The scoring for this year's event will be one point for each place at each event. For example, first place gets 1 point, second 2 points, third 3 points, fortieth 40 points, and so on.
Ties get the lower number and the next competitor gets his or her place. For example, Bob and John tie for thirteenth and Dan comes in right behind them in fifteenth. Bob and John each get 13 points, while Dan gets 15 points.
The man and woman with the lowest total points after all the events are Champions, and the team with the lowest total points after all events takes home the Affiliate Cup.
The Affiliate Cup
The Affiliate Cup competition on Friday, July 10 will be comprised of three events. The schedule will be similar to last year's competition in that three workouts will be happening simultaneously at each time slot. When all teams have completed their first workout (a third of the teams at each of the three workouts), there will be a short break. The teams will then move on to their second workout with the same basic schedule. And again for the third.
The performances in the workouts will be ranked according to time, loads, reps, and/or rounds. One point for every place as described above. The five teams with the lowest scores will compete on Sunday morning in the final event. The ranking of the final event will be added to the totals from Friday, and the team with the lowest score will win the Affiliate Cup.
The Individual Competition
The Individual competition on Saturday, July 11 will be comprised of five events. All athletes will compete in the events in the same order. At the end of each event, the results will be announced with the relative ranking of each athlete determining their score as described above.
The overall ranking going into each event will determine the reverse starting order for that event. For example, the athletes that win the first event will get to go last in the second event, while the athletes that come in last in the first event must go first in the second. The athletes in the lead (those with the lowest running total) after two events get to go last in the third event. And so forth.
Not all athletes will stay in the competition. After the second event, the bottom ten men and the bottom ten women (those with the most points) will be eliminated from the competition. After the fourth event, the remaining bottom ten men and ten women will be eliminated from the competition. At this point, there will be approximately 55 athletes competing in the final event (for each men and women).
The day will conclude after the fifth event. At that point, the 16 men and 16 women with the lowest total points will be invited to compete on Sunday. If by chance there is a tie for 16th place, the athlete with the best single placement in any of the five events will be awarded the invite.
There will be multiple events on Sunday, and the same scoring by rank will continue and be added to Saturday's totals. At the end of Sunday's events, the man and woman with the fewest total points from all events on both days will be crowned Champions.
On Wednesday afternoon 1400 PDT, we will publish the workouts, movement standards, and schedule for Friday's Affiliate Cup competition.
On Friday morning 0600 PDT, we will publish the workouts, movement standards, and schedule for Saturday's Individual competitions.
100 comments on this entry.
1. gaucoin wrote...
July 6, 2009 7:29 PM
Good grief, what a mouthful! Least points wins!!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
2. randy@crossfitdenver.com wrote...
July 6, 2009 7:40 PM
Wow...can't wait to see the workouts posted Wednesday & Friday. The 2009 Games will be memorable!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
3. ken c wrote...
July 6, 2009 7:47 PM
5 workouts in one day?! holy buddingcastro batman! love it.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
4. me wrote...
July 6, 2009 7:56 PM
Sounds great...I guess not every second counts!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
5. Anthony wrote...
July 6, 2009 8:13 PM
THIS......IS..........AWESOME!!!!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
6. Robb Wolf wrote...
July 6, 2009 8:20 PM
Really looking forward to this! Thank you to the organizers...I know enormous effort has gone and will go into this event.
I seem to know the chick in the fore-ground of that photo...
Reply to this comment
Permalink
7. Sean Provost wrote...
July 6, 2009 8:32 PM
This is cool / good to finally know. I am excited about 5 workouts in one day, I have done 4 before and I made fun of myself for over training. It all comes full circle :)
I am curious if they considered the fact that a few people might just happen to get unlucky with the first two workouts (in terms of programming) and get eliminated. That would suck coming from Atlanta, but I would be PISSED if I were one of these people coming from Europe, Asia, Africa, etc. That is a lot of money and time and stress to train, qualify, train some more, then travel internationally just to do a couple workouts on a Saturday morning. I am not criticizing as I wouldn't know what it takes to make the games happen, but I am curious if they did qualifications to keep the number of competitors down it would seem that they could deal with the number of people they allowed into the competition, and let them actually compete throughout the event. Or at least in the entire first day and then make cuts for the final event.
