

Continue reading ...

Not sure exactly what to expect or how to prepare for the CrossFit Games in 2010? Need a little advice from someone who's been there?

In the second installation of The Veteran's Debate, three-time female competitor Jolie Gentry joins the discussion. With regard to Games competition no other individual, male or female, can boast a track record like Gentry. After winning the competition in 2007, she 5th in '08 and 9th in '09.

Along with Freddie Camacho, Josh Everett, and Jason Khalipa, the foursome boasts 11 years of CrossFit Games experience. The group addresses specific challenges they had to surmount, and divulge advice to someone interested in competing for the first time.

The Veterans Debate P2 ... [wmv] [mov]

Lieutenant Steve Smith is a real American hero. When the last chance qualifiers were announced, Smith, a platoon leader in the 82nd Airborn Division of the United States Army, was deployed in Iraq. He jumped at the chance to represent our boys overseas and to honor the men who will not be coming home. In the last chance, he posted excellent times for all three events: 4:06 for the Deadlift/Double Unders, 4:45 for Jackie, and 11:34 for the "10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1" WOD.

The hurdles he encountered in order to submit a video on time, much less be granted time off for competition were massive. Regardless, Smith was able to make the Games. "It's a huge honor for everything to have worked out," he says. He finished 48th overall in the games. Despite this strong finish, he does not advocate deployment to Iraq as a preperation tactic for the exercising public... "unless you don't mind fried chicken and Hot Pockets for your diet."

Steve Smith Interview ... [wmv] [mov]

Steve Smith on Working Out in Iraq ... [wmv] [mov]

"There has never been an option for me to quit." So says Mikko Salo, champion of the 2009 CrossFit Games in an interview during his first Level One Certification at CrossFit Elite 400 in Northern Ireland. Mikko took the competitor field by storm and surprised everyone with an amazingly consistent performance across the entire weekend.

The Champ again shows his class by addressing the automatic qualification that he, as a former champion, has been awarded for future CrossFit Games. "That is a nice treat, but immediately I thought... if I'm not in shape, I don't want to take someone else's place." For now, that doesn't appear to be a problem.

Mikko in Ireland - Never Quit... [wmv] [mov]

Should the CrossFit Games expand to include a Master's Division? What age is the prime of a CrossFitters competitive life? What events should be included in future Games and what events from Games past should be relegated to the vault? What's the best way to prepare for the CrossFit Games?

Veteran Games athletes Jason Khalipa, Josh Everett and Freddy Camacho gathered during a Level One Certification at Crossfit North Santa Cruz to discuss hot topics and recount memories from a combined 8 years of competition experience in Aromas.

In part one Jason, Josh and Freddy represent three different decades. They offer opinions on the need for a master's division and discuss the advantages for both the young and the old bull. Stay tuned for the next episode when female veteran Jolie Gentry enters the conversation.

Oh and Freddy, you were at NSC... not Aromas. What exactly was in that cup?

The Veterans Debate ... [wmv] [mov]

Anyone who witnessed the performance of Finnish national Mikko Salo at this years CrossFit Games may be surprised to discover that he was reluctant to compete at all.

We sent Sevan and Carey to Ireland and Finland to find out more about the world's fittest man. In an interview conducted at his first Level One Certification, Mikko returns to the location of his qualifier at Crossfit Elite 400 in Northern Ireland and recounts his journey to becoming the champ.

"I am not so competitive of a person," He says, still slightly out of breath from the 2:16 Fran that he completed moments ago,"but he (my coach) told me that we could manage here and get to the games, and then I decided to come... it was a good decision." His conclusion is supported by an amazing performance at this years games.

He doesn't even pause when he is asked about his weaknesses entering the qualifier, "The double unders, firstly, I know my metcon condition is good and my power levels are good, but I have some big issues. Like snatch and double unders." These shortcomings hardly hindered his progress towards the podium in Aromas. He snatched 190 pounds and recorded the fastest time of the day in the chipper event.

Although he is happy with his performance at the Games he is not one to rest on his laurels. "I have been training hard, next year I want to be a better CrossFitter."

Mikko Salo Interview ... [wmv] [mov]

In 2008 Jeff Tincher of Crossfit Fairfax secured the 5th spot overall, automatically seeding him for this year and bypassing the regional qualifiers. In 2009, he ended Day 1 in 33rd position, which gave him Sunday off. Not too shabby for a 40 year old.

With the 2010 Games still on the distant horizon, Jeff has already begun to dose his practice. "I'm up to two a day programming," says Jeff. "I'm trying to work various metabolic pathways."

Proficiency across different energy pathways is a key concept of CrossFit. Jeff is directly attempting to highlight his anaerobic capacity in this WOD. "Right now I'm gonna try to tap out my glycolitic pathway... as much as I can in two minutes."

The WOD? "I'm gonna try and get as many squat clean into thrusters as I can at 185 pounds, which is 5 pounds over bodyweight." Jeff did the heavy Grace in the 08 Games in just over 5 minutes, so his frame of reference is sound.

"I'm shootin for twelve, if I can get twelve that'll be good, if I get 15 I'll be very very happy."

Jeff Tincher Thrusters video ... [wmv] [mov]

Recently Heather Keenan discussed the agony of missing qualification for day two of the 09 Games by a blink in 10 seconds with Heather Keenan. Event number 3 also came down to fractions of a second, only this time it ended in her favor.

In this video, Heather gives 'play by play' on the loaded sandbag-sprint heat that she clinched by the narrowest of margins. With a strong heat including Jolie Gentry and Sarah Dunsmore to deal with, Heather came out of the gates hot and took an early lead. Just as she thought she was home free, Dunsmore closed the gap. "I could hear somebody coming up on my side," she reflects,"and I was right at the cone... so I'm like, I just have to win this heat, that's all I have to do!" The battle for the final few feet, with both athletes exhausted but unrelenting, ended with a photo finish, a cloud of dust and a primal scream.

"I remember just throwing my body, like I could care less what happens to me," Keenan recalls. Losing was not an option for this competitor and she managed to jump two spots as a reward for her efforts.

Heather Keenan Sandbag Sprint ... [wmv] [mov]

The 7k run at the Games was a brutal mental and physical challenge. The top time was Chris Spealler, who finished in 37:43. Six men finished sub-40 (Speal, Mikko Salo, Russell Berger, Blair Morrison, David Millar, and James FitzGerald). The top female time was Sarah Dunsmore at 41:44, over a minute faster than number two Lauren Erwin (43:03).

The run, as expected, favored the smaller athletes. The bottom 10 finishers averaged a full 12% heavier than the top 10 finishers (169lbs to 189lbs for the men, and 130lbs to 146lbs for the women).

This video from Sevan Matossian has a series of interviews about the run right after the event finished, including with Graham Holmberg (pictured) ... [wmv] [mov]

Kristan Clever (4th overall) from CrossFit North Hollywood was tied for third with Carey Kepler after all eight events. Built into the scoring was a tie-break. The tie-break was whoever had the best individual placement in any single event won. Well, both Carey and Kristan won one event. So we go to the next best placement. Both had a second also. So we had to keep going. In the end, Carey had 1 first, 1 second, and 3 thirds, whereas Kristan had 1 first, 1 second, 2 thirds, and 1 fourth. Wow! That fight for the final position on the podium couldn't have been more closely contested.

Carey Peterson put together a short video on Kristan ... [wmv] [mov]

Physical activity has always been a cornerstone of my life. Even though I suffered from asthma during my toddler years, all thru childhood I remember frequent hiking and tennis days, family bike rides, and neighborhood Frisbee games. Mom put me thru swim, dance, gymnastics (loved the tumbling, but loathed the bars; couldn't pull myself up there to save my life!) and then; most dear to me now; introduced me to my sport of choice through JAO Basketball.

Continue reading ...

Peter Egyed (6th overall) from CrossFit Fury shown doing handstand pushups during the triplet on Sunday. This was a bit of revenge on Peter's part. It was the handstand pushups that almost kept him from competing in his third Games. He was 21st in 2008 and 10th in 2007.

Peter was in third place after the first workout at the Great Basin regional qualifier behind Chris Spealler and Eric O'Connor. Peter had a disastrous second workout, which was:

Complete 5 rounds for time of:
Deadlifts x 7 reps (275#)
30 Air Squats
7 Handstand Push Ups

He finished 27th with a 17:34, which moved him from third to thirteenth overall. Speal had the best time of the day at 5:02. Peter got stuck on the HSPU. He was out of the running.

A few weeks later, the Last Chance online qualifier was announced. Peter entered and had the best time overall for the three workouts (19:31), which sent him back to Aromas. He worked hard on the HSPU, and was ready for them when they came up on Sunday.

Sevan Matossian brings us this brief interview with Peter video ... [wmv] [mov]

Jason Khalipa (5th overall) from CrossFit Santa Clara came off of a really bad run in which he collapsed and finished 72nd out of 74 athletes, and was able to work his way back into 5th place over the next 2 days.

In case you missed it on the main site, Sevan Matossian made a preview video of Jason's effort ... [wmv] [mov]

There was also a CrossFit Journal article about his experience.

Jason writes about his training for the Games:
My training consisted of CrossFit.com workouts once a day up until about 4 months prior to the CrossFit Games 2010. At about 4 months out Austin (CrossFit Unlimited) put together a training program that I used up until the Games. The program consisted primarily of CrossFit type workouts in conjunction with heavy Olympic lifting and hill runs. I trained 6 days a week but made sure to listen to my body if I needed a rest day.

Typically I trained twice a day, however the last few weeks before the Games I stepped it up to 3 times and sometimes even 4 times a day. However each of these workouts were different, some focused on strength while others worked on my recovery time or endurance.

Contrary to what many people may think, and I don't blame them either, I did in fact train hill runs twice a week every week for 12 weeks leading up to the Games. The hill runs ranged from short and intense interval training to long distance 5-7 mile runs. In the weeks leading up to the Games my training was:

5 weeks out, 4 times a day
4 weeks out, 3 times a day
3 weeks out, 2 times a day
2 weeks out, 1 time a day
1 week out, active rest

And I always try to practice what I suck at.

My nutrition was mediocre at best, I did not follow a strict Zone or Paleo diet. I watched what I ate and tried to make smart decisions but did not focus on my diet nearly as much as I did my training.

Steve Willis (4th overall) from CrossFit Effects in Sydney, Australia was featured on the cover of an Australian fitness magazine. He also plays Commando Steve on Australia's version of The Biggest Loser. He wrote in about his training for the Games.

A little about my background, I grew up being very competitive, playing team sports through my school years (rugby league). My training life within the gym started when I was 15 years old. I competed in a body building comp at 17, and was quick to realize that there was more than training required if I was to have a serious chance at being competitive, so needless to say that was no longer my dream and aspiration. I joined the military at 18 and spent the better part of 10 years there, within that time I served within the Australian Special Forces. I left the military in 2004 and that is when a friend first introduced me to CrossFit.

Sevan Matossian made a video of Steve's Sandbag Run from the Games ... [wmv] [mov]

My Training

My training since starting CrossFit generally consists of training 4 - 6 sessions a week, depending on my schedule and how I am feeling. I follow the main page WOD and or our affiliate WOD. But if I may steal a sentence from Tanya Wagner, I can honestly say that intensity is really the only thing that I'm consistent with in my training.

Continue reading ...

Lindsey Smith (5th overall) had never even been inside a CrossFit affiliate before the Hell's Half Acre regional qualifiers this year. She writes about her training up to the Games:

As with many other CrossFit competitors, I have a background filled with athletics beginning at a very young age. Approaching college I was told I would have to choose one sport and put all of my energy into that one sport, and I did for a short while, but after being blessed with a soccer scholarship to DePaul University, I did my best to defy the odds and pursued basketball and track and field at the collegiate level as well. For most of my young adult life my days were consumed by practice, team lifting sessions, and individualized conditioning with my strength coach, Tim Lang. In short, multiple practices in a single day became my norm.

Carey Peterson made a quick video of Lindsey from the Games ... [wmv] [mov]

Post-college, I found myself in a bit of a rut. I had never trained for aesthetics and I felt like that was the path I was headed down and I hated it. I briefly considered triathlons and figure competitions, but upon finding out that my husband and I would be having our first child, my desire to "find my niche" was put on hold. I worked out throughout my pregnancy as best I could and was actually scolded by my husband, Webster, when he realized I was doing 100m sprints, just days before having our daughter.

During my pregnancy, Web took up CrossFit. His enthusiasm grew daily, to the point I almost found it annoying. 3 on 1 off, workouts named after people, days with hundreds of reps, days with very few reps... it was all new to me. I tried to "kinda" do CrossFit for several months after having our daughter, Alexis, but it just was not working. I would supplement the low rep days with my own enhanced versions of the workouts. I quickly got discouraged and saw little improvement.

Web challenged me to train for the qualifier and in January of 2009 I decided to commit to the main site only, for two weeks straight. I told him I would make my decision after the

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Glory Dawson (22nd overall) from CrossFit San Diego and CrossFit BWI was the only person (male or female) to compete in both the affiliate competition on Friday and the individual competition on Saturday. She writes about that experience.

I was completely stoked that I had just qualified for the 2009 CrossFit games from the Mid-Atlantic Region. I was in 2nd place at the end of the first day and things were looking good. However, after the grueling final workout of snatches and chest-to-bar pull-ups (21-15-9) I finished in 5th place. The snatches weren't too bad, but those crazy chest-to-bar pull-ups were tough!

Again Faster made a highlight video of her affiliate competition ... [wmv] [mov]
Carey Peterson made a highlight video of her individual competition ... [wmv] [mov]

Leading up to the qualifiers, I had been training at CrossFit BWI in Glen Burnie, MD, just south of Baltimore. I credit my success at the qualifiers to my awesome trainer and friend, Ryan Thompson. Ryan pushed me hard and always encouraged me to do my best! After the qualifiers, CrossFit BWI decided to enter a team into the Affiliate Cup. I was so excited that part of my CrossFit family would also be at the games in Aromas and have a chance to compete as a team. We could cheer for each other.

In early June, I moved to San Diego, CA to stay with a friend. Moving was tough right before the Games. It took a week to drive across the country and it really affected my

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Moe Kelsey (3rd overall) describes his training.

Working out has always been a fundamental part of my life for as long as I can remember. My parents have always been active and I attribute my wide range of athletic experiences to them and their example of dedication. I tagged along with my dad in the weight room for the first time when I was 13 and was hooked. By the time I was 15, I was lifting four to six days a week year round and eating like a horse.

I was a pretty skinny, weak and clumsy kid and all the hard work did not pay off until my Junior year of high school sports. I learned strength training and power lifting in high school and was into bodybuilding for several years. My dad introduced me to triathlons several years ago. For my first triathlon, I was built like a bodybuilder and weighed 240 pounds. Since then, I have come further and further away from trying to look fit and work toward actually being fit.

Sevan Matossian made a short video of Moe from the Games ... [wmv] [mov]

I was exposed to CrossFit a little over two years ago through some of my colleagues in the Kirkland Fire Department. Like a lot of folks, I didn't think you could be in shape by performing such short workouts. I couldn't have been more mistaken. At the time I only peppered an occasional WOD into my routines to mix it up. After my Department sent a group of us to a Level 1 Cert., I was sold. For seventeen months now, I have hit the gym four to six days a week with as much intensity as possible. I am always ready to push myself harder than the last time. CrossFit has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me.

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Being "over the hill" didn't stop Linda Leipper from running over The Hill in Aromas.

Leipper, who trains at CrossFit Marina, finished seventh in the SoCal Regional and first in the Last Chance Qualifier. At the Games, the mother of two was one of six competitors 40 or over. When the final scores were tallied, Leipper was in 40th place.

The resident of Huntington Beach, Calif., finds CrossFit to be the perfect fuel for competitive fires that still burn bright, and in this video shot during the Games, she also explains that CrossFit is a way for her to blow off some steam ... [wmv] [mov]

"I love CrossFit. It's phenomenal," she said. "It's kept me in shape. I'm competitive by nature. I played collegiate sports, so this has just kind of kept me in the game from a competitive standpoint.

"It's either that or beat the shit out of my children, you know?" Leipper joked. "What do you do? Beat the shit out of a stake or your family members?"

Carey Kepler (3rd overall) of CrossFit Central sent us how she trains.

I want to wow you and say that I did some crazy 3 a days or did two hour WOD's but I don't have time for all that. I do have to focus and stay focused everyday. I eat well almost all of the time (makes me feel good). I typically get up at 4:25am or 4:55am to train 15 women, and then the day continues with meetings, training others, food, meetings, and then me. I would workout mid morning on a break. I tried to give myself one and a half hours, but it did not always work out that way.

I know one of the biggest advantages to my training is having at least 5 other rock star athletes training with me at the same time. Crystal McReynolds (who took 9th), Jessica Sharrat (on our affilitate team), and Jen Cardella(affiliate team member), as well as two or three other CrossFit Central bad-asses trained at the same time. When you train with a bunch of rock stars you raise your game every time!

I would start my training session with at least 10 minutes on the trigger point system. Then I'd do a warm up Crystal and I created that would include work on our weaknesses. After that, it was the Dot-Com workout and a rush to trigger point post workout. Then on to the next thing.

I would always carry my food from home with me. I made sure to get a post workout shake in or some sweet potatoes post workout. Food was a big area I stayed dialed in on. Oh, and rest. I am a firm believer in rest. Eight hours or more! I admit I wasn't always getting eight, but I definitely worked hard to hit the pillow before 9pm. I would go to bed with my kids, and I still try to keep this schedule.

I like competition. I trained to compete.

Carey Kepler Interview ... [wmv] [mov]

We asked Charity Vale of CrossFit Snohomish a mother, all around badass, and 2nd place overall (has video) at the 2009 CrossFit Games to tell us about her training. This is what she wrote:

Carey Peterson caught up with Charity right after the final chipper where she dominated the competition ... [wmv] [mov]

I would say my training started back when I was 9 years old and a competitive gymnast. The conditioning in gymnastics was very similar to CrossFit WODs in that you had to be not only physically tough to make it through but also, and I think more importantly, mentally tough to make it through. When I quit gymnastics my freshman year of H.S., I played soccer more seriously and also did track and field. I had amazing coaches that also turned me on to the weight room. From then on I trained when I could in the weight room and did those two sports throughout H.S. I went on to college and played soccer and continued working out. I pursued my degree in P.E. and later became a personal trainer at a globo gym where I trained in the traditional body building model of lifting combined with 30-40 minutes of cardio. I trained and worked out regularly for years in this same manner while in the meantime having 3 children. I remember thinking that I was working my tail off just to maintain my current level of fitness. I never seemed to make any progress. I was in decent shape but I felt like I was working too hard with little to show for it. Then Jeff, my husband, found CrossFit. He did it for almost a year while I was pregnant with baby number three.

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Iceland Sven and Iceland Annie had never done a GHD situp before the 09 Games. They have been training a Bootcamp style for years. Their general fitness and athletic abilities were tremendous. When it came to perform some of the more technical drills on Sunday, they did amazingly well given their lack of exposure.

In this video from Carey Peterson, Dave Castro teaches them the technique and standards for the GHD situp ... [wmv] [mov]

They mention that they have only been doing CrossFit for about a month and a half. But recently they sent in video from Iceland of their Bootcamp program. As you can see in these two links, they have been practicing a variety of functional movements executed at high intensity.

Bootcamp Video 1
Bootcamp Video 2

Tommy Hackenbruck (2nd overall) from Ute CrossFit describes his training. In the picture, he sets a lifetime PR by 10lbs with a 205lb snatch. He presses the weight out, which was fully legal for the Games. In the background, you can see Marty Cej and John Buffone (in the white Media shirts), the guys who have made our "news-style" videos.

Here's a quick history of my training background which I think is similar to Mikko's in that I have been doing constantly varied, functional movements at high intensity for most of my life. Where we differ is the volume of training he is able to endure, the guy is an amazing athlete. I hope this information is helpful to some of you, especially those who have trouble with overtraining like me.

Sevan Matossian caught up with Tommy on Sunday morning, right before the Event 6 Snatch ... [wmv] [mov]

Childhood: Climbed every tree in my backyard, rode my bike all over town, played team sports year round, got really into rollerblading and skateboarding for a while, learned to do backflips and haven't stopped doing them since.

Age 14 to 23: Weightlifting workouts year round, never took more than 10 days off. Power Cleans, Front Squats, Back Squats, Bench, etc. My dream was to be in the NFL, unfortunately it ended shortly after College. I was and still am very dedicated to my training, believe in hard work and the importance of training and preparation if you want to reach your goals.

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Tanya Wagner (1st overall) from CrossFit Apex describes her training.

I have always been an intense person when it comes to training or playing sports, whether it was goalkeeper training for soccer or a backyard game of volleyball. I think that's why CrossFit really fits my personality and my style (with that intensity piece being such a crucial element).

I can honestly say that intensity is really the only thing that I'm consistent with in my training. I really try to follow the recommended 3 on 1 off schedule but rarely, if ever, does that actually happen. Sometimes I'm 2 on 1 off, or 5 on 2 off. I try to get in as many days in a row that I can until I know my intensity suffers from fatigue. The majority of the time, I'd rather rest one day and hit a better WOD the next than have a crappy WOD just to get one more day in.

Carey Peterson caught Tanya on video talking about her training ... [wmv] [mov]

That being said, I understand the importance of training under the influence of tired muscles, lack of sleep, hunger, temperature variations and all the rest, so I do hit WODs under all circumstances, and try not to let any of that be an excuse. I hit one of my best Grace times after a late night out with friends and only a few hours of sleep with a killer headache.

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We asked Mikko Salo about his training. Here is his response:

Hello! I have done functional training with high intensity my entire life (which is like15 years now). Nowadays, I train 4 to 6 days in a row, and then I take a rest day.

My basic training day starts with running or rowing 30-45 min with high intensity (interval training) in the mornings. In the evenings, I do some kind of strength training (different squats, cleans, snatches, deadlifts, all major lifts), with sets of 5x3, 5x5, or 5x10.

After the strength training, I usually do two different metcon workouts with 5-10 minute rest in between. For these, I use broad time domains from 1 minute to 30 minutes. I also try to use big weights and my body mass in the metcons. I always hammer the metcons with full intensity.

I believe that my ability to train so much and with so hard intensity is because I have created a careful foundation of physical capacity starting at very young age. When I started doing CrossFit, I followed the main site workouts strictly. But nowadays I want more volume than the main site provides. So I do a bit more for training days.

There has been some kind of talk about me gaining muscle mass after the European Qualifers, but that is not true. I have had same body mass now for a few years (80kg). Also, I don't have access all the equipment that is needed for all the main site workouts, so occasionally I have to modify some of the movements.

Sevan Matossian interviewed Mikko about this also ... [wmv] [mov]

Pat Barber (the "Manimal") finished 5th in the Event 3 sandbag sprint with a time of 1:06.8. The event was a 170m sprint carrying two 35lb sandbags (women carried one 35lb sandbag). Uphill.

There was approximately 100' in elevation gain throughout the run, but much of it came at the end. In fact, the hill got gradually steeper from the bleachers to the finish. The pain at the top was so great that most competitors said it was the most painful event of the weekend.

The top times for both men and women were from the Icelanders: Sven (1:01) and Annie (1:07.4). For comparison's sake, the times were just slightly slower than their 400m sprint for most athletes.

Sevan Matossian highlights the Manimal's sandbag run with some interview footage from before the competition in this video ... [wmv] [mov]

Chuck Carswell was Mikko Salo's judge for the Event 6 Triplet. The workout was max rounds and reps in 8 minutes of:
4 Handstand pushups
8 KB swings (32kg)
12 GHD situps

Chuck wrote this about Mikko:
"M-I-K-K-O S-A-L-O" he said.

"Ok, here's what we have, 4 handstand pushups, head must touch the bumper plate, full lock out at the top. Keep the legs inside the hands and straight no kipping allowed. If your feet come off the wall on any rep, that's ok as long as you're still vertical when you lock the out. That's what makes a good rep," I said.

From there we move to kettlebell swings. I continue, "It's real simple, arms must touch the legs at the bottom and the KB needs to be straight up at the top.... no bent wrist with the KB out front. The bottom of the KB points to the sky for 8 reps and we're good. When you finish your 8th rep, I recommend you set the KB down as opposed to dropping it b/c you'll have to go get it, not me. Would you like to try a rep?" I ask.

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Stephane Rochet, the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for USD, was Mikko Salo's judge for the Event 5 Couplet at the end of Saturday at the 2009 Games. The workout was 3 rounds for time of:
30 Wallball (20lbs, 10')
30 Squat snatches (75lbs).

Stephane wrote this about it:

I wasn't really paying attention to where guys were placed, especially on the first day. I did not really know who Mikko was. When he came over to me, he struck me as a nice, humble guy. He asked a few questions and did few practice reps on each exercise.

His snatches were solid. His wallball was bad from the start. He couldn't get into a rhythm, and he kept hitting the bottom of the target, which didn't count. I explained he needed to hit higher on the target. He tried a couple more. One was good and I said, "That's the one!"

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The top athletes at the 2009 Games were remarkably consistent in their placings, even on Day 1 when they were competing against 70+ other athletes.

The events were extremely varied. There was a 7km run over widely varied terrain, a max deadlift event, a 170m hill sprint with sandbags, a row/sledgehammer event, and a traditional CrossFit couplet (wallball and light squat snatches).

Amazingly, Tanya Wagner's (1st overall) worst placing on Saturday was 11th (Run). Her best was 5th (Couplet). Tanya's affiliate is CrossFit Apex.

Carey Kepler from CrossFit Central (3rd overall, pictured) finished 42nd in the deadlift, but finished no worse than 3rd in the other four events. She dominated the couplet, finishing a full minute faster than second place (Sarah Dunsmore), and nearly three minutes faster than anyone else.

(Perhaps of interest in the picture is the very slight time delay from live action to what appears on the Jumbotron screen in the background. On the screen, she is slightly above parallel on her way down, whereas you can see live that she is below parallel. You can also see Jeb Smith and Denise Serrano from CrossFit Marina operating the camera.)

No other woman in the top 7 overall finished below 35th in any single event on Day 1. The men's competition was tighter (average score for the top 7 women at the end of Day 1 was 56 compared to 73 for the men). The most consistent man was Tommy Hackenbruck from Ute CrossFit. His worst placement was 24th (deadlift). He won the Row/Sledgehammer event (4:36).

Jason Khalipa from CrossFit Santa Clara had the most dramatic performance on Saturday. He finished 72nd (third from last) on the run and earned his way into the top 16 with two first place finishes (deadlift and couplet) and two 13th place finishes (sandbag and row/sledge). On Sunday, he finished 2nd in all three events.

The worst placements from the other top 7 men was 44th (Blair Morrison on the deadlift and Peter Egyed from CrossFit Fury on the sandbag sprint). If Khalipa had finished 44th in the run instead of 72nd, he would have tied Mikko for 1st overall.

Mikko Salo's (1st overall) worst placement was 32nd in the row/sledgehammer. He finished 2nd in the 7k run on Saturday and 1st in the chipper on Sunday.

Two years ago, Kim Malz from CrossFit Persevere was preparing for a struggle with breast cancer. With the loving support of her friends and family, she was able to overcome her disease and bounce back. The end of cancer brought on the beginning of her journey into CrossFit.

After starting CrossFit in the winter of 2008, she noticed vast improvement in her fitness. She qualified 4th at the Northeast Regionals, which brought her to Aromas for the 2009 Games.

In this video from Marty Cej and John Buffone of BNN fame, we get a close look at Kim Malz, her incredible story, and some insight into her battle with disease and how she came back to be among the world's fittest in 2009.

Kim Malz's 09 Games Story - video... [wmv] [mov]

Jeff Leonard won the NorCal Regional Qualifier, and finished 14th overall at the 09 Games. He won the Snatch (240lbs, a 15lb PR), and came in second in the Row/Sledge (4:42) right behind Tommy Hackenbruck.

Jeff is a firefighter, and this past weekend won the July 18th Fremont, CA Firefighter Challenge with a time of 1:28.81. Notice that the only other sub 1:30 time was by Brandon Cunningham.

This was just six days after Sunday's final Chipper (pictured). Jeff had time called as he was on the final drill (Overhead Walking Lunges). He lost a chunk of time on the muscle-ups. At 6'3", 235lbs and in his eighth event in two days, the 15 MUPs came in singles with all-out kips.

Congrats Jeff on a stellar performance and on the Firefighter Challenge win!

Tommy Hackenbruck, pictured here setting the top time in the Row/Sledge event on Saturday (4:36), finished second overall in the 2009 Games.

Tommy participated in the NW Regional Qualifiers and won the final workout by a significant margin. He failed to qualify though, because of the stellar deadlifts and presses put up by his competitors. Undeterred, he entered via the online last chance qualifier. It's a good thing, too, because Tommy was in first place overall going into the last event (by one point over Mikko Salo). Mikko won the final Chipper and the title, but Tommy's performance was good enough to keep him in second.

Tommy's performance landed him a little local fame. Lya Wodraska from the Salt Lake Tribune featured Tommy in a recent story. He had played middle linebacker for the Utes (University of Utah football team), and the article is called Hackenbruck Excels in New Sport.

Congrats Tommy! At only 27, I'm sure we're going to see more of him in the coming years.

Lance Mosley from CrossFit Hardcore in Boca Raton, FL is doing a lot right. A former powerlifter, Lance has competed in the last two CrossFit Games. As a lifter, his bests were Squat 815; Bench 628; Deadlift 705 and total 2066 (he only put 601 for his DL PR on his profile because that's what he's done since becoming a CrossFitter). He made the 505lb deadlift look like PVC.

Lance and his wife Adriana Grassi are one of three couples that qualified to compete this year (Tanya and Josh Wagner and Mariah and Sean Provost are the other two). Adriana had to relinquish her spot due to pending surgery on her neck. Omar Torres (Bionic) also trains out of their thriving affiliate, CrossFit Hardcore.

The Hardcore crew are at a significant disadvantage when they show up in Aromas. Can you say "flat" when describing Boca Raton? Asking any powerlifter to run seven clicks is pure torture (Dave Tate says powerlifters worry about their cardio when the walk from the car to the platform gets them winded!), not to mention through those hills.

Lance brought his A-game even though the programming didn't favor him. He came in two spots behind Jason Khalipa on the run (last male), but he made it through to the end of Day 1. In fact, he moved up 12 spots in the fifth event, the high volume wallball/snatch Couplet. He went from 53rd to finishing 41st overall.

The bottom line is that Lance Mosley is fittest man alive who has ever produced a +2,000lb powerlifting total.

CrossFit is a family affair for Charity Vale. Watch CrossFit by Overload's video of her ... [wmv] [mov]

Charity placed 2nd overall with a dominant final workout (18:24, which was a full two minutes faster than the nearest competitor). She also came in second in the Triplet workout. Amazingly, she came in ninth in both the long run and the deadlift.

Charity and husband Jeff are CrossFit Snohomish in Snohomish, WA. Jeff trained for and competed in the NW Regional Qualifier. Charity and Jenny Olson (Jeff's sister, who came in eighth overall) decided to join him, mostly because they thought it would be hard to make the trip to Aromas without being able to participate. They don't train to win, nor to compete in the Games. But they're obviously doing something right!

Charity was a Level-10 gymnast and a Globogym-type personal trainer before Jeff found CrossFit about three years ago. Jenny jumped on the bandwagon a year later. Jenny said she does CrossFit because it's quick, she doesn't need daycare, and can do it in her garage. Both she and Charity have three kids.

When Charity finished the final workout, she celebrated briefly with Jeff, then went to cheer on her competitors. She is pictured here with Kristan Clever, the second place finisher on the final event, just a few meters from the finish line.

Read about Jason Khalipa's run and redemption in a free four-page article in the CrossFit Journal.

Jason Khalipa finished 72nd in the first workout at the CrossFit Games. Over the next seven WODs, he clawed his way back into contention and earned the respect of the CrossFit community. Mike Warkentin talks to Khalipa about his struggle back to the top.

Last year Jason Khalipa was the CrossFit Games champion.

One workout into the 2009 Games, he was in 72nd place--third to last.

At one point, he was in danger of not finishing the first WOD: a brutal 7.1 kilometer trail run up and down the viciously steep hills of Aromas, California.

"Jason was sort of stumbling, and it took me a second to realize that he was disoriented," Tony Budding of CrossFit HQ recalled. "He basically ran right into me.... He kept going, and then I heard people yelling for a medic about maybe 20 or 30 seconds later. I turned around and there was a guy down, and I thought, 'That can't be Jason.'"

It was. Khalipa was collapsed on the ground just outside the Stadium.

After the Games concluded, Khalipa explained what had happened.

"There were cramps," Khalipa said. "My calves cramped up really bad and I was dry-heaving in my mouth. It was just a bad situation all around.

When the medical team got to him, he had a decision to make.

"They were asking me, 'What's going on?' I was like, 'I think I'm going to die. I feel like my calves are really bad.' They just asked me, 'Hey, do you want to keep going?' I thought about it and I was like, 'Fuck, yeah--I'm going to keep going."

With the pressure off and the focus on subsequent overall leaders such as Chris Spealler, J.C. Nessa, Moe Kelsey and Tommy Hackenbruck, Khalipa did what he did last year: he quietly crushed workouts and clawed his way back into contention.

Read the full 4-page article for free in the CrossFit Journal...

Some people collect stamps. Some collect coins. Jeff Tincher collects patches. Besides being the head trainer and owner of CrossFit Fairfax, Tincher place fifth at the Games last year. This year, he's going to be working hard to take the top spot as well as trade for more patches.

In this video, Jeff explains his wall of patches, how it started and where they came from. He also lets us know that he wants more in Aromas.

Jeff Tincher - Patches... [wmv] [mov]

2008 third place female finisher Gillian Mounsey talked recently with Sevan and Carey for two videos. In the first, she talks about her experience last year and her advice for any first timers to Aromas.

In the second video, she talks about her expectations for this year, and watching other competitors and their stats, and what it all means to her.

Gillian - First Timer Advice... [wmv] [mov]
Gillian - Winning the Games... [wmv] [mov]

Sevan Matossian caught up with Jason Khalipa, 2008 CrossFit Games Champion, at his gym on Monday, July 6th.

The first video is an interview with the Champ on what he's been doing and what he's thinking about going into the Games this year.

Khalipa interview video ... [wmv] [mov]

In the second video, Jason is joined by two other top contenders: Pat Barber from CrossFit Santa Cruz and Tamaryn "Taz" Ventor from CrossFit New Zealand, winner of the Australasia Regional Qualifier. There is plenty of light banter amid impressive feats of strength in Taz's slow-mo muscle-ups, and Barber giving too much information about his workout attire.

Khalipa and Friends video ... [wmv] [mov]

Rob Orlando comes to CrossFit from a Strongman background.

In this video from Sevan Matossian, Rob talks candidly about how he found CrossFit, his initial reluctance to digging in (he'd put his clients through it but not do it himself), and what happened to make him dive in completely.

Rob's candid chat video ... [wmv] [mov]

In an April 2003 CrossFit Journal article on pullups, Greg Glassman says, "Every personal best pull-up is an event worthy of celebration. You're going to live to be 100 but you'll not get that many pull-ups, so treat the new ones like birthdays."

Looking at the rankings for max pull-ups, we notice that Chris Spealler has proven him wrong. He recently knocked out 106 without getting off the bar. His closest competitors are Josh Everett and Pat Barber with 65 each.

See the CrossFit Journal for the free full story on Speal's Quest for 100 Pull-ups. For a shorter version of just the 106 pull-ups, watch this video ... [wmv] [mov]

Gillian Mounsey takes this category for the females with 51 straight pullups. Kim Malz takes second with 49.

Pullup Rankings - [Male] [Female]

In this video, the 2008 CrossFit Games Champion Caity Matter discusses Girl Power. She talks about her old ways of working out and discovery of CrossFit.

Caity tells us that the more females in CrossFit, or any sport, elevates that sport. Reason: Competition between girls and guys is even more heated, and it's a lot of fun to watch.

Caity Matter - Girl Power... [wmv] [mov]

A 535 pound Back Squat is pretty impressive, right? How about when you only weigh 181? That's the almost 3x bodyweight PR touted by Kyle Kasperbauer of CrossFit Omaha, who takes this category.

When pressed for confirmation on this, Kyle's coach Ricky Frausto responded:

"Kyle was a college football player for 5 years and the basis of football strength and conditioning is back squat, bench press, and power clean. He has been doing that from the time he started football in high school until he finished his eligibility in college. Nine years of back squatting, both in the off-season and in-season, will get a person really strong, especially when you are as genetic a freak as Kyle is. I coached him for about 4 of his five years in college and I've seen him squat over 500 pounds for a rep or two and have seen him rep out at least 450. This is a regular site in college weight rooms all over the country. Wait until word reaches these guys that there will be money to be made in CrossFit. So, yes, the weight for his back squat is accurate. We never used to dead-lift at the college level before CrossFit so that is why his dead-lift isn't higher."

For females, there are four ladies who have a 260 back squat: Cyndi Frieling, Danielle Comolli, Michele Vieux, and Dawn Hutchinson.

Back Squat Rankings - [Male] [Female]

The crew from Again Faster did interviews with a few of the female qualifers from the Dirty South Regional Qualifiers.

Jenni Orr ... [wmv] [mov]

Shana Alverson ... [wmv] [mov]

Laura DeMarco ... [wmv] [mov]

Ndiya Nkongho ... [wmv] [mov]

Thirty-three year old Jeffrey Leonard qualified first place at the NorCal Regional Qualifier. Amid amazing competitors and tremendous performances at the same site of the Games, Leonard emerged victorious. He is definitely a serious contender for this year.

He's been training hard. Josh Everett's record breaking Isabel, with a time of 1:11 is tough to beat. Jeffrey recently took the challenge.

Isabel - Josh Everett... [wmv] [mov]
Isabel - Jeffrey Leonard... [wmv] [mov]

Charlie Dunifer qualified through the Last Chance online option. He recently told us about how much his coach has helped him get where he is. Here's what he says:

"I'm competing at the Games, and I just wanted to see if we could give some love to the Coaches on the Games Page. I am so lucky to have found such a great trainer and great coach: Brian Yoak (pictured).

Without him, there is no way I would be in the Games. He never asked for anything in return. On the Last Chance WODs, he stayed up until 2 am trying to load the videos. At the Regionals, he was coaching guys from SPC CrossFit, because their trainer couldn't make it until later.

He answers all my texts, calls, and emails no matter the time. I told him that my goal was to get CrossFit Legacy's name on the main page. He responded, "Continue to know that my goal is to help you go as far as you want to go rather than getting me or Legacy recognition. Legacy was formed to support my family, doing something I love, and to invest in people's lives."

He has gone above and beyond his job. I put all my faith in him as a coach and trainer. He is the best I have ever seen.

I just thought CFHQ could give some love to all the coaches. I'm sure there are more out there. I feel mine is the best. Thanks."

21-15-9 of Deadlift and Handstand Pushups is a quick way to separate the elite, the average, and the bad.

The average time for the men is 5:13, but Mike Giardina crushes it with 2:18. Omar "Bionic" Torres has a 2:29, while James "OPT" FitzGerald rounds it out with a 2:35.

Many of the female competitors did not report a time for Diane, so it is a little harder to judge. However, Gillian Mounsey rips through this category with 2:17. This is almost one minute faster than Kim Malz at 3:11.

Diane Rankings - [Male] [Female]

Amanda Miller from CrossFit Fairfax qualified sixth at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Qualifier. Since she has qualified, she has found it difficult to come up with the money to get to Aromas.

Lee Knight came up with the idea to do a fundraiser to raise money for getting to the competition. Lee was going to participate but injured herself the day before. The idea: Max burpees in 10 minutes (without rest). People have pledged money per completed burpee.

Any money that she makes over what she needs to get to the Games this year, she will be donating to the Fisher House, which provides a home for military families to stay in while their loved one is hospitalized.

Amanda Miller Burpee Fundraiser... [wmv] [mov]

Grace. 30 reps of Clean & Jerk. For time. Many of this years athletes have some incredible performances.

Zach Forrest is the fastest with 1:27, while David Lipson clocks in at 1:29. Rob Orlando takes the third spot with 1:35.

For the women, Jocelyn Forest also finishes in 1:27. Tanya Wagner is next with a time of 1:38.

Grace Rankings - [Male] [Female]

Libby DiBiase from CrossFit Omaha came out of nowhere last year and took sixth place at the 2008 CrossFit Games. For last year's Thruster/Pullup workout, she finished in 8:12.

Sevan and Carey take us to Omaha where Libby has been training hard to improve and get stronger. Once again, she takes on Fran, and just like last years games, she does Chest to Bar pullups. This time she clocks in at 5:30.

Libby DiBiase - C2B Fran... [wmv] [mov]

Moving along to another edition of the Athlete Rankings. This time, we have the Press.

On the men's side, Rob Orlando gets 254lbs overhead, and takes the top spot. Lance Mosley is second with 240.

For the women, last years champion Caity Matter wins this category with 140lbs. Caroline Attmore has 130, and Gillian Mounsey is a shade behind with 128.

Press Rankings - [Male] [Female]

What will happen at this years Games? What is the competition going to be like? What has Coach got up his sleeve?

Many of you have been asking these questions, and we aren't going to offer the answers... yet. Gillian Mounsey, who came in third last year, as well Caity Matter, the first place finisher, tackle some of these questions and more in two videos from Sevan and Carey.

Gillian Mounsey on the Games...[wmv] [mov]
Caity Matter on the Games...[wmv] [mov]

Fight Gone Bad is seventeen minutes total. Anyone who has ever done it can agree that those are the worst seventeen minutes of their life. Today we can compare and contrast Fight Gone Bad scores from the Games competitors and shed some more light on who is possibly the fittest.

The average score among males is 392. Pat Barber, who took fourth last year, has the top score with 463. Chris Spealler is right on his tail with 459.

On the female side, the average is 334. In this category, the top scores belong to Games newcomers, including Christy Phillips with 445, and Sarah Dunsmore with 415.

Fight Gone Bad Rankings - [Male] [Female]

The raw speed and power required for the Olympic Lifts can give you a good idea of who might be a top competitor this year. Like the Clean & Jerk, Josh Everett once again takes this category with 270. Rory Hanlin is also right behind him with 255.

For the females, there is a three way tie with 145lbs between Caity Matter, Tamara Holmes, and Dawn Hutchinson. Michele Vieux is close by with 140.

Snatch Rankings - [Male] [Female]

Third place in 2007. Second place in 2008. Josh Everett is definitely a fan favorite this year. The UCR Strength and Conditioning Coach has ratcheted up his training this year, and taken on many of the workouts he did last year. He has noticed that he has significantly improved his times.

In this video, Josh discusses a little more of his training and if he is better this year.

Josh Everett - Better this Year? ... [wmv] [mov]

Next up for ranking is Helen. For the workout of 400m run, kettlebell swings, and pullups, four men have sub-7 minute times. Ricky Frausto has the best time with 6:51. He is followed by Angel Orozco with 6:53.

For the females, Carey Kepler has the top time with 7:31. Michele Vieux is not far behind with 7:49.

Helen Rankings - [Male] [Female]

Coming as a virtual unknown, Ricky Frausto became a serious contender in Aromas last year, finishing 6th. He has been training hard this year after the Rocky Mountain Regional. He has returned to CrossFit Omaha and some serious workouts in preparation for the 2009 CrossFit Games.

Sevan and Carey filmed Ricky trying out a CrossFit Football WOD known as "Tillman". The hero workout in Pat Tillman's honor consists of seven rounds for time of:

7 Deadlifts (315#)
1 Full Gasser
15 Pullups

45 second rest between rounds.

Ricky weighs 150lbs, but is able to push through all seven brutal rounds. At the end of the workout, he talks about his mindset and how tough the WOD really was.

Ricky Frausto - workout ... [wmv] [mov]

Some more incredible numbers to ponder when we take a look at max weight for the Deadlift. For males, the competitor average is 454 pounds, with three athletes lifting over 600. Jerome Perryman is ranked number one in this category with 606lbs, while Lance Mosley is close with 601.

On the female side, the average is 273. Cyndi Frieling dominates this category with 365lbs. Caity Matter is next in line with 330.

Deadlift Rankings - [Male] [Female]

As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes of 5 pullups, 10 pushups, and 15 air squats is another benchmark of CrossFit. A solid average for most is about twenty rounds complete. The athletes of this years CrossFit Games are anything but average.

Chris Spealler dominates this category with a whopping 38 rounds. For you math wizards, that means that Speal is completing 1140 repetitions of work within 1200 seconds, which means only 60 seconds total rest throughout.

On the female side, Gillian Mounsey and Charity Vale are both tied with 28 rounds.

Cindy Rankings - [Male] [Female]

Video Just Added!
Regionals Highlight Video ... [wmv] [mov]

Name : Shana Alverson

Age: 32
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 130

Date of Birth: May 1976
Place of Birth Dallas, TX
Started CrossFit June 07

Lives in Atlanta, GA

Affiliate: CrossFit East Decatur

Fran: 5:21
Cindy: 17
Linda: 25:45 (w/decline pushups for bench press)
Helen: 8:35
Grace: 3:30 (95lbs)
Fight Gone Bad: 323 (wm's wt,) 276 (men's wt)
Filthy Fifty: 26:57

Deadlift: 265
Press: 110
Back Squat: 210
Snatch: 95
Clean and jerk: 155
Max Pull-ups: 30ish

Favorite WOD: Nasty Girls
Favorite Lift: Clean & Overhead Squat
Least Favorite WOD: Nicole or Barbara
Least Favorite Lift: Tie between Press & Back Squat

2009 Dirty South Qualifiers Finish: 2nd

Yesterday, we published the rankings for Fran. There was a typo in Heather Keenan's (pictured center, between Lauren Plumey, left, and Jocelyn Secondi) Fran time. It was listed as 3:15, but her best Fran was actually 3:25.

Ben Bergeron wrote this morning, "Heather and I got back from the Cape this weekend and checked the games site to find the Fran Rankings. We noticed that her time was posted incorrectly. She was all messed up about it...didn't sleep all night, felt like people would think she was cheating the system and what not. Long story short, she re-did Fran this morning to make amends, and did a 2:57!"

And, as good CrossFitters do, they captured it on video ... [wmv] [mov]

2009 CrossFit Games competitor and owner of Hybrid Athletics, Rob Orlando, is no stranger to heavy weight. At 5' 8" and 196lbs, Rob can Deadlift 600lbs, and Back Squat 475.

He qualified 5th in the Northeast Regional and has been training hard to get ready for Aromas. Sevan and Carey caught up with him recently doing a very heavy Metcon.

The workout was DiaFranAbeth, scaled to match the approach of Gillian and Jocelyn, for time:

21 Deadlift (300#)
21 Handstand Pushups
15 Thruster (155#)
15 Pullups
9 Squat Clean (185#)
9 Ring Dips

He finishes in 5:15.

Rob Orlando - workout video ... [wmv] [mov]

Here's another installment of the 2009 CrossFit Games competitor rankings. This time, we look at how the athletes stack up on the Clean and Jerk.

Not surprising for the men is Josh Everett ranked #1 with 347lbs. Games newcomer Rory Hanlin is close behind with 330.

The top ranking female for Clean and Jerk is also the 2008 CrossFit Games champion, Caity Matter, with 190. Michele Vieux comes in second with 180lbs.

Clean & Jerk Rankings - [Male] [Female]

Dana Lynch

Height 5'2
Weight 130
Age 37
Date of Birth 09/04/71
Place of Birth Millwaukee, WI
Date Starting CrossFit 12/06

Lives in Jupiter, FL

Affiliate: CrossFit BGI South

Fran: 4:24
Cindy: 19
Linda: never attempted
Helen: 9:40
Diane: 22:06 (head-to-floor)
Grace: 6:55
Fight Gone Bad: 312
Filthy Fifty: 30:46

Deadlift: 245
Press: 87
Back Squat: 215
Snatch: 80
Clean and jerk: 115 in a WOD; never maxed.
Max Pull-ups: 36

Favorite WOD: toss up between Mr. Joshua and Christine
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Least Favorite WOD: toss up between Chelsea and Karen
Least Favorite Lift: wallball shots are the devil

Dirty South Regional Qualifier Finish: 8th (alternate, took Adrianna Grassi-Mosley's spot)

There's much debate about who will ultimately win the 2009 CrossFit Games. Now their stats have been compiled, sorted, and ranked, so this should further fuel the fire. For the benchmark workout of Fran, there are the usuals many would expect in the upper echelon, as well as some newcomers.

The fastest time among the male competitors for 21-15-9 of 95lb thruster and pullups is Steve Smith with 1:57. Smith qualified through the online Last Chance qualifier. Omar Torres, better known as 'Bionic', is only one second behind.

For the females, the top time is none other than Gillian Mounsey with 2:36. The closest competitor to her time is Charity Vale with 2:51.

Fran Rankings - [Male] [Female]

Tanya Wagner of CrossFit Apex competed at the 2008 CrossFit Games last year, finishing in second place. This year, she has been training harder than ever so that she can win it all in 2009.

This video takes us into what Tanya's training looks like. Her workout consists of 50 doubleunders, then 3 rounds of:

5 clean & jerk (135#)
7 Chest to Bar pullups

and then 50 doubleunders to finish it all off. She finishes in 5:31.

Tanya Wagner - workout... [wmv] [mov]

Chris Spealler does one of the NorCal Qualifiers Workouts. The workout was:

For Time
Row 500
30 Burpees
10 Shoulder to Overhead @ 165lbs

Chris weighs in at 135lbs (138 if he had a big meal) and his time was 3:33 for the workout.
The top male competitor in this event at the NorCal Regionals was Jeffrey Leonard who weighs in at 235lbs and finished this workout in 3:26.

Chis NorCal Wod Video ... [wmv] [mov]

Sevan and Carey caught up with the co-owner of CrossFit Omaha and 2009 CrossFit Games competitor Ricky Frausto. In this video, Ricky talks about his expectations for the Games, comparisons to last years competition versus this years, and who he thinks will win.

Ricky Frausto on the Games... [wmv] [mov]

Paul Szoldra did interviews with the Male qualifiers from the SoCal Regional Qualifiers. Here is what they had to say.

David Millar ... [wmv] [mov]
Andy Petranek ... [wmv] [mov]
J.C Nessa ... [wmv] [mov]
Jeremy Kinnick ... [wmv] [mov]
Craig McCarroll ... [wmv] [mov]

Caity Matter of Rogue Fitness, the 2008 CrossFit Games champ does a heavy and hard workout.

3 Rounds for time of:
7 Clean and jerks at 135lbs
10 Burpees
7 Power snatches at 95lbs

She completes it in an blazing 8:24.

Caity Matter Workout Video ... [wmv] [mov]

Craig "Patty" Patterson interviewed Lauren "Canadian Crusher" Pryor between events at the Canada West Regional Qualifiers. This is what she had to say about the competition.

Lauren Pryor Video Interview ... [wmv] [mov]

Sevan caught up with top games competitor Chris Spealler, and asked him what he thinks about steroid testing.

Spealler on Steroid Testing video ... [wmv] [mov]

Jennifer Kellams and Jerome Perryman from CrossFit H.E.L. sent in this video of their Games prep training. They both got their bid into the 2009 CrossFit Games through the Northwest Regional Qualifiers.

Jenn And Jerome Training Video ... [wmv] [mov]

Sevan Matossian sends us this video of Chris Spealler, filmed at his affiliate, CrossFit Park City, in Utah.

Spealler will be competing at this years CrossFit Games, and decided to try the second workout of the Rocky Mountain Regional Qualifier. The workout was:

3 Rounds for time of:
10 Chest to bar pullups
10 Front Squats (165#)
10 Burpees

Even with a body weight of only 139 pounds, Speal can still crush it. The top times for this workout in Denver were Matt Chan with 3:12, Ricky Frausto with 3:45, and Kyle Kasperbauer with 3:54.

Speal, Rocky Mountain WOD #2... [wmv] [mov]

Sevan Matossian recently visited Park City Utah the home of CrossFit badass Chris Spealler. Sevan talked to Chris about posting his times on the main site. Sevan also asked about his thoughts on weight classes and overall CrossFit fairness.

A Chat With Spealler Video ... [wmv] [mov]

In this video from Sevan Matossian last years 2nd place winner Josh Everett gives some helpful advice on competing in the games.

Josh Everett's advice for the games ... [wmv] [mov]

The crew from Again Faster did interviews with the Female qualifiers from the North East Regional Qualifiers. Here is what they had to say.

Stacey Kroon ... [wmv] [mov]
Lauren Erwin ... [wmv] [mov]
Heather Keenan ... [wmv] [mov]
Lauren Plumey ... [wmv] [mov]

Name: Steve Smith

Height: 5'10"
Weight: 190
Age: 28

Date of Birth: 06-19-80
Place of Birth: Fort Hood, Texas
Date Starting CrossFit: January/February 2007 (Two of the last three years, however have been spent deployed)

Lives In: Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Affiliate: The garage, back yard, neighborhood park, and all the wonderful affiliates in North Carolina that let me hang out when I'm in town.

Fran: 1:57
Cindy: 28 Rounds
Helen: 8:23
Diane: 5:17
Grace: 2:28
Filthy Fifty: 23ish

Deadlift: 465
Press: 195
Back Squat: 505
Clean and jerk: 240
Max Pull-ups: 50

Favorite WOD: Lynne or "Run 400 meters, max reps pull-ups"
Favorite Lift: Squat
Least Favorite WOD: Hansen
Least Favorite Lift: None

Online Qualifier:
Deadlift/Doubleunder
Jackie
10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

The crew from Again Faster did interviews with the Male qualifiers from the North East Regional Qualifiers. Here is what they had to say.

James Hobart ... [wmv] [mov]
Brad Posnanski ... [wmv] [mov]
Scott Lewis ... [wmv] [mov]
David Lipson ... [wmv] [mov]
Rob Orlando ... [wmv] [mov]

The crew from Again Faster did interviews with the qualifiers from the Hells Half Acre Regional Qualifiers. Here is what they had to say.

Carey Kepler ... [wmv] [mov]
Pollyanna Bobseine ... [wmv] [mov]
Crystal McReynolds ... [wmv] [mov]
Lindsey Smith ... [wmv] [mov]
Nikki Hall ... [wmv] [mov]

Dutch Lowy ... [wmv] [mov]
Breck Berry ... [wmv] [mov]
Lance Cantu ... [wmv] [mov]
Vic Zachary ... [wmv] [mov]
Jason Boag ... [wmv] [mov]

Brad Posnanski

Height: 5' 9"
Weight: 177
Age: 37

Date of Birth: 10/30/1971
Place of Birth: Bayport, NY
Current Residence: Bayport, NY

Started doing CrossFit April 2007
Affiliate: Crossfit Invictus

Cindy: 30 (22 with 20# vest)
FGB: 399
Fran: 2:43
Grace: 3:04
Diane:5:50
Helen: 7:53 (Chest to Bar)
Nancy: 13:03 (115#)
Jackie: 5:30
Linda: 14:26
Lynn:208
The Chief: 29 rounds (155#)

Deadlift: 430
Back Squat: 315
OHS: 225
Press: 160
Clean: 235
Snatch: 175

Favorite WOD: Unique and Challenging NON-Girl WODs
Least Favorite: Anything with HSPU
Favorite Lift: OHS
Least Favorite Lift: Burpees

2009 Northeast Regional Finish: 2nd

Jill DiGiampaolo

Height 5' 3"
Weight 120
Age 30
Date of Birth 5-13-79
Place of Birth Wichita Falls, TX
Date Starting CrossFit July 2008

Lives in San Antonio, TX
Affiliate: Body Armor

Fran 4:15
Cindy 25
Linda 24:57
Helen 10:05 (done on a 600m course)
Diane 7:45
Grace
Fight Gone Bad 394
Filthy Fifty

Deadlift 300
Press 105
Back Squat 246
Snatch
Clean and jerk
Max Pull-ups 15

Favorite WOD Fight Gone Bad
Favorite Lift Dead Lift
Least Favorite WOD Anything with rowing...
Least Favorite Lift Back Squat

Last Chance Online Finish: 4th

Qualifier Videos:
Deadlift/Doubleunder
Jackie
10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

Michael Giardina

Height: 5'10"
Weight: 190
Age: 28
Date of Birth: 07/15/1980
Place of Birth: Tucson, AZ

Date Starting CrossFit: Feb 2007

Current City, State and/or Country: Atlanta, GA

Affiliate: CrossFit Atlanta

Fran: 2:14
Cindy: 28
Linda: N/A
Helen: 7:30
Diane: 2:18
Grace: 2:03
Fight Gone Bad: 388
Filthy Fifty: 21:08

Deadlift: 462
Press: 205
Back Squat: 370
Snatch: 209
Clean and jerk: 260
Max Pull-ups: 61

Favorite WOD: Diane
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Least Favorite WOD: Filthy 50, FGB, and Karen equally
Least Favorite Lift: Snatch

2008 Games Finish: 20th

Last Chance Online Finish: 4th

Qualifier Videos:
Deadlift/Doubleunder
Jackie
10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

Lauren Plumey

Age: 29
Height 5' 8"
Weight 131

Date of Birth Jan. 29 1980
Place of Birth New Haven, CT
Date Starting CrossFit May, 2008

Lives in West Haven, CT
Affiliate: CrossFit Milford

Fran 4.12
Cindy 23
Linda
Helen 8.12
Diane 10.32
Grace 3.08
Fight Gone Bad 321
Filthy Fifty 21.12

Deadlift 315
Press 95
Back Squat 205
Snatch
Clean and jerk 145
Max Pull-ups 37

Favorite WOD Nasty Girls, Barbara, Mr. Joshua
Favorite Lift Deadlift
Least Favorite WOD J.T. , Cindy (hate AMRAPs)
Least Favorite Lift HSPUs, Shoulder Press

Northeast Regional Qualifier Finish: 5th

Danielle Dionne

Height 5'4
Weight 130
Age 28

Date of Birth: 1/25/81
Place of Birth: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Started CrossFit: March 2008

Lives in Washington, DC
Affiliate Crossfit DC

Fran 3:58
Cindy 23
Linda
Helen 9:13
Diane 7:34 (185 lb)
Grace 5:41 (full squat cleans)
Fight Gone Bad 290
Filthy Fifty 22:20

Deadlift 250
Press 100
Back Squat 210
Snatch 95
Clean and jerk 130
Max Pull-ups 30

Favorite WOD Fran
Favorite Lift deadlift
Least Favorite WOD Barbara
Least Favorite Lift

Regional Qualifier
Placing in Regional Qualifier 8th

Last Chance Online Finish: 3rd

Qualifier Videos:
Deadlift/Doubleunder
Jackie
10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

Sveinbjörn Sveinbjörnsson

Age: 28
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 189

Date of Birth: July 30, 1980
Place of Birth: Reykjavík, Iceland
Started doing CrossFit: 1 month ago

Lives in Reykjavík, Iceland
Affiliate: Bootcamp, CrossFit Sport

Fran: 5:35 chest to bar
Grace: 3 min
Helen: 7:45
Filthy fifty: 20:07

Favorite WOD: something over 10 min
Least Favorite: Dont have one yet

2009 Iceland Regional Finish: 1st

Annie Mist Thorisdottir

Age: 19
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 148

Date of Birth: 09-18-89
Place Of Birth: Iceland
Started CrossFit: Recently

Lives In Iceland

Affiliate: Bootcamp, CrossFit Sport

FGB: 402
Fran: 10:40 (men's weights)
Helen: 9:16

Deadlift: 120kg

Favorite WOD: Fight gone bad

2009 Iceland Regional Finish: 1st

Peter Egyed

Age: 22
Height 5'11"
Weight 197

Date of Birth June 7th 1986
Place of Birth Phoenix, AZ
Date Starting CrossFit Jan 2007

Lives in Goodyear, AZ

Affiliate: CrossFit Fury

Fran 3:24
Cindy 25.3
Linda 17:24
Helen 7:35
Diane 8:34
Grace 2:02
Fight Gone Bad 386
Filthy Fifty 20:30

Deadlift 525
Press 195
Back Squat 390
Snatch 185
Clean and jerk 240
Max Pull-ups 48

Favorite WOD JT
Favorite Lift HSPU
Least Favorite WOD
Least Favorite Lift

2007 Games Finish 10th
2008 Games Finish 21st

Regional Qualifier Great Basin
Placing in Regional Qualifier 11th

2009 Last Chance Online Finish: 1st

Qualifier Videos:
Deadlift/Doubleunder (2:54)
Jackie (6:03)
10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

Linda Leipper

Height - 5'4"
Weight - 125
Age - 41

Date of Birth - February '68
Place of Birth - San Francisco, CA
Date Starting CrossFit - July '07

Lives in Huntington Beach, CA
Affiliate: CrossFit Marina

Fran - 3:19
Cindy - 21
Linda:
Helen - 8:42
Diane:
Grace - 10:00 w/100#
Fight Gone Bad - 324
Filthy Fifty - 24-29

Deadlift - 255#
Press - 90#
Back Squat -
Snatch
Clean and jerk - 125#
Max Pull-ups - 41

Favorite WOD - FGB
Favorite Lift - Deadlift
Least Favorite WOD - Virtual Shoveling... by far!!
Least Favorite Lift - Snatch

2007 Games Finish - N/A
2008 Games Finish - 12th

Regional Qualifier - SoCal
Placing in Regional Qualifier - 7th

Last Chance Online Finish: 1st

Qualifier Videos:
Deadlift/Doubleunder
Jackie
10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

Ashley Smith

Height: 5'7"
Weight: 160
Age: 34

Date of Birth: 6/27/74
Place of Birth: Shreveport, LA
Started CrossFit: May 13, 2008

Lives in San Antonio, TX

Affiliate: Alamo CrossFit

Fran: 3:45
Cindy: 21
Linda: never done it!
Helen: 10:18
Diane: 7:57
Grace: 2:32
Fight Gone Bad: 342
Filthy Fifty: do not have a GHD!

Deadlift: 325
Press: 120
Back Squat: 200
Snatch: no max
Clean and jerk: 160
Max Pull-ups: 34

Favorite WOD: Alamo programming - Rick's metcon and Bryan's lifting WOD's
Favorite Lift: Power Clean/Snatch
Least Favorite WOD: Bodyweighted running WOD's (Murph)
Least Favorite Lift: who doesn't like to lift!

Regional Qualifier: Southwest Regional-Hell's Half Acre
Placing in Regional Qualifier: 6th

2009 Last Chance Online Finish: 2nd

Qualifier Videos:
Deadlift/Doubleunder
Jackie
10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

Name: Spencer Hendel

Height: 6'2''
Weight: 205
Age: 20

Date of Birth: 10/10/1988
Place of Birth: Rochester, NY
Started CrossFit: 2007

Lives In Charlotte, NC

Affiliate: CrossFit Charlotte

Fran: 2:34
Cindy: 23
Helen: 7:32
Grace: 1:44
Filthy Fifty: 20:52
Max Pull-ups: 35

Deadlift: 525
Press: 175
Back Squat: 455
Snatch: 205
Clean and jerk: 255

Favorite WOD: Grace
Favorite Lift: Power Clean
Least Favorite WOD: Eva T
Least Favorite Lift: Shoulder Press

2009 Last Chance Qualifier Finish: 3rd
Placing in Regional Qualifier: Third

Last Chance Qualifier Videos:
10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1
Deadlift Doubleunder
Jackie

Charlie Dunifer

Age: 30
Height: 5'7''
Weight: 166

Date of Birth: March 24th, 1979
Place of Birth: Mexico
Date Starting CrossFit: May 2008

Current City, State and/or Country Ravenna, Ohio
Affiliate: Crossfit Legacy

Fran: 3:02
Cindy: 35 rounds
Linda: 15:55
Helen: 7:25
Diane: never performed
Grace: 2:12
Fight Gone Bad: 406
Filthy Fifty: 16:00

Deadlift: 425lbs
Press: 165lbs
Back Squat: 335lbs
Snatch: 145lbs
Clean and jerk: never maxed out
Max Pull-ups: 55

Favorite WOD: Helen
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Least Favorite WOD: Final Midwest Qualifier WOD
Least Favorite Lift: Snatch

Midwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 20th
Last Chance Online Qualifier Finish: 5th

Last Chance Qualifier Videos:
10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 (11:54)
Jackie (6:54)
Deadlift/Doubleunder (2:34)

Kallista Pappas

Height: 5'2"
Weight: 111 lbs
Age: 15

Date of Birth 02 August 1993
Place of Birth San Luis Obispo, CA
Started CrossFit May 05

Lives In Seattle, WA

Affiliate CrossFit LiS

Fran: 7:51(CTB at the '08 CF Games)
Cindy: 18 rounds
Linda: 24:37 (85# bench)
Diane: 13:15 (155#)
Grace: 7:30(95#, power clean); 10:48 (100#, squat clean)
Fight Gone Bad: 293

Deadlift: 231#
Press: 79#
Back Squat: 180#
Snatch: 99#
Clean and jerk: 125#
Max Pull-ups: 35

Favorite WOD: Isabel and Grace
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Least Favorite WOD: CrossFit Games Hill Run
Least Favorite Lift: Backsquat

2007 Games Finish: 9th
2008 Games Finish: 25th
2009 Last Chance Qualifier Finish: 5th

Qualifier Videos:
Deadlift/Doubleunder
Jackie
10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 - Vid 1, Vid 2

Stacey Kroon

Age: 25
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 145

Date of Birth: 6/28/83
Place of Birth: Boston, MA
Started doing CrossFit in August 2008

Affiliate: Crossfit Boston

Cindy:
FGB: 310
Fran: 3:38
Grace:
Helen: 9:30
Nancy:

Deadlift: 235
Back Squat: 220
Press: 105
Clean:

Favorite WOD: Jackie
Least Favorite: Fran (it scares me)
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Least Favorite Lift: Jerk

2009 Northeast Regional Finish: 1st

Tommy Hackenbruck

Age: 27
Height: 6'1"
Weight:195

Date of Birth: 11/12/1981
Place of Birth: Portland, OR
Date Starting CrossFit: January 2009

Lives in Salt Lake City, UT

Affiliate: Ute CrossFit

Fran: 2:41
Cindy: 23 rounds
Linda: 16:07 (power cleans)
Helen: 8:18
Diane: 4:13
Grace: 2:34 (squat cleans)
Fight Gone Bad: 441
Filthy Fifty: 19:13

Deadlift: 460
Press: 195
Back Squat: 425
Snatch: 195
Clean and jerk: 275
Max Pull-ups: 40

Favorite WOD: NW Regional WOD #2
Favorite Lift: KB Swings with my 9 month old
Least Favorite WOD: Badger
Least Favorite Lift: Pullups

Regional Qualifier: NW Regional
Placing in Regional Qualifier: 6th

2009 Last Chance Online Finish: 2nd

Qualifier Videos:
Deadlift/Doubleunder
Jackie
10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

James Hobart

Height: 5'8"
Weight: 180

Date of Birth: 6/6/1986
Place of Birth: Springfield, MA
Started doing CrossFit June 2007

Affiliate: Crossfit Boston

Cindy: 22
FGB: 367
Fran: 3:14
Grace: 2:24
Helen: 8:38
Isabel: 3:13
Diane: 3:34

Deadlift: 400
Back Squat: 300
Press: 170
Clean: 267
Snatch: 220

Favorite WOD: 100m sprint repeats or Grace
Least Favorite: 10K run
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Least Favorite Lift: SDHP

2009 Northeast Regional Finish: 1st

Lauren Erwin

Age: 24
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 137

Date of Birth: 5/10/1985
Place of Birth: New Haven, CT
Started doing CrossFit : May 2008

Affiliate: CrossFit Milford

Cindy: 22rounds
FGB: 352
Fran: 4:55
Grace: ?
Helen: 11:14
Nancy: ?
Murph: 31:58
2K row: 7:53

Deadlift: 285
Back Squat: 180
Shoulder Press: 95
Power Clean: 140

Favorite WOD: FGB, Kelly, filthy fifty, Michael
Least Favorite: Fran, Karen
Favorite Lift: Power Clean
Least Favorite Lift: Front Squat, Thrusters

2009 Northeast Regional Finish: 2nd

Scott Lewis

Height: 5' 9"
Weight: 195 lbs.

Date of Birth: 11-05-75
Place of Birth: Houston, Texas
Started doing CF: March 2008

Affiliate: Guerrilla Fitness Crossfit Montclair

Cindy: 26
FGB: 362
Fran: 2:56
Grace: 1:52
Helen: 8:23
Nancy: 12:52
Diane: 3:40
500M row: 1:27
1 mile run: 5:42

Deadlift: 525
Back Squat: 425
Press: 215
Clean: 285 (power clean)
Clean and Jerk: 285 (split jerk)

Favorite WOD: Any Hero WOD and Task oriented FGB
Least Favorite WOD: Anything with muscle ups ( I can do 'em, I just hate 'em)
Least Favorite Lift: Front Squats

2009 Northeast Regional Finish: 3rd

Heather Keenan

Height: 5'6"
Weight: 128

Date of Birth: 9.30.76
Age: 32
Place of Birth: Wappingers Falls, NY

Started doing CrossFit: October '07

Affiliate: CrossFit New England

Cindy: 21
FGB: 311
Fran: 3:15
Grace: 3:15
Helen: 9:16
Nancy: 13:04
Diane: 6:57
Row 500m: 1:41
Row 2000m: 7:57

Deadlift: 275
Back Squat: 230
Press: 110
Clean & Jerk: 160
Overhead Squat: 160
Max Pull-Ups: 40

Favorite WOD: Josh, Nate, The Chief
Least Favorite: Filthy Fifty, Michael
Favorite Lift: snatch, handstand push-ups, muscle-ups
Least Favorite Lift: SDHP, GHD sit-ups, floor sit-ups

2009 Northeast Regional Finish: 3rd

Rob Orlando

Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 196

Date of Birth: 4/28/1975
Place of Birth: New York
Started doing CrossFit: About a year ago

Affiliate: Owner, Hybrid Athletics

Cindy: never done it
FGB: never done it
Fran: 2:23
Grace: 1:35 with 135lbs and no squat cleans...2:40 @ 155lbs and squat cleans
Helen: 7:54 @ 70lbs KB
Nancy: never done it
Freddy's Revenge at 200lbs from the ground....4:54
Deadlift/Thruster...5,4,3,2,1 @ 500/250 in 11:47

Deadlift: 1 RM 600 or 500 x 10
Back Squat: 475
Press: 254
Clean: 300+

Favorite WOD: King Kong x 2
Least Favorite: Murph
Favorite Lift: Doesn't matter
Least Favorite Lift: Also doesn't matter
2009 Northeast Regional Finish: 5th

Kim Malz

Height 5'2"
Weight 125
Age 38

DOB September 23, 1970
Place of birth Hartford, CT
Started doing CrossFit April 2008

Affiliate: Co-owner, CrossFit Persevere

Cindy: 27 rounds
FGB: 326
Fran: 4:16 with 70 pound thrusters
Grace: 4:10
Helen: 8:56 (outside hill run route)
Nancy: 15:43 (outside hill run route)
Angie: 10:54
Diane: 3:11 (165# deadlift and head to abmat-not ground)
Murph: 41:48 with 10# weight vest

Deadlift: 255
Back Squat: 220
Press: 95
Clean: (Power) 130
Pullups: 49

Favorite WOD: Tabata Something Else
Least Favorite: run a 10K or 15K
Favorite Lift: Split Jerk
Least Favorite: Press

2009 Northeast Regional Finish: 4th

James FitzGerald

Height 5'10"
Weight 168 lbs
Age 34

Date of Birth Jan 24/1974
Place of Birth Wabush, Newfoundland
Started CrossFit July 2005

Lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Affiliate CrossFit Calgary

Fran: 2:17
Cindy: 32 rounds
Linda: 13:06 @ 165# and squat cleans
Helen: 6:59
Diane: 2:35
Grace: 2:43
Fight Gone Bad: 397
Filthy Fifty: 15:34

Deadlift: 459
Press: 165
Back Squat: 365
Snatch: 192
Clean and Jerk: 239
Max Pull-ups: 55

Favorite WOD: Anything that challenges all components of fitness
Favorite Lift: Anything with a barbell
Least Favorite WOD: Anything that does not challenge me mentally
Least Favorite Lift: Anything with DB's

2007 Games Finish: 1st
2008 Games Finish: 12th

Matt Chan

Age 31
Height 5' 10"
Weight 205

Date of Birth February 2nd, 1978
Place of Birth: Chicago, IL
Started CrossFit: May 2007

Current place of Residence: NW Denver, CO
Affiliate: CrossFit Verve

Fran 2:48
Cindy 26
Linda 19:38
Helen: 7:46
Diane: 3:22
Fight Gone Bad 386
Filthy Fifty: 22:18

Deadlift 465
Press 185
Back Squat 395
Snatch 205
Clean & Jerk 286
Max pull-ups 41 C2B

Favorite WOD: Tommy V.
Favorite Lift: Clean
Least Favorite WOD: Badger
Least Favorite Lift: Split jerk

2008 CrossFit Games Finish: 8th
2009 Rocky Mountain Regional Finish: 1st

Matt "Val Kilmer" Chan on the strategy of WOD 3 [wmv] [mov]

Krista Colson

Age: 37
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 145

DOB: Sept. 14th, 1971
Place of Birth: Lacross Wisconsin
Started Crossfit: 2006

Lives in Rockford Illinois

Affiliate CrossFit Rockford

Fran: 3:41
Cindy: 19+
Elizabeth: 8:41
Helen: 8:55
Nicole: 112
FGB: 328
Filthy 50: 24:23

Deadlift: 320
Press: 110
Back Squat: 250
Snatch: 115
C&J: 161
Max Pull-ups: 40

Favorite WOD: Grace
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Least Fav WOD: Anything with running!!
Least Fav lift: Love the lifts

2009 Rocky Mountain Regional Finish: 1st

Ricky "Omaha Ricky" Frausto Jr.

Age: 31
Height: 65 inches
Weight: 150 pounds

Date of Birth: March 21st, 1978
Place of Birth: Amarillo, Texas
Started CrossFit: April of 2007

Current Place of Residence: Omaha, Nebraska
Affiliate: Co-owner, CrossFit Omaha

Fran: 2:42 (May 2008)
Cindy: 28 (2007)
Linda: 25:26 as a 185 pounder (March 2008)
Helen: 6:51 (June 2008)
Diane: 4:00 (April 2008)
Fight Gone Bad: 421 (March 2008)
Filthy Fifty: 16: something (2007)

Dead-lift: 440
Press: 155 x 4 reps
Back Squat: 330
Snatch: 185
Full Clean: 275
Split Jerk: 270
Max Pull-ups: 51

Favorite WOD: Heavy, Heavy, Heavy MetCons
Favorite Lifts: Thruster, Full Clean, Clean Thruster
Least Favorite WOD: Anything heavy on the volume
Least Favorite Lift: I love to lift but hate to row.

2008 CrossFit Games Finish: 6th
2009 Rocky Mountain Regional Finish: 2nd

Andrea Bell

Age: 30
Height: 5'3
Weight: 130

Date of Birth: 6/1/78
Place of Birth: Rockford, IL
Started CrossFit: June 2005

Lives in Machesny Park, IL

Affiliate CrossFit Rockford

Fran: 4:16
Cindy: 18 + 14
Linda:
Helen: 10:14 (CTB)
Diane:
Fight Gone Bad: 308
Filthy Fifty: 25:05

Deadlift: 275
Press: 90
Back Squat: 215
Snatch: 83
Clean & Jerk: 135
Max Pullups: 31

Favorite WOD: The Chief
Favorite Lift: Squats
Least Favorite WOD: JT
Least Favorite Lift: Snatch

2009 Rocky Mountain Regional Finish: 2nd

Andrea Bell at the Rocky Mountain Regional - video ... [wmv] [mov]

Brandon Pastorek

Age 24
Height 5'11
Weight 195lbs

Date of Birth 11/10/1984
Place of Birth Maryland
Started CrossFit Rockford, IL

Current place of Residence Rockford, IL

Affiliate CrossFit Rockford

Fran 2:35
Cindy 23+10
Linda 20+mins (handstand pushups)
Helen 7:56
Diane 10:44(2007)
Fight Gone Bad 409
Filthy Fifty 21:19

Deadlift 450
Press 175
Back Squat 330
Snatch 90k
Clean & Jerk 120k (clean 125k) (rack jerk 130)
Max pull-ups 40 (30 chest to bar)

Favorite WOD Nasty girls
Favorite Lift oly lifts (clean & jerk and The Snatch)
Least Favorite WOD anything over 20 mins
Least Favorite Lift n/a

2009 Rocky Mountain Regional Finish: 3rd

New Video Bionic Does Fran In 1:58 ... [wmv] [mov]

Omar Torres

Age: 31
Height: 5'5
Weight: 170

Date of Birth: 12-09-77
Place of Birth Bayamon, PR
Started CrossFit July 07

Lives in Deerfield Beach, FL

Affiliate: Crossfit Hardcore

Fran: 2:08
Cindy: 28
Linda: 20:05
Helen: 8:08
Diane: 2:29
Grace: 2:02
Fight Gone Bad: 373
Filthy Fifty: 21:25

Deadlift: 440
Press: 180
Back Squat: 340
Snatch: 165
Clean and jerk: 225
Max Pull-ups: 40

Favorite WOD: Filthy Fifty
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Least Favorite WOD: Fran
Least Favorite Lift: Snatch

2008 Games Finish: 11th
2009 Dirty South Qualifiers Finish: 5th

Jenna Rettenmayer

Age: 25
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 130

Date of Birth: March 11, 1984
Place of Birth: Billings, MT
Started CrossFit: February 2008

Current place of Residence: Bozeman, MT

Fran 5:26
Cindy 21 rds
Linda n/a
Helen 8:14
Diane 12:26
Fight Gone Bad 268
Filthy Fifty 28:55

Deadlift 245
Press 95
Back Squat 220
Snatch 115
Clean & Jerk 145
Max pull-ups 24

Favorite WOD Nasty Girls
Favorite Lift Snatch
Least Favorite WOD Filthy Fifty
Least Favorite Lift Curtis P

2009 Rocky Mountain Regional Qualifier Finish: 3rd

Kyle Kasperbauer

Age: 27
Height: 5'8''
Weight: 181

Date of Birth: 5/20/1982
Place of Birth: Grand Island, NE.
Started CrossFit: February 1st, 2009

Current place of Residence: Omaha, NE
Affiliate: CrossFit Omaha

Fran:
Cindy:
Linda:
Helen:
Diane:
Fight Gone Bad:
Filthy Fifty:

Deadlift: 485
Press: 185
Back Squat: 535
Snatch: 195
Clean & Jerk: 275
Max pull-ups: 46

Favorite WOD: JT
Favorite Lift: Clean
Least Favorite WOD: N/A
Least Favorite Lift: N/A

2009 Rocky Mountain Regional Finish: 4th

Libby DiBiase

Age: 21
Height: 5'3
Weight: 122
Date of Birth: 10/7/87

Place of Birth: Omaha, Nebraska
Started CrossFit: Dec-07

Lives in Omaha, Nebraska
Affiliate: CrossFit Omaha

Fran 4:16 CTB
Cindy: n/a
Linda: n/a
Helen: 8:16 CTB
Diane: n/a
Fight Gone Bad: n/a
Filthy Fifty: n/a

Deadlift: 286
Press: 112
Back Squat: 225
Snatch: 107
Clean & Jerk: 154
Max pullups: n/a

Favorite WOD: anything with burpees
Least Favorite WOD:
Least Favorite Lift: snatch

2008 CrossFit Games Finish: 6th
2009 Rocky Mountain Regional Finish: 4th

Interview with Libby [wmv] [mov]

Pat Burke

Age: 27
Height: 70"
Weight: 180

Date of Birth: 5/31/1981
Place of Birth: Colorado Springs, CO
Started CrossFit: late 2004

Current place of Residence: Broomfield, CO
Affiliate: MBS CrossFit

Fran: 3:30
Cindy: 25
Linda: 20:18
Helen: 7:34
Diane: 4:45
Fight Gone Bad: 337
Filthy Fifty: 22:58

Deadlift: 501
Press: 205
Back Squat: 405
Snatch: 185
Clean & Jerk: 250
Max pull-ups: 45

Favorite WOD: Linda
Favorite Lift: Power Clean
Least Favorite WOD: "300" workout
Least Favorite Lift: Situps

2009 Rocky Mountain Regional Finish: 5th

Pat's WOD 1 video ... [wmv] [mov]

Stacie Tovar

Age: 24
Height: 5'5
Weight: 135

Date of Birth: 11/27/1984
Place of Birth: Norfolk, NE
Started CrossFit: December 2008

Current place of Residence: Omaha, NE
Affiliate: CrossFit Omaha

Fran: Have not done
Cindy: Have not done
Linda: Have not done
Helen: Have not done
Diane: Have not done
Fight Gone Bad: Have not done
Filthy Fifty: Have not done

Deadlift: 250#
Press: 80#
Back Squat: 210#
Snatch: 105#
Clean & Jerk: 147#
Max pull-ups: 1 (strict CTB); 10 kipping

Favorite WOD: "DT"
Favorite Lift: Power Clean
Least Favorite WOD: For time: 800 meter run 3 rounds of: 5 Power Snatch, 135/95 pounds, 15 Handstand Pushups, 20 2-fer-1 Wall Ball Shots, 20/14 pound, 800 meter run
Least Favorite Lift: Overhead Squat

2009 Rocky Mountain Regional Finish: 5th

Stacy Athlete Profile ... [wmv] [mov]

Graham Spagnola

Age: 27
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 220

Date of Birth: 9-12-1981
Place of Birth:
Started CrossFit: October 2007

Place of Residence: Troy, OH

Affiliate: CrossFit Troy

Fran: 2:33
Cindy: 23
Linda:
Helen: 9:08
Diane:
Grace: 1:48
Fight Gone Bad: 411
Filthy Fifty:

Deadlift: 505
Press: 195
Back Squat: 485
Snatch: 225
Clean and Jerk: 300
Max Pull-ups: 43

Favorite WOD: Josh
Favorite Lift: Clean and Jerk
Least Favorite WOD: Cindy
Least Favorite Lift: Snatch

2009 Midwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 1st

Sarah Dunsmore

Age: 28
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 120

Date of Birth: 11-04-1980
Place of Birth: Knightstown, IN
Started CrossFit: August 2008

Place of Residence: Durham, NC

Affiliate: CrossFit Durham

Fran: 2:57
Cindy: 25
Linda:
Helen: 7:54
Diane:
Grace: 2:48
Fight Gone Bad: 415
Filthy Fifty: 19:59

Deadlift: 255
Press: 100
Back Squat: 205
Snatch: 95
Clean and Jerk: 125
Max Pull-ups: 35

Favorite WOD: Fran or Helen
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Least Favorite WOD: CrossFit Total
Least Favorite Lift: Front Squat

2009 Midwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 1st

Ben Carter

Age: 25
Height: 6"2"
Weight: 205

Date of Birth: 01-18-1984
Place of Birth: Louisville, KY
Started CrossFit: April 2007

Place of Residence: Louisville, KY

Affiliate: Derby City CrossFit

Fran: 3:04
Cindy: 27
Linda: 26:14
Helen: 10:10
Diane: 14:12
Grace: 3:10
Fight Gone Bad: 298
Filthy Fifty: 21:40

Deadlift: 410
Press: 170
Back Squat: 350
Snatch: 160
Clean and Jerk: 210
Max Pull-ups: 40

Favorite WOD: Anything heavy
Favorite Lift: Clean and Jerk
Least Favorite WOD: Diane
Least Favorite Lift: Handstand pushups

2009 Midwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 2nd

Feng Yi Chew

Age: 22
Height: 5'1
Weight: 125

Date of Birth: 06-27-1986
Place of Birth: Singapore, Singapore
Started CrossFit: May 2007

Place of Residence: Ann Arbor, MI

Affiliate: CrossFit Joust

Fran: 8:49 (95#)
Cindy: 26
Linda:
Helen:
Diane:
Grace: 3:24 (95#)
Fight Gone Bad: 265 (men's Rx'd)
Filthy Fifty: 22:06

Deadlift: 265
Press:
Back Squat:
Snatch:
Clean and Jerk: 145
Max Pull-ups:

Favorite WOD: Chelsea
Favorite Lift: N/A
Least Favorite WOD: N/A
Least Favorite Lift: N/A

2009 Midwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 2nd

Caroline Attmore

Age: 28
Height: 5"2"
Weight: 147

Date of Birth: 4-26-1981
Place of Birth: NC
Started CrossFit: May 2008

Place of Residence: Raleigh, NC

Affiliate: CrossFit NC

Fran: 4:09 (7:29 Men's)
Cindy: 17
Linda:
Helen:
Diane:
Grace: 4:48
Fight Gone Bad:
Filthy Fifty:

Deadlift:
Press: 130
Back Squat: 255
Snatch: 105
Clean and Jerk: 155
Max Pull-ups:

Favorite WOD: N/A
Favorite Lift: N/A
Least Favorite WOD: N/A
Least Favorite Lift: N/A

2009 Midwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 3rd

Graham Holmberg

Age: 24
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 185

Date of Birth: 12-17-84
Place of Birth: Newark, OH
Started CrossFit: March 2009

Place of Residence: New Albany

Affiliate: SportFit

Fran: 4:09 (chest to bar)
Cindy: 27
Linda: 21:26 (squat cleans)
Helen: 9:07 (450m run) (chest to bar)
Diane: 6:01
Grace: 1:50
Fight Gone Bad:
Filthy Fifty:

Deadlift: 470
Press: 160
Back Squat: 330
Snatch: 185
Clean and Jerk: 245
Max Pull-ups: 40

Favorite WOD: Grace
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Least Favorite WOD: Helen
Least Favorite Lift: Overhead Squat

2009 Midwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 4th

Dawn Hutchinson

Age: 24
Height: 5"8"
Weight: 160

Date of Birth: 10-04-1984
Place of Birth: Greensboro, NC
Started CrossFit: February 2008

Place of Residence: Wilmington, NC

Affiliate: CrossFit Wilmington

Fran: 5:40
Cindy:
Linda:
Helen: 10:20
Diane:
Grace:
Fight Gone Bad: 293(Female Weight) / 259 (Mens Weight)
Filthy Fifty:

Deadlift: 285
Press: 110
Back Squat: 260
Snatch: 145
Clean and Jerk: 170
Max Pull-ups:

Favorite WOD: N/A
Favorite Lift: Clean and Overhead Squat
Least Favorite WOD: Murph
Least Favorite Lift: Deadlift

2009 Midwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 4th

Brandon Massie

Age: 20
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 195

Date of Birth: 10-29-1988
Place of Birth: Springfield, OH
Started CrossFit: Unknown

Place of Residence: Houston, OH

Affiliate: CrossFit Troy

Fran: 2:39
Cindy: 28
Linda:
Helen: 7:18
Diane:
Grace:
Fight Gone Bad: 412
Filthy Fifty:

Deadlift: 435
Press: 210
Back Squat: 330
Snatch:
Clean and Jerk: 265
Max Pull-ups:

Favorite WOD: N/A
Favorite Lift: clean
Least Favorite WOD: N/A
Least Favorite Lift: N/A

2009 Midwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 5th

Michelle Benedict

Age: 28
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 137

Date of Birth: 06-05-1980
Place of Birth: Mesa, AZ
Started CrossFit: 2004

Place of Residence: North Carolina

Affiliate: CrossFit Fort Bragg

Fran: 3:30
Cindy: 22
Linda:
Helen: 8:14
Diane:
Grace: 3:20
Fight Gone Bad: 356
Filthy Fifty: 18:51

Deadlift: 300
Press: 115
Back Squat: 225
Snatch: 115
Clean and Jerk: 125
Max Pull-ups:

Favorite WOD: Annie are you Ok
Favorite Lift: Front Squat
Least Favorite WOD: Don't have any. They all build me in some way.
Least Favorite Lift: None

2009 Midwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 5th

Sean Catto

Age: 25
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 185

Date of Birth: 8/10/1983
Place of Birth: Menomonie, WI
Started CrossFit: November 2007

Place of Residence: Myrtle Beach, SC

Fran: 2:48
Cindy: 31
Linda:
Helen: 8:48
Diane: 3:31
Grace: 2:21
Fight Gone Bad: 396
Filthy Fifty: 16:28

Deadlift: 450
Press: 200
Back Squat: 350
Snatch: 180
Clean and Jerk: 240
Max Pull-ups: 52

Favorite WOD: Murph
Favorite Lift: Clean and Jerk
Least Favorite WOD: Michael
Least Favorite Lift: Back Squat

2009 Midwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 6th

Chastity Slone

Age: 35
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 140

Date of Birth: 11-25-1973
Place of Birth: Frankfort, KY
Started CrossFit: October 2008

Place of Residence: Troy, OH
Affiliate: Practice CrossFit

Fran: 5:15
Cindy: 22
Linda:
Helen: 8:35
Diane:
Grace:
Fight Gone Bad:
Filthy Fifty:

Deadlift: 255
Press: 115
Back Squat: 235
Snatch:
Clean and Jerk:
Max Pull-ups:

Favorite WOD: Elizabeth
Favorite Lift: Power Clean
Least Favorite WOD: Murph
Least Favorite Lift: Press

2009 Midwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 6th

Jason N.

Age: 26

Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 200
DOB: 7-9-1982

Place of Birth: Massillon, OH
Started Crossfit: August 2007
Lives in Seattle, WA

Affiliate: Rainier Crossfit

Fran: 2:45
Diane: 5:37
Grace: 2:45
Isabel: 2:23
Nancy: 13:16
Jason: 14:51
Cindy: 24
Helen: 9:36
Linda: Unknown
FGB: Unknown
Filthy Fifty: Unknown

Deadlift: 529
OHP: 209
Back Squat: 455
Power Clean: 300
Clean & Jerk: 265 x 3
Max pull-ups: 35

Favorite WOD: Anything under 8 minutes
Least Favorite WOD: anything with a rope climb or burpees
Favorite Lift: Deadlifts or power cleans
Least Favorite Lift: Overhead squats

2009 Northwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 1st

Charity Vale

Age: 32

Height: 5' 2"
Weight: 123

DOB: 6/9/76
Place of birth: Everett, WA
Started CrossFit: November 2006

Lives in Snohomish, WA

Affiliate: CrossFit Snohomish

Fran: 2:51
Cindy: 28+
Helen: 8:22
Diane: 4:48
Grace: 3:03
FGB: 386
Filthy Fifty: 18:52
Linda: 22:55

Deadlift: 308
Press: 116
Back Squat: 235
Snatch: 121
Clean & Jerk: 155
Max Pullups: 45

Favorite WOD: chippers like the 50's
Least Favorite WOD: FGB
Favorite lift: Snatch
Least favorite lift: Snatch

2009 Northwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 1st

Jordan Holland

Age: 28
Weight: 200

Born: San Bernardino, CA
Started CrossFit Januaryish 2007

Lives in Seattle, WA

Fran: 3:04
Cindy: 22 (chest to bar)
Linda: 25:23 (squat cleans)
Diane: I haven't done it.
Grace: 3:42 (143#)
FGB: 389
Filthy Fifty: 23ish
500m Row: 1:19.9

Deadlift: 528
Press: 190
Back Squat: 392
Snatch: 178
Clean & Jerk: 227
Max Pull ups: 41

Favorite WOD: 5 BW overhead squats 5 50# pull ups max rounds in 20 minutes. 2 ROUNDS!
Favorite Lift: Nachos
Least Favorite WOD: Tommy V
Least Favorite Lift: DB Squat Snatch

2009 Northwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 2nd

Jennifer Olson

Age: 38
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 131

Date of Birth: 2/9/71
Place of Birth: Seattle, WA
Started CrossFit: Feb, 2007

Lives in Bellevue, WA

Fran w/ 67#: 3:53;
Fran rx'd: 7:49
Cindy: 20
Linda: Haven't done as rx'd
Helen w/ 1 pood KBSs: 8:53
Diane: Haven't done as rx'd
Grace w/ 94#: 4:23
Fight Gone Bad: Haven't done as rx'd
Filthy Fifty (12# WB): 25:44

Deadlift: 319
Press: 100
Back Squat: 241
Snatch: 102
Clean and Jerk: 153
Max Pull-ups: 41

Favorite WOD: Nasty Girls
Favorite Lift: Power Cleans
Least Favorite WOD: any virtual shoveling wods
Least Favorite Lift: Sumo Deadlift High Pulls

2009 Northwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 2nd

Moe Kelsey

Age: 32
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 225

DOB: 05/07/77
Place of birth: Bellingham, WA
Started Crossfit: 2 years ago @ Kirkland Fire

Lives in Bellingham, WA

Fran: 3:58
Cindy: Unknown
Linda: 24:21
Helen: 8:18
Diane: 8:09
Grace: Unknown
Fight Gone Bad: 388
Filthy Fifty: Unknown

Deadlift: 485
Back Squat: 405
Snatch: Unknown
Clean and jerk: 245
Max Pullups: 21 dead hangs, (never maxed kipping)

Favorite WOD: anything including running
Favorite lift: Overhead Squat
Least Favorite WOD: Hand stand pushups
Least Favorite Lift: Snatch

2009 Northwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 3rd

Nicole Verbrugghe

Age: 46
Height: 5'2"
Weight: 118

Date of birth: 07-07-1962
Place of birth: Aurora, Missouri
Started CrossFit: October 2006

Lives in Issaquah, Washington

Affiliate: Gravity Janes

Fran: 3:46
Helen: 8:38
Grace: 1:57
Angie: 13:21
10 min KB Snatch 16k: 270

Deadlift: 243
Press: 85
Snatch: 95
Clean and Jerk: 123
Max pullups: 40

Favorite Wod: Chelsea
Favorite lift: Deadlift
Least Favorite WOD: Selma
Least favorite Lift: Back Squat

2009 Northwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 3rd

Jerome Perryman

Age: 35
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 217

Date of Birth: 12/31/1973
Place of Birth: San Bernardino, CA
Started CrossFit: April 2007

Lives in Portland. Oregon

Affiliate: CrossFit H.E.L.

Fran: 4:48
Cindy: 22
Helen: 11:40 (32KB & 20# Vest &510m run)
Diane: 9:24
Grace: 2:54
Fight Gone Bad: 387
Filthy Fifty: 31:00

Deadlift: 606
Press: 185
Back Squat: 405
Snatch: 225
Clean & Jerk: 275lbs
Max pullups: 30

Favorite Wod: Nasty Girls
Favorite lift: Back Squat
Least favorite Wod: Fran
Least favorite lift: Deadlift

2009 Northwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 4th

Jennifer Kellams

Age: 31
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 125

Date of birth: 05/26/1978
Place of birth: Portland, OR
Started CrossFit - February 2008

Lives in Portland, Oregon

Affilate: CrossFit H.E.L.

Fran - 5:46 (chest to bar pull-ups)
Cindy - 21
Helen - 11:55 (10# Vest, 510meter run)
Grace - 4:36
Filthy Fifty - 32:57 (10# Vest)

Deadlift - 245
Press - 90
Back Squat - 195 x 3
Snatch - 105
Clean and Jerk - 155 x 3
Max pullups - 30

Favorite WOD - Murph (straight through w/ Vest)
Favorite lift - Squat Clean and Split Snatch
Least favorite WOD - None.
Least favorite lift - None.

2009 Northwest Regional Qualifier Finish: 4th

Jeffrey Leonard

Age: 33
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 235

Date of Birth 9-4-75
Place of Birth Walnut Creek CA
Started CrossFit Dec 08

Lives In Pleasant Hill CA

Fran 2:51

Deadlift: 475
Press: 225
Back Squat: 455
Snatch: 225
Clean and Jerk: 300
Max pull-ups: 30

Favorite WOD: Isabel
Favorite Lift: Clean
Least Favorite WOD: Anything Long
Least Favorite Lift: Pull-ups

2009 NorCal Qualifiers Finish: 1st

Jocelyn Forest

Age: 29
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 140

Date of Birth: 02-10-80
Place of Birth Solvang, CA
Started CrossFit Sept 08

Lives In Santa Cruz, CA

Affiliate: CrossFit West Santa Cruz

Fran: 3:21
Cindy: 20
Helen: 8:13
Grace: 1:27
Fight Gone Bad: 300

Deadlift: 298
Back Squat: 235
Snatch: 116
Clean & Jerk: 165
Max pull-ups: 32

Favorite WOD: Grace
Favorite Lift: Clean &Jerk
Least Favorite WOD: Catch 22
Least Favorite Lift: Thruster

2009 NorCal Qualifiers Finish: 1st

Darren Rosten

Age: 28
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 198

Date of Birth: 08-02-80
Place of Birth: Concord, Ca
Started CrossFit Jan 07

Lives in Martinez, Ca "The MTZ"

Affiliate: Diablo CrossFit

Fran: 3:39
Cindy: 26 Rounds
Linda: 38:16
Helen: 7:29
Grace: 2:08
Fight Gone Bad: 4:10
Filthy Fifty: 17:40

Deadlift: 420
Press: 165
Back Squat: 295
Snatch: 155
Clean & Jerk: 195
Max pull-ups: 44

Favorite WOD: Grace
Favorite Lift: Power Clean
Least Favorite WOD: Fran
Least Favorite Lift: Thruster

2009 NorCal Qualifiers Finish: 2nd

Candace Hamilton

Age: 27
Height: 5'5''
Weight: 145.5

Date of Birth: 09-06-81
Place of Birth: Cleveland, Ohio

Lives In: Oakland, CA

Affiliate: CrossFit Oakland

Fran: 3:58 (C2B)
Cindy: 22 rounds + 9 squats (C2B)
Helen: 10:17 (C2B)
Grace: 3:26
Fight Gone Bad: 306
Nancy: 15:26

Press: 120
Overhead Squat: 155
Back Squat: 205
Deadlift: 285
Snatch: 125
Clean and Jerk: 160
Max pull-ups: 30 (C2B)

Favorite WOD: Fran or D.T.
Favorite Lift: Clean
Least Favorite WOD: Anything longer than 20 minutes
Least Favorite Lift: Dumbbell Squat Snatch

2009 NorCal Qualifiers Finish: 2nd

Justin Riley

Age: 28
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 175

Date of Birth: 01-02-81
Place of Birth: Novato, CA
Started CrossFit: Nov 07

Affiliate: Owner of CrossFit East Sacramento

Lives In Sacramento, CA

Fran: 3:09
Cindy: 26
Helen: 7:26
Diane: 3:41
Fight Gone Bad: 377
Filthy Fifty: 19:48

Deadlift: 400
Press: 205
Back Squat: 305
Snatch: 195
Clean & Jerk: 260
Max pull-ups: 50

Favorite WOD: The Bear Complex
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Least Favorite WOD: Murph (No Disrespect to Lt. Murphy)
Least Favorite Lift: Bicep Curls

2009 NorCal Qualifiers Finish: 3rd

Breanne Feudale

Age: 28
Height: 5' 0''
Weight: 115lbs

Date of Birth: 10-22-80
Place of Birth: San Mateo, Ca
Started CrossFit Feb 07

Current place of Residence: San Mateo, Ca

Affiliate: Peninsula CrossFit

Fran: 4:42
Cindy: 25
Helen: 8:53
Fight Gone Bad: 330
Filthy Fifty: 19:80

Deadlift: 220
Press: 88
Back Squat: 181

Favorite WOD: Fran
Favorite Lift: Clean & Jerk
Least Favorite WOD: Fran (its a love hate thing)
Least Favorite Lift: Snatch

2009 NorCal Qualifiers Finish: 3rd

Joey Warren

Age: 26
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 175lb

Date of Birth 11-02-82
Place of Birth Los Gatos CA
Started CrossFit Jan 09

Lives In Los Gatos, CA

Affiliate: CrossFit Cadence

Fran: 3:36 (chest to bar)
Helen: 7:34
Diane: 3:19
Fight Gone Bad: 376
Filthy Fifty: 22ish

Favorite WOD: Tabata Something Else
Favorite Lift: Cleans
Least Favorite WOD: Norcal Qualifiers Sunday Workout
Least Favorite Lift: Deadlift

2009 NorCal Qualifiers Finish: 4th

Elyse Umeda

Age: 24
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 123

Date of Birth: 02-13-85
Place of Birth: Honolulu, Hawaii
Started CrossFit Mar 08

Lives in Honolulu, Hawaii

Affiliate: Hardass Fitness

Fran: 3:50
Cindy: 20
Helen: 9:20
Grace: 2:57
Fight Gone Bad: 387
Filthy Fifty: 20:02

Deadlift: 275
Press: 100
Back Squat: 265
Snatch: 100
Clean & Jerk: 150

Favorite WOD: Catch-22
Favorite Lift: Clean
Least Favorite WOD: Catch-22
Least Favorite Lift: Shoulder Press

2009 NorCal Qualifiers Finish: 4th

Just added NorCal Qualifiers Day 1 Highlight video ... [wmv] [mov]

Angel Andre Liu Orozco

Age 28
Height 5'11''
Weight 200

Date of Birth: 09-29-80
Place of Birth Marin county
Started CrossFit May 2005

Lives in San Francisco, CA

Affiliate: San Francisco CrossFit

Fran: 2:25
Helen: 6:53
Fight Gone Bad: 419
Filthy Fifty: 17ish (with a quick bathroom break)

Deadlift: 415
Back Squat: 375
Snatch: 215
Clean & Jerk: 265
Jerk: 300

Favorite WOD: Anything that will crush me!
Favorite Lift: I love all lifts!
Least Favorite WOD: anything thats just body weight for an extended period of time.
Least Favorite: I love all lifts!

2009 NorCal Qualifiers Finish: 5th

Apollonia Helm

Age: 23
Height: 5'2''
Weight: 130

Date of Birth: 7-22-85
Place of Birth: Oakland, CA
Started CrossFit Oct 08

Lives in Richmond, CA

Affiliate: CrossFit East Bay

Fran: 7:14 C2B
Diane: 11:09
Fight Gone Bad: 262

Deadlift: 235
Press: 100
Back Squat: 165
Snatch: 85
Clean & Jerk: 140
Max pull-ups: 15 C2B

Favorite WOD: The long ones with hills.
Favorite Lift: Clean & Jerk
Least Favorite WOD: Anything under 5 minutes.
Least Favorite Lift: Deadlift

2009 NorCal Qualifiers Finish: 5th

Robert Gerdes

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 200

Date of Birth: 3 Jan, 1984
Place of Birth: Clara City, Minnesota
Started doing CrossFit in Iraq April 2008

Affiliate: CrossFit Asia

Cindy: 21
FGB: 353
Fran: 3:01
Grace: 2:37
Helen: 8:12
Nancy: 12:27

Deadlift: 415
Back Squat: 435
Press: 150
Clean: 250

Favorite WOD: Nancy or Grace
Least Favorite: Linda and Murph
Favorite Lift: Squat
Least Favorite Lift: Anything Pressing

2009 Asia Regional Qualifier Finish: 1st

Vicky Zimmerman

Age: 40
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 135

Date of Birth 8-23-68
Place of Birth: South Bend, IN
Started CrossFit: Jan 2008

Affiliate: CrossFit Asia

Lives in Okinawa, Japan

Helen: 11:57
Fran: 6:42
Fight Gone Bad: 278
Nicole: 78
Filthy 50: 32:10
Jackie: 9:52
Karen:9:54
Murph: 46:03
5k Run: 22:17
2k Row: 8:16

Deadlift: 224
Back Squat: 173
Press: 99
CrossFit Total: 496
Front Squat 145lbs
Clean & Jerk 119lbs

Favorite WOD: Helen
Least Favorite WOD: anything with L-Pull-ups
Favorite Lift: Hang Power Clean
Least Favorite Lift: Push Jerk

2009 Asia Regional Qualifier Finish: 1st

Dutch Lowy

Age: 26
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 160

Date of Birth 05-22-82
Place of Birth College Station, TX
Started CrossFit Feb 06

Lives in Ft Worth, TX

Affiliate: CrossFit ATM

Fran: 2:50
Cindy: 27
Linda: 14:00
Helen: 8:15
Grace: 3:30
Fight Gone Bad: 418
Filthy Fifty: 19:15
Deadlift: 375
Press: 160
Back Squat: 315
Snatch: 200
Clean & Jerk: 255
Max Pull ups: 50

Favorite WOD: The Chief
Favorite Lift: Snatch
least Favorite WOD: Michael
Least Favorite Lift: N/A

2008 CrossFit Games Finish: 7th
2009 Hell's Half Acre Regional Qualifier Finish: 1st

Carey Kepler

Age: 34
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 137

Date of Birth: 04-07-75
Place of Birth: Lubbock Tx
Started CrossFit: July 08

Lives in Austin, Tx

Affiliate: CrossFit Central

Fran: 3:47
Helen: 7:31
Fight Gone Bad: 349
Filthy Fifty: 21:32

Deadlift: 290
Press: 100
Back Squat: 205
Snatch: 105
Clean and Jerk: 145
Max Pull ups: 40

Favorite WOD: Michael
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
least Favorite WOD: Anything overhead
Least Favorite Lift: Jerk

2009 Hell's Half Acre Qualifiers Finish: 1st

Polly Bobseine

Age: 24
Height: 5' 2"
Weight: 123

Date of Birth: Oct 21 1984
Place of Birth: Chadwick Bay NY
Started CrossFit: Can't remember

Lives in Wichita Falls, TX

Affiliate: CrossFit Camas

Fran: 3:03
Cindy: 22
Fight Gone Bad: 372
Deadlift: 240
Press: 100
Max Pull ups: 39

Favorite WOD: Anything running
Favorite Lift: The Snatch was cool!
least Favorite WOD: Heavy Stuff
Least Favorite Lift: None

2009 Hell's Half Acre Qualifiers Finish: 2nd

Breck Berry

Age: 32
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 175

Date of Birth: 7-6-76
Place of Birth: Tulsa OK
Started CrossFit Feb 06

Lives in Jenks, OK

Affiliate: CrossFit Jenks

Fran: 2:43
Cindy: 29
Linda: 16:38
Helen: 7:48
Diane: 4:53
Grace: 2:30
Fight Gone Bad: 407

Deadlift: 425
Press: 175
Back Squat: 365
Snatch: 175
Clean and Jerk: 245
Max Pull ups: 52

Favorite WOD: Linda
Favorite Lift: Squat Clean
Least Favorite WOD: Mary
Least Favorite Lift: I like all BB lifts!

2009 Hell's Half Acre Qualifiers Finish: 2nd

Name: Danie du Preez

Age: 40
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 203lb

Date of Birth: 24 April 1969
Place of Birth: Johannesburg - South Africa
Started CrossFit: March 2008

Lives in Edenvale - South Africa

Fran: 03:38
Cindy: 24
Linda: 16:23
Helen: 8:57
Grace: 2:19
Fight Gone Bad: 455
Filthy Fifty: 20:53

Deadlift: 418
Press: 154
Back Squat: 341
Snatch: 132
Clean & Jerk: 209
Max Pull ups: 44

Favorite WOD: Cindy
Favorite Lift: Shoulder Press
Least Fav WOD: Anything with Muscle Ups and Handstand Push-ups
Least Fav Lift: OH Squat

2009 Africa Regional Qualifier Finish: 1st

Name: Tia McDougal

Age: 25
Height: 5'
Weight: 139

Date of Birth: 16 January 1984
Place of Birth: Johannesburg - South Africa
Started CrossFit: February 2009

Lives in Edenvale - South Africa

Fran: 11:37
Cindy: 13
Linda: N/A
Helen: 18:36
Grace: 3:45
Fight Gone Bad: 338
Filthy Fifty: 48:25

Deadlift: 209
Press: 99
Back Squat: 110
Snatch: N/A
Clean & Jerk: 99
Max Pull ups: 10

Favorite WOD: Fran
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Least Fav WOD: Filthy Fifty
Least Fav Lift: Squat Clean Press

2009 Africa Regional Qualifier Finish: 1st

Name: Lance Cantu

Age: 26
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 180
Date of Birth: May 23, 1982

Place of Birth: Texas
Started CrossFit: Summer 2008

Lives in Austin, TX

Fran: 2:18
Cindy: 28
Helen: 7:15
Filthy Fifty: 21:00

Deadlift: 405
Press: 185
Back Squat: 365
Snatch: 180
Clean & Jerk: 260
Max Pull ups: 54

Favorite WOD: Hill Run at the games
Favorite Lift: Clean and Jerk
Least Fav WOD: N/A
Least Fav Lift: N/A

2009 Hell's Half Acre Regional Qualifier Finish: 3rd

Name: Crystal McReynolds

Age: 25
Height: 5' 9"
Weight: 135

Date of Birth: December 25, 1983
Place of Birth: Lubbock TX
Started CrossFit: Two years ago

Lives in Austin TX

Fran: 3:41
Helen: 8:13
Fight Gone Bad: 315
Filthy Fifty: 21:52

Deadlift: 270
Press: 110
Back Squat: 255
Snatch: 120
Clean & Jerk: 145
Max Pull ups: 36

Favorite WOD: None
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Least Favorite WOD: Michael
Least Favorite Lift: Dead Lift

2009 Hell's Half Acre Regional Qualifier Finish: 3rd

Name: Vic Zachary, Jr.

Age: 27
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 172

Date of Birth: March 14, 1982
Place of Birth: Houston TX
Started CrossFit: December 2007

Lives in Houston, TX

Fran: 2:50
Cindy: 24
Helen: 7:45
Fight Gone Bad: 318

Deadlift: 435
Press: 195
Back Squat: 395

Favorite WOD: All of them
Favorite Lift: Clean & Jerk
Least Fav WOD: None
Least Fav Lift: None

2009 Hell's Half Acre Regional Qualifier Finish: 4th

Name: Lindsey Smith

Age: 26

Height: 5' 11"
Weight :155
Date of Birth: October 7, 1982
Place of Birth: Evansville, IN
Started CrossFit: June 2008

Lives in Houston TX

Fran 4:30
Cindy 21
Grace 11:05 (Men's)
Fight Gone Bad: 361
Filthy Fifty: 26:00

Deadlift: 270
Press: 115
Back Squat: 245
Snatch: 130
Clean & Jerk: 155
Max Pull ups: 35

Favorite WOD: Fran
Favorite Lift: Power Clean
Least Fav WOD: 10K Run
Least Fav Lift: Deadlift

2009 Hell's Half Acre Regional Qualifier Finish: 4th

Name: Jason Boag

Age: 28

Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 170
Date of Birth: January 28, 1981
Place of Birth: Edmonds, WA
Started CrossFit: May 2007

Lives in Edmond, OK

Fran 2:45
Cindy 26
Helen 7:29
Diane 6:10
Grace 3:45

Deadlift: 335
Press: 158
Back Squat: 330
Snatch: 180
Clean & Jerk: 235
Max Pull ups: 53

Favorite WOD: Elizabeth
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Least Fav WOD: Max Deadlift
Least Fav Lift: Deadlift

2009 Hell's Half Acre Regional Qualifier Finish: 5th

Name: Nikki Hall

Age: 26
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 155

Date of Birth: December 5, 1982
Place of Birth: Ft Walton Beach, FL
Started CrossFit: September 2007

Lives in Cedar Park, TX

Fran: 3:53
Cindy: 18
Helen 10:16
Grace 4:43
Fight Gone Bad: 247 (Men's)

Deadlift: 235
Press: 110
Back Squat: 210
Snatch: 95
Clean & Jerk: 135
Max Pull ups: 21

Favorite WOD: Fran
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Least Fav WOD Barbara
Least Fav Lift: Love Em All!

2009 Hell's Half Acre Regional Qualifier Finish: 5th

Name: Susana Baca

Age: 29
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 119

Date of Birth: June 16th, 1980
Place of Birth: Caneta Peru
Started CrossFit: October 2008

Lives in Lima, Peru

Affiliate: CrossFit Peru

Barbara: 40:25
Deadlift: 180
Press: 70
Back Squat: 135

2009 Central & South America Qualifiers Finish: 1st

Name: Geoffrey Tudisco

Age: 33
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 185

Date of Birth: August 23, 1975
Place of Birth: New York, NY
Started CrossFit: October 15, 2007

Affiliate: CrossFit Bogota
Lives in Bogota, Colombia

Fran: 3:04
Cindy: 32
Helen: 7:25
Kelly: 21:56
Mary: 11
Elizabeth: 9:30
Nicole: 116 (with vest)
Annie: 11:17
30 Muscle-Ups: 4:17
Angie: 16:52 (with vest)
Murph: 29:25 (no vest) 38:48 (with vest)
Jason: 12:53
Daniel: 16:23
Nate: 12
JT: 11:15
Ryan: 17:10

Deadlift: 405
Press: 185
Back squat: 325

Favorite Wod: All of them
Favorite lift: Any Clean
Least Favorite WOD: All of them

2009 Central & South America Qualifier Finish: 2nd

Name: Nelson Barriga

Age: 22
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 130

Date of Birth: October 3rd, 1986
Place of birth: Guayaquil, Ecuador
Started CrossFit: September 2008

Lives in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Fran: 4:21
Cindy: 25
Linda: 22:35
Filthy Fifty: 22:29
Elizabeth: 11:43
Annie: 9:30

Deadlift: 305
Press: 115
Back Squat: 275
Clean: 155
Max pullups: 54

Favorite Wod: Anything with Muscleups
Favorite Lift: Clean
Least Favorite WOD: Run 5k or 10k
Least favorite Lift: Shoulder Press

2009 Central & South America Qualifier Finish: 3rd

There's been a flurry of activity on CrossFit Radio. There have been many shows that highlight numerous Regional Qualifiers as well as some of the competitors. If you haven't heard them, here's a few you should check out:

Interview with Michele Vieux, who qualified at the Southern California Regional. She talks about the experience of the Games, as well as the role of nutrition in her life.

Pat Barber did a lot of coverage of the NorCal Qualifier. You can listen to him on Weekend Edition 10 talking about the event and interviewing Men's first place finisher Jeffrey Leonard, as well as Weekend Edition 11, where he talks with Breanne Feudel, the third place Women's finisher.

Interview with Hillari Eaton. The winner of the Great Basin Qualifier talks with Neil about her training and her amazing victory despite her new exposure to CrossFit. Hillari has only been CrossFitting since August, but she talks about working out at 7000 feet and her strategy going into the Games.

Name: Jason Bird

Age: 39
Height: 6'
Weight: 185

Date of Birth: September 27, 1969
Place of Birth: Hamilton, Ontario
Started CrossFit: November 2007

Affiliate: Owner, CrossFit Connection
Lives in Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Cindy: 27
Linda: 22:15
Helen: 8:05
Fight Gone Bad: 365
Filthy Fifty: 19:13

Deadlift: 435
Press: 175
Back Squat: 335
Clean & Jerk: 185

Favorite WOD: Fight Gone Bad
Favorite Lift: Overhead Squat
Least Favorite WOD: Anything with Handstand Pushups
Least Favorite Lift: Push Jerk

2009 Canada East Regional Qualifier Finish: 1st

Name: Danielle Comolli

Age: 34
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 165

Date of Birth: July 8, 1974
Place of Birth: Montreal
Started CrossFit: February 2008

Lives in Toronto, Canada

Fran: 4:10
Cindy: 19
Helen: 9:01
Diane: 7:44
Fight Gone Bad: 393 (Female) 262 (Male)
Filthy Fifty: 29:50

Deadlift: 315
Press: 125
Back Squat: 260
Snatch: 110
Clean & Jerk: 175

Favorite WOD: Grace
Favorite Lift: C&J
Least Favorite WOD: Anything with Muscleups
Least Favorite Lift: None

2009 Canada East Regional Qualifier Finish: 1st

Name: Chad Furey

Age: 21
Height: 5' 9"
Weight: 185

Date of Birth: Jan 22, 1988
Place of Birth: Bridgewater, NS
Started CrossFit: May 2008

Lives in Halifax, NS

Fran: 2:50
Cindy: 27
Linda: 27:20
Helen: 8:30
Diane: 3:46
Fight Gone Bad: 405
Filthy Fifty: 22:30

Deadlift: 485
Press: 177
Back Squat: 337
Snatch: 178
Clean & Jerk: 235
Max pull-ups: 42

Favorite WOD: DT or Elizabeth
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Least Favorite WOD: Prelims 5K "trail" run
Least Favorite Lift: Front Squat

2009 Canada East Regional Qualifier Finish: 2nd

Name: Alexandra Bergeron

Age: 21
Height: 5' 4''
Weight: 127

Date of Birth: January 21, 1988
Place of Birth: Quebec
Started CrossFit: March 2008

Lives in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Qc

Fran: 3:43
Cindy: 22
Helen: 9:27
Fight Gone Bad: 368
Filthy Fifty: 17:48

Deadlift: 255
Press: 85
Back Squat: 185
Snatch: 95
Clean & Jerk: 130
Max pull-ups: 32

Favorite WOD: Barbara
Favorite Lift: OHS
Least Favorite WOD: Elizabeth
Least Favorite Lift: Press

2009 Canada East Regional Qualifier Finish: 2nd

Name: Roch Proteau

Age:28
Height: 5'8''
Weight: 165

Date of Birth: Sep 2, 1980
Place of Birth: Cowansville, Quebec, Canada
Started CrossFit: May 2008

Lives in Montreal, Qc, Canada

Fran: 2:52
Cindy: 26
Helen: 7:36
Diane: 4:00
Filthy Fifty: 17:50

Deadlift: 465
Press:170
Back Squat: 330
Clean & Jerk :230
Max pull-ups: 45

Favorite WOD: Helen
Favorite Lift: OHS
Least Favorite WOD: None
Least Favorite Lift: None

2009 Canada East Regional Qualifier Finish: 3rd

Name: Megan MacLellan

Age: 22
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 141

Date of Birth: December 14th, 1986
Place of Birth: Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Started CrossFit: Feb. 2008

Lives in Charlottetown PEI

Fran: 4:08
Cindy: 20
Helen: 8:38
Diane : 3:22
Fight Gone Bad: 307
Filthy Fifty: 21:12

Deadlift: 220
Press: 105
Back Squat: 185
Snatch: 65 (hasn't maxed)
Clean & Jerk: 125
Max pull-ups: 28

Favorite WOD: Fran
Favorite Lift: Clean
Least Favorite WOD: Angie
Least Favorite Lift: Sumo Deadlift High Pull

2009 Canada East Regional Qualifiers Finish: 3rd

Name: DJ Wickham

Age: 24
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 205

Date of Birth: May 11th, 1984
Place of Birth: Medicine Hat, Alberta
Started CrossFit: November 2007

Lives in Airdrie, Alberta

Fran: sub 4:00
Fight Gone Bad: 10:40 (Task Priority)
Jackie: 6:20
Christine: 8:38
Jeremy: 4:05
Randy: 4:16
The Chief: 23+

CrossFit Total: 1031
Deadlift: 487
Press: 182
Back Squat: 395
Snatch: 226
Clean & Jerk: 275
Max pull-ups: 30

Favorite WOD: anything with excessive body weight movements
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Least Favorite WOD: J.T.
Least Favorite Lift: Back Squat

2009 Canada West Qualifier Finish: 1st

Name: Joy Nguyen

Age: 25
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 140
Started CrossFit: September 2008

Lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada

Fight Gone Bad: 405
Grace: 2:10
Fran: 3:34
Cindy: 24
Helen: 9:10 (Hill Helen with weighted vest)
Mary: 11
JT: 14ish
Annie 4:55

Deadlift: 310
Press: 110
Back Squat: 200
Snatch: 120
Clean & Jerk: 165

Favorite WOD: Brutus (created by Popeye)
Favorite Lift: Zombie hunting
Least Favorite WOD: I prefer when fights don't go bad
Least Favorite Lift: 3rd attempt

2009 Canada West Qualifiers Finish: 1st

Name: Jenni Orr

Age: 29
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 125

Date of Birth: Oct 22, 1979
Place of Birth: West Palm Beach , FL
Started CrossFit: Jan 2007

Lives in Jupiter Florida

Affiliate: BGI Fitness

Fran: 4:14
Helen: 9:04
Diane: 19:06 (185)
Grace: Uneven 85# 4:02 or 100# 6:35
Fight Gone Bad: 354
Filthy Fifty: 27:57 (male RX)

Deadlift: 240
Press: 85
Back Squat: 235
Snatch: 100
Clean and jerk: 135
Favorite WOD: Nancy
Favorite Lift: Push Jerk
Least Favorite WOD: EVA (male RX)
Least Favorite Lift: Hang Power Clean

2008 Games Finish: 8th
2009 Dirty South Qualifiers Finish: 1st

Name: Lauren Pryor

Age: 26
Height: 5' 9"
Weight: 155

Date of Birth: May 31, 1982
Place of Birth: Calgary, AB
Started CrossFit: 2004, but got serious in 2007

Lives in Calgary, Canada.

Affiliate: CrossFit Calgary

Fran: 4:15
Cindy: 16
Helen: 9:50
Fight Gone Bad: 338
Filthy Fifty: 22:48

Deadlift: 320
Press: 105lbs
Back Squat: 235lbs
Snatch: 95lbs
Clean & Jerk: 155lbs
Max pull-ups: 27

Favorite WOD: Kelly
Favorite Lift: Clean or snatch
Least Favorite WOD: Anything with a 20 min time limit
Least Favorite Lift: Press

2008 CrossFit Games Finish: 63rd
2009 Canada West Qualifier Finish: 2nd

Russell Berger

Age: 23
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 145

Date of Birth: Oct 25, 1985
Place of Birth: Groton, CT
Started CrossFit Nov 05

Lives in Huntsville, AL

Affiliate: CrossFit Huntsville

Fran: 2:31
Cindy: 28
Linda: 11:16
Helen: 6:58
Fight Gone Bad: 368
Filthy Fifty: 16 ish

Deadlift: 425
Press: 160
Back Squat: 345
Clean and Jerk: clean 245, jerk 235
Max Pull-ups: 56 (chest to bar)

Favorite WOD: anything with muscle-ups
Favorite Lift: Split jerk
Least Favorite WOD: Any time we have a new hero workout
Least Favorite Lift: Overhead Squat

2009 Dirty South Qualifiers Finish: 1st

Name: Andrew Swartz

Age: 33
Height: 6'
Weight: 195

Date of Birth: August 17, 1975
Place of Birth: Toronto, Canada
Started CrossFit: 2002

Lives in Vancouver, Canada

Fran: 3:03
Cindy: 22
Helen: 8:01
Fight Gone Bad: 397

Deadlift: 435
Press: 210
Back Squat: 365
Snatch: 215
Clean & Jerk: 270
Max pull-ups: 46

Favorite WOD: Grace
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Least Favorite WOD: Michael
Least Favorite Lift: Thruster

2009 Canada West Qualifiers Finish: 2nd

Name: Katy Josephs

Age: 16
Height: 5' 5''
Weight - 145 lb

Date of Birth: March 15, 1993
Place of Birth: Calgary, Canada
Started CrossFit: 2005

Lives in Calgary, Canada

Annie: 6:10
Cindy: 17
Michael: 18:52

Press: 75
Back Squat: 197
Deadlift: 231
Max pullups: 27

Favorite WOD: Annie
Least favorite WOD: Filthy Fifty
Favorite Lift: Clean & Jerk
Least Favorite Lift: Snatch

2009 Canada West Qualifier Finish: 3rd

Name: Michael Fitzgerald

Age: 22
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 185

Date of Birth: July 11th, 1986
Place of Birth: Labrador City, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada
Started CrossFit: 3.5 years (off and on), 1 year (full time)

Lives in Calgary, AB, Canada

Fran: 3:19
Cindy: 25
Linda: 34 min+ (squat cleans)
Helen: 7:41
Diane: 4:58
Fight Gone Bad: 371
Filthy Fifty: 18:23
Deadlift: 422
Press: 162.5
Back Squat: 334
Snatch: 135
Clean & Jerk: 200
Max pull-ups: 35

Favorite WOD: Jackie
Favorite Lift: Squat Clean or Power Snatch
Least Favorite WOD: Chest to bar Fran or any row sprinting
Least Favorite Lift: Press or Bench Press

2009 Canada West Qualifiers Finish: 3rd

Lance Mosley

Age: 36
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 198

Date of Birth: 8-17-72
Place of Birth Boston, MA
Started Crossfit Jan 08

Lives in Boynton Beach, FL

Affiliate: CrossFit HardCore

Fran: 3:18
Cindy: 22rds
Linda: 20:07
Helen: 9:07
Diane: 3:48
Grace: 1:56
Filthy Fifty: 30:38

Deadlift: 601
Press: 240
Back Squat: 505
Snatch: 215
Clean and Jerk: 248
Max Pullups: 41

Favorite WOD: Grace or Isabel
Favorite Lift: Any variation of snatches
Least Favorite: WOD Filthy 50
Least Favorite Lift: Any burpee variation

2008 Games Finish: 50th
2009 Dirty South Qualifiers Finish: 2nd

To see Lance do the second half of the day 1 workout 1 go here

Laura DeMarco

Age: 34
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 158

Date of Birth: 05-02-75
Place of Birth Tallahassee, FL
Started CrossFit July 07

Lives in Atlanta, GA

Affiliate: CrossFit Rx

Fran: 4:48
Cindy: 17
Helen: 9:24
Grace: 2:36
Fight Gone Bad: 336
Filthy Fifty: 23:52 (men's weights)

Deadlift: 305
Press: 112
Back Squat: 250
Split jerk: 175
Clean and Jerk: 152
Max Pull-ups: 25

Favorite WOD: Mr. Joshua
Favorite Lift: Jerk
Least Favorite WOD: Fran
Least Favorite Lift: Back Squat

2009 Dirty South Qualifiers Finish: 3rd

Brandon Phillips

Age: 26
Height: 5'11
Weight: 215

Date of Birth: 09-11-82
Place of Birth Dalton, GA
Started CrossFit Sep 08

Lives in: Kennesaw, GA

Fran: 2:50
Cindy: 25
Linda: 30:08
Helen: 9:04
Diane: 3:46
Grace: 1:37

Deadlift: 475
Press: 200
Back Squat: 450
Snatch: 210
Clean and jerk: 265
Max Pull-ups: 32

Favorite WOD: Grace
Favorite Lift: Squat Clean
Least Favorite WOD: Murph
Least Favorite Lift: Push Jerk

2009 Dirty South Qualifiers Finish: 3rd

Adriana Grassi-Mosley

Age: 39
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 130

Date of Birth: 8-5-69
Place of Birth Italy
Started Crossfit Nov 07

Lives in Boynton beach FL

Affiliate: CrossFit Hardcore

Fran: 3:53
Cindy: 19
Helen: 9:14
Diane:11:12
Grace: 7:42
Fight gone bad: 304
Filthy Fifty: 24:49

Deadlift: 265
Press: 105
Back Squat: 215
Snatch: 100
Clean: 145
Max Pullups: 26

Favorite WOD: Daniel
Favorite lift: Snatch
Least favorite WOD: JT!!!
Least favorite lift: Push Jerk

2008 Games: I think 69
2009 Dirty South Qualifiers Finish: 4th

Sean Provost

Age: 23
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 165

Date of Birth: 01-28-86
Place of Birth Atlanta, GA
Started CrossFit Mar 08

Lives in: Dahlonega, GA

Affiliate: CrossFit Dahlonega

Fran: 4:19 (chest to bar)
Cindy: 22 (chest to bar)
Helen: 8:50 (chest to bar)
Diane: 3:53
Grace: 4:50 (heavy grace 155#)
Fight Gone Bad: 351
Filthy Fifty: 25:00

Deadlift: 465
Press: 170
Back Squat: 330
Snatch: 95 (have only done them in metcons)
Clean and jerk: 200
Max Pull-ups: 42

Favorite WOD: 30 MU for time and Nancy
Favorite Lift: Deadlift and OHS
Least Favorite WOD: Eva
Least Favorite Lift: Shoulder Press and Back Squats

2007 Games Finish: I was still eating Fruity Pebbles at this time
2008 Games Finish: I was still eating Fruity Pebbles at this time
2009 Dirty South Qualifiers Finish: 4th

Mariah Provost

Age: 27
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 125

Date of Birth: 12-24-81
Place of Birth Atlanta, GA
Started CrossFit Mar 08

Lives in: Dahlonega, GA

Affiliate: CrossFit Dahlonega

Fran: 4:19 (chest to bar)
Cindy: 21 (chest to bar)
Helen: 9:39 (44# / chest to bar)
Diane: 5:46
Grace: 4:59
Fight Gone Bad: 311
Filthy Fifty: 30:41

Deadlift: 270
Press: 100
Back Squat: 230
Snatch: 95 (only done them in metcons)
Clean and jerk: Never maxed (110# in heavy grace)
Max Pull-ups: 30

Favorite WOD: Nancy and Helen
Favorite Lift: Backsquat
Least Favorite WOD: Fight Gone Bad
Least Favorite Lift: Shoulder Press and Clean and Jerk

2009 Dirty South Qualifiers Finish: 5th

Ndiya Nkongho

Age: 32
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 145

Date of Birth: 12-4-76
Place of Birth New York, New York
Started CrossFit Sep 07

Lives in Atlanta, GA

Affiliate: BTB Fitness

Cindy: 14
Helen: 9:44
Grace: 4:00
Fight Gone Bad: 307
Filthy Fifty: 22:03

Deadlift: 295
Shoulder Press: 90
Back Squat: 150
Clean and Jerk: 100

Favorite WOD: Helen
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Least Favorite WOD: Karen
Least Favorite Lift: Ring Dips

2009 Dirty South Qualifiers Finish: 6th place

Leonid Soubbotine (Leo S.)

Age: 25
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 220

Date of Birth: 04-12-84
Place of Birth Snezhinsk, USSR (now Russia)
Started CrossFit Dec 06

Lives in Winter Springs, Florida

Affiliate: CrossFit Evolution

Fran: 3:39
Cindy: 18
Helen: 8:08
Grace: 2:27
Fight Gone Bad: 355

Deadlift: 500
Press: 175
Back Squat: 392
Snatch: 203
Clean and Jerk: 264
Max Pull-ups: 33

Favorite WOD: Sleep for time, but seriously anything under 10 mins.
Favorite Lift: Muscle Up & Anything Gymnastics
Least Favorite WOD: Benchmarks
Least Favorite Lift: Pistol

2009 Dirty South Qualifiers Finish: 6th

Rachel Steinbruckner (AKA p-nut)

Age: 32
Height: 4'11"
Weight: 123

Date of Birth: 10-14-76
Place of Birth City, State: Buffalo, NY
Started CrossFit Nov 07

Lives in City, State: Boynton Beach, FL

Affiliate: CrossFit Hardcore

Fran: 4:24
Cindy: 19
Diane: 6:25
Grace: 4:39

Deadlift: 250
Press: 105
Clean and jerk: 135

Favorite WOD: Isabel
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Least Favorite WOD: Karen
Least Favorite Lift: Strict Press

2009 Dirty South Qualifiers Finish: 7th

Drew McKenzie

Age: 28
Height: 5'3''
Weight: 138

Date of Birth: 09-06-80
Place of Birth Savannah, GA
Started CrossFit Aug 06

Lives in Savannah, GA

Affiliate: Crossfit Hyperformance

Fran: 3:00
Cindy: 27 1/3
Helen: 7:47, 10:21 (2 pood CTB Pulls)
Diane: 6:09
Grace: 5:30
Fight Gone Bad: 397
Filthy Fifty: 17:42

Deadlift: 330
Press: 145
Back Squat: 305
Snatch: 135
Clean and Jerk: 185
Max Pull-ups: 60

Favorite WOD: They all make my stomach turn
Favorite Lift: Overhead Squat
Least Favorite WOD: They all make my stomach turn
Least Favorite Lift: N/A

2009 Dirty South Qualifiers Finish: 7th

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Just added video interview ... [wmv] [mov]

Katie Hogan

Age: 26
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 165

Date of Birth: 2-19-83
Place of Birth San Jose, CA
Started CrossFit June 2008

Lives in Studio City, CA

Affiliate: Valley CrossFit

Fran: 7:11
Helen: 13:13
FGB: 289

Deadlift: 295
Press: 110
Back Squat: 210
Clean and Jerk: 135

Favorite WOD: Grace
Favorite Lift: Clean
Least Favorite WOD: Chelsea
Least Favorite Lift - Bench Press

2009 SoCal Qualifiers Finish: 6th

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Just added video interview ... [wmv] [mov]

Michele Vieux

Age: 31
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 147

Place of Birth Lawrence, KS
Started CrossFit April 2007

Lives in San Diego, CA

Fran: 3:48
Helen: 7:49
Diane: 5:36

Deadlift: 305
Press: 125
Front Squat: 210
Squat: 260
Snatch: 140
Clean and Jerk: 190 (power clean only); 180 C & J
Max Pull Ups: 44

Favorite WOD: Grace (2:02) or Quarter Gone Bad (128)
Favorite Lift: One-arm Barbell Snatch
Least Favorite WOD: JT
Least Favorite Lift: Back Squat

2009 SoCal Qualifiers Finish: 5th

CrossFit by Overload made a highlight video of Michele ... [wmv] [mov]

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Just added video interview ... [wmv] [mov]

Kim Ball

Age: 31
Height: 5'5''
Weight: 145 lbs

Place of Birth Midland, Michigan
Started CrossFit August 2008

Lives in Long Beach, CA

Fran: 3:47
Cindy: 18 rounds
Helen: 12:25
FGB: 650 (5 rounds)

Deadlift: 305 lbs
Press: 110 lbs
Squat: 215 lbs
Clean and Jerk: 135 lbs

Favorite WOD: Helen or The Chief
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Least Favorite WOD: Anything with ring dips...
Least Favorite Lift: Shoulder Press

2009 SoCal Qualifiers Finish: 4th

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Rebecca "Becca" Voigt is a trainer at Valley CrossFit based in the San Fernando Valley. She placed 3rd in the SoCal Regional Qualifiers securing her a spot in the 2009 CrossFit Games.

Just added video interview ... [wmv] [mov]

Age: 28
Height: 5'9
Weight: 155

Date of Birth: 11/21/1980
Place of Birth Northridge, CA
Started CrossFit October 06

Current Residing In Studio City, CA

Affiliate: Valley Crossfit

Fran: 4:04; 8:19 (Games 2008)
Helen: 10:52 (Men's Rx)
Diane: 18:10 (Men's Rx)
FGB: 372 Women's weight; 262 Men's weight
Filthy 50: 32:05

Deadlift: 285 lb
Press: 115 lb
Squat: 182 lb
Snatch: 105 lb
Clean and Jerk: 155 lb
Max Pull Ups: Unknown; Definitely 21 at minimum

Favorite WOD: Fight Gone Bad
Favorite Lift: Jerk
Least Favorite WOD: Mary
Least Favorite Lift: Snatch

2007 Games Finish: Did not Participate
2008 Games Finish 7th
2009 SoCal Regional Qualifiers Finish: 3rd

CrossFit by Overload made a highlight video of Rebecca Voigt ... [wmv] [mov]

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Just added video interview ... [wmv] [mov]

Valerie Mackenzie

Age: 30
Height: 5'2" (ok, I'm really 5' 1 3/4", but I prefer to say 5'2")
Weight: 130ish

Place of Birth Fresno, California
Started CrossFit August 2008

Lives in Marina Del Rey, CA

Fran: 2:58 @ 65#s, 4:35 @ 75#s
Cindy: 23 rounds, chest to bar pull-ups every round
Helen: 8:01
Diane: 6:54
FGB: 310 with 20#ball
Filthy 50: 25:25

Deadlift: 305
Press: shoulder press 90#, push press 120#
Squat: front 160#
Squat: back 205#
Snatch: 95#
Clean and Jerk: 105#
Max Pull Ups: 30 During Nicole

Favorite WOD: 1st WOD of the SoCal qualifiers. More pull-ups please!
Favorite Lift: Snatch, so explosive and powerful when done right
Least Favorite WOD: 3rd WOD of the qualifiers, dumb wall balls!
Least Favorite Lift: Cleans

2009 SoCal Qualifiers Finish: 2nd

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Just added video interview ... [wmv] [mov]

Kristan Clever

Age: 26
Height: 5'2
Weight: 130

Place of Birth Torrance, CA
Started CrossFit May, 2007

Lives in Sherman Oaks, CA

Fran: 3:20
Cindy: 26
Linda: 27:38
Helen: 8:43
Diane: 6:49 (175# dl)
FGB: 352
Filthy 50: 21:15 (24" box jumps, 40# db swings, 45# thruster (sub for wall-ball)

Deadlift: 305
Press: 105
Back Squat: 245
Front Squat: 185 (3RM)
Snatch: 123
Clean and Jerk: 160
Max Pull Ups: 33

Favorite WOD: erm, no.... no favorite
Favorite Lift: Split jerk
Least Favorite WOD: Anything with wall-ball or L pull-ups
Least Favorite Lift: Press

2009 SoCal Qualifiers Finish: 1st

Christy Phillips

Age: 23
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 129

Date of Birth: 06-30-85
Place of Birth New Haven, CT
Started CrossFit Feb 07

Lives in Washington, DC

Affiliate: Primal Fitness

Fran: 3:51
Cindy: 21
Diane: 14:55 (155#DL)
Grace: 6:37 (squat cleans)
Fight Gone Bad: 445
Filthy Fifty: 18:35

Deadlift: 275
Press: 100
Back Squat: 225
Snatch: 105
Clean and Jerk: 150
Max Pull-ups: 31

Favorite WOD: FGB
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Least Favorite WOD: can't think of any
Least Favorite Lift: Bench Press

2009 Mid-Atlantic Qualifiers Finish: 1st

Ben Smith

Age: 18
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 185

Date of Birth: 5-16-90
Place of Birth Key West, FL
Started CrossFit April 08

Lives in Chesapeake, VA

Fran: 2:44
Cindy: 30
Helen: 7:36
Grace: 2:04

Deadlift: 455
Press: 155
Back Squat: 405
Snatch: 205
Clean and Jerk: 270
Max Pull-ups: 45

Favorite WOD: All
Favorite Lift: Clean and Jerk
Least Favorite WOD: N/A
Least Favorite Lift: N/A

2009 Mid-Atlantic Qualifiers Finish: 1st

Blair Morrison

Age: 27
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 180

Date of Birth: 04-16-82
Place of Birth Paradise, CA
Started CrossFit Feb 2001

Lives in Washington, DC

Fran: 2:45
Fight Gone Bad: 421

Deadlift: 455
Press: 135
Back Squat: 405
Snatch: 95KG
Clean and Jerk: 120KG
Max Pull-ups: 34

Favorite WOD: FGB
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Least Favorite WOD: N/A
Least Favorite Lift: Thruster

2009 Mid-Atlantic Qualifiers Finish: 2nd

Nicole Gordon

Age: 29
Height: 5'2"
Weight: 120

Date of Birth: 08-17-79
Place of Birth Toledo, OH
Started CrossFit September 2005

Lives in Yorktown, VA

Affiliate: CrossFit Hampton Roads

Fran: 3:49
Cindy: 19
Helen: 8:48
Fight Gone Bad: 303
Filthy Fifty: 29:00

Deadlift: 230
Press: 85
Back Squat: 200
Snatch: 95
Clean and Jerk: 125
Max Pull-ups: 30

Favorite WOD: Helen
Favorite Lift: Clean and Jerk
Least Favorite WOD: JT
Least Favorite Lift: Snatch

2007 Games Finish:
2008 Games Finish:
2009 Mid-Atlantic Qualifiers Finish: 2nd

Josh Wagner

Age: 27
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 182

Date of Birth: 09-05-81
Place of Birth Hatfield, PA
Started CrossFit Nov 07

Lives in Souderton, PA

Affiliate: CrossFit Apex

Fran: 3:30
Cindy: 30
Linda: 28:36
Helen: 7:56
Diane: 4:13
Grace: 1:48
Fight Gone Bad: 361
Filthy Fifty: 21:20

Deadlift: 465
Press: 175
Back Squat: 315
Snatch: 185
Clean and Jerk: 265
Max Pull-ups: 54

Favorite WOD: Nasty Girls
Favorite Lift: Clean and Jerk
Least Favorite WOD: Barbara
Least Favorite Lift: Thrusters

2009 Mid-Atlantic Qualifiers Finish: 3rd

Maggie Dabe

Age: 34
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 125

Date of Birth: 11-08-74
Place of Birth Ecuador
Started CrossFit Feb 06

Lives in Fairfax, VA

Affiliate: CrossFit Fairfax

Fran: 3:33
Cindy: 21
Helen: 8:14
Diane: 7:27
Grace: 5:56
Fight Gone Bad: 355
Filthy Fifty: 22:07

Deadlift: 295
Press: 95
Back Squat: 205
Snatch: 95
Clean and Jerk: 135
Max Pull-ups: 46

Favorite WOD: Fran
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Least Favorite WOD: FGB
Least Favorite Lift: Snatch

2009 Mid-Atlantic Qualifiers Finish: 3rd

Lee Knight

Age: 31
Height: 5'2"
Weight: 125

Date of Birth: 03-03-78
Place of Birth New York City
Started CrossFit Aug 08

Lives in Alexandria, VA

Affiliate: CrossFit Fairfax

Fran: 4:20
Helen: 9:34
FGB: 269
Fily Fifty: 22:21

Deadlift: 215
Press: 80
Backsquat: 180
Snatch: 90
Clean and Jerk: 115

Favorite WOD: Anything with Burpees
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Least Favorite WOD: JT
Least Favorite Lift: Press

2009 Mid-Atlantic Qualifiers Finish: 4th

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Glory Dawson

Age: 25
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 185

Date of Birth: 12-12-83
Place of Birth Hyattsville, MD
Started CrossFit Jan 08

Lives in Laurel, MD

Affiliate: CrossFit BWI

Grace: 3:09
Fight Gone Bad: 356
Filthy Fifty: 22:10

Deadlift: 275
Press: 115
Back Squat: 225
Clean and Jerk: 155

Favorite WOD: FGB
Favorite Lift: Squat Clean
Least Favorite WOD: Fran
Least Favorite Lift: Snatch

2009 Mid-Atlantic Qualifiers Finish: 5th

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Jon Matzner

Age: 23
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 178

Date of Birth: 08-30-85
Place of Birth California
Started CrossFit Jan 2006

Lives in Arlington, VA

Affiliate: Potomac CrossFit

Fran: 2:50
Cindy: 24
Linda: 20:05
Helen: 8:56
Grace: 2:01
Fight Gone Bad: 390
Filthy Fifty: 19:50

Deadlift: 470
Press: 210
Back Squat: 375
Snatch: 190
Clean and Jerk: 270
Max Pull-ups: 44

Favorite WOD: Freddy's Revenge
Favorite Lift: Push Jerk
Least Favorite WOD: 5k
Least Favorite Lift: N/A

2009 Mid-Atlantic Qualifiers Finish: 5th

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Pat Sherwood

Age: 33
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 185

Date of Birth: 08-17-75
Place of Birth Massachusetts
Started CrossFit Aug 05

Lives in Virginia Beach, VA

Affiliate: HQ

Fran: 2:21
Cindy: 25
Helen: I don't run HAHA
Diane: 12:00
Grace: 3:00
Fight Gone Bad: 325
Filthy Fifty: 23:40

Deadlift: 425
Press: 175
Back Squat: 385
Snatch: 175
Clean and Jerk: 230
Max Pull-ups: 62

Favorite WOD: Jackie
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Least Favorite WOD: JT
Least Favorite Lift: Push Jerk

2009 Mid-Atlantic Qualifiers Finish: 6th

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Amanda Miller

Age: 23
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 150

Date of Birth: 07-16-85
Place Of Birth: Melbourne FL
Started CrossFit Feb 08
Lives in City, State

Affiliate: CrossFit Fairfax

Fran: 3:30
Cindy:19
Helen: 8:48
Grace: 3:28 (100#)
Fight Gone Bad: 354
Filthy Fifty: 22:34

Deadlift: 275
Press: 115
Back Squat: 240
Snatch: 120
Clean and Jerk: 165

Favorite WOD: Nancy
Favorite Lift: Front Squat
Least Favorite WOD: Fran
Least Favorite Lift: Press

2009 Mid-Atlantic Qualifiers Finish: 6th

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Hillari Dyanne Eaton (D-Hill)

Age: 25
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 120

Date of Birth:June 6, 1983
Place of Birth: Salt Lake City, UT
Started CrossFit August 2008

Lives in Herriman, UT

Affiliate: CrossFit 801

Fran: 5:05
Cindy: 20
Diane: 8:10 (155)
Grace: 3:53
Fight Gone Bad: 298

Deadlift: 220
Press: 105
Back Squat: 195
Snatch: 95 (never done 1rep max)
Clean and Jerk: 125

Favorite WOD: WOD 2 from the qualifiers
Favorite lift: not sure
Least favorite WOD: anything with double unders!
Least favorite lift: not sure

2009 Great Basin Qualifiers Finish: 1st

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Chris Spealler

Age: 30
Height: 5'5" ( on a tall day )
Weight: 139

Date of Birth: 3-31-79
Place of Birth Salt Lake City, Utah
Started CrossFit November 06

Lives in Park City, UT

Affiliate: CrossFit Park City

Fran: 2:04
Cindy: 38 rounds without vest, 24 with 20lb vest
Linda: 18:31 (use bwt for a 155lb person) squat cleans
Helen: 7:11
Diane: 2:41
Grace: around 3:30 (i forget)
Fight Gone Bad: 459
Filthy Fifty: 14:01

Deadlift: 370
Press: 155
Back Squat: 325
Snatch: 190
Clean and jerk: 235
Max Pull-ups: 96

Favorite WOD: Nate
Favorite Lift: Snatch (heavy)
Least Favorite WOD: Michael or Joshie
Least Favorite Lift: They are all pretty fun but probably the press

2007 Games Finish: 4th
2008 Games Finish: 10th
2009 Great Basin Qualifiers Finish: 1st

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David Millar

Age: 22
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 175lb

Place of Birth Bakersfield, CA
Started CrossFit August 2008

Lives in Seal Beach, CA

Fran: 2:19
Cindy: 28 rds chest to bar
Linda: 22:23 squat cleans
Helen: 7:37 2 pood KB & chest to bar
Diane: Never Done
FGB: 451
Filthy 50: 22:00

Deadlift: 455lb
Press: 170lb
Squat: 310 lb x 5 reps
Snatch: 175lb
Clean and Jerk: 250lb
Max Pull Ups: a lot

Favorite WOD: Mr. Joshua
Favorite Lift: Clean
Least Favorite WOD: 100 Inverted Burpees
Least Favorite Lift: Virtual Shovel

2009 SoCal Qualifiers Finish: 1st

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Lisa Ray

Age: 37
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 130 lb.

Date of Birth: 9-15-71
Place of Birth Moses Lake, WA
Started CrossFit Feb 04

Lives in Flagstaff, AZ

Affiliate: CrossFit Flagstaff

Fran: 5:03
Cindy: 19
Linda: 30:31 (Bench not Rx'd -105 lb.)
Helen: 9:34 women's wt., 10:13 men's wt.
Diane: 11:56 @155
Grace: 8:10 full squat cleans and split jerk, 5:18 power version
Fight Gone Bad: 309
Filthy Fifty: 24:14

Deadlift: 240 lb.
Press: 100 lb.
Back Squat: 185 lb.
Snatch: 95 lb. (this was before learning to split Snatch)
Clean and jerk: 128 lb.
Max Pull-ups: 35

Favorite WOD: Anything without rowing or swimming
Favorite Lift: Split Jerk and Split Snatch (aka -the Hallelujah Snatch)
Least Favorite WOD: Anything with rowing or swimming
Least Favorite Lift: Snatch and Push Jerk

2007 Games Finish: on a canyoneering trip
2008 Games Finish: judged
2009 Great Basin Qualifiers Finish: 2nd

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Name: Eric O'Connor

Age: 28
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 170

Date of Birth: 8-14-80
Place of Birth: Lancaster, PA
Started CrossFit Nov 06

Lives in Park City, UT

Affiliate: CrossFit Park City

Fran: 2:54
Cindy: 28
Linda: 21:45 w/ Squat Cleans
Helen: 7:33
Diane: 4:43
Grace: 2:50
Fight Gone Bad: 401
Filthy Fifty: 17:37

Deadlift: 440
Press: 180
Back Squat: 365
Snatch: 180
Clean and jerk: 230
Max Pull-ups: 52

Favorite WOD: Filthy Fifty
Favorite Lift: Power Snatch
Least Favorite WOD: Fran or our Final Regional WOD
Least Favorite Lift: Thrusters

2007 Games Finish: N/A
2008 Games Finish: 23
2009 Great Basin Qualifiers Finish: 2nd

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Cyndi Frieling

Age: 33
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 150

Date of Birth: 2-22-75
Place of Birth Burlington, WA
Started CrossFit September 2006

Lives in City, State: Mesquite, NV

Affiliate: Crossfit Mesquite

Fran: 3:38
Cindy: 21
Linda: n/a
Helen: 7: 46
Diane: n/a
Grace: 4:12
Fight Gone Bad: 353 (burpees instead of row for calories)
Filthy Fifty: 23: 48

Deadlift: 365
Press: 120
Back Squat: 260
Snatch: 110 (Power)

Clean and jerk: 145
Max Pull-ups: n/a

Favorite WOD: EVA
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Least Favorite WOD: n/a
Least Favorite Lift: Handstands

2007 Games Finish: n/a
2008 Games Finish: 21st
2009 Great Basin Qualifiers Finish: 3rd

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Name: Zach Forrest