I will shut up now. I really like the scoring, it was just a thought. I am excited to meet everyone I can and compete against the best athletes in the world. This will be a fun weekend!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
8. Geoff wrote...
July 6, 2009 8:33 PM
Wow! Can't wait to land in CA tomorrow, and to let the Games begin.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
9. Dan - CrossFit Sonoma County wrote...
July 6, 2009 8:44 PM
Decathlon.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
10. Jesse Ward wrote...
July 6, 2009 8:46 PM
We leave Wednesday AM - two sleeps!!!! We were all in the gym today training and just being plain goofy about how jacked we are to come down. ROAD TRIP!!!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
11. Paul wrote...
July 6, 2009 8:49 PM
So the affiliate cup will consist of three workouts? Its gonna be tough and something that I wont forget, cant wait to see it all unfold! Go south county!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
12. Jeff wrote...
July 6, 2009 8:54 PM
With this scoring system my money is on Speal for the win. Can't wait to watch how it all goes down!!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
13. Shane S replied to comment from Dan - CrossFit Sonoma County...
July 6, 2009 8:59 PM
No -- pentathlon!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
14. Jeremy Jones - Diablo CrossFit wrote...
July 6, 2009 9:02 PM
I sure hope one of the team events is a drinking competition. We'd have it in the bag!
I guess we'll just have to have an impromtu one after the events anyway.
-jj
Reply to this comment
Permalink
15. kam replied to comment from Jeff...
July 6, 2009 9:22 PM
Jeff.. What if the second workout is 1rm Deadlift?
Or even better Strict Press? This is a pretty smart format.
The only thing I can guess then, logistically the first event has to be something that all 75 competitors can start at once so as to negate any unfair advantage prior to the heats being ordered and a disparity in rest time.
Run? ? ? ?
or first heat - order of registration?
Reply to this comment
Permalink
16. Dana Lynch - CrossFit BGI South wrote...
July 6, 2009 9:24 PM
Sean: I get what you're saying coming all the way from Florida. Don't want to travel all that way to do just one WoD. Definitely going to make me put it all out on the line from the start. Being a little older, I tend to reserve a little in the tank to save for the end and make sure I can push through. Now I'm glad we were one of the few Quals that had 3 WoD's in 1 day.
Gonna make it hard to pack!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
17. nick williams wrote...
July 6, 2009 9:45 PM
All I can say is wow - 5 events in one day is ridiculous!
Having just completed in an affiliate games with two events in one morning and not been able to move the next morning, I can only imagine how stiff and sore the guys are gonna be on Sunday morning. Nutrition, hydration and rest strategies are going to be absolutely critical
This is a super tough but super smart strategy.
If it ends up being 10 WODs, we'll know the winner is the best crossfitter - the more events, the greater the test of all round fitness.
But jeepers, there are going to be some very sore muscles by the end.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
18. Dozer wrote...
July 6, 2009 10:35 PM
Perfect!! This will be an actual measure of fitness. Crossfit isn't about specilization. Five events means we ought to see just about every tecnique and principle of Crossfit put to the test. Atheletes that specialize in body weight movements, or O-lifts, for example will be beat by the athelete that is good at everything.
Good at everything will beat great at some skills.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
19. freddy c._one world replied to comment from Jeremy Jones - Diablo CrossFit...
July 6, 2009 11:01 PM
Whoa! That's a big claim saying you'd have that event in the bag. We would definitely give you a run for the money. I've been alcohol free since 6/28, so I am ready to wreck a few 12-packs after our last event. Ha!
Wishing a great competition for everyone. I am so stoked to be competing for our Affiliate and even more excited about watching the individual events. This is going to be crazy!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
20. Tom wrote...
July 6, 2009 11:11 PM
I remember Coach saying a while back that this event will also probably feature "new movements" as well.
Has there been any further information or discussion about this comment?
Reply to this comment
Permalink
21. Rob Gerdes replied to comment from Sean Provost...
July 6, 2009 11:45 PM
I concur on the travel issue. Coming from Okinawa, I know the ass pain it is to pay for a trip to the states. I thought the qualifiers were to make it logistically easier for everybody to compete in all the events and to increase the competitive aspects so everybody will have a legitimate shot to win or do well. If cuts are necessary, make them after Day 1, not after only two workouts.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
22. Ruben wrote...
July 7, 2009 12:52 AM
Monstous.... I cant wait for the pain party!!!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
23. BK wrote...
July 7, 2009 3:03 AM
Insane!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
24. Lizzy wrote...
July 7, 2009 3:51 AM
Still no word from anyone on the "after party"...is there anything going on at the end of all the competition?
Reply to this comment
Permalink
25. Ron wrote...
July 7, 2009 3:57 AM
There will be some eliminated after the first 2 events that may have rocked the other events that day. I can't imagine that could be some of the "favorites". I like it. This will most certainly best present the winner as the "Fittest Man on Earth".
Reply to this comment
Permalink
26. Pat Sherwood wrote...
July 7, 2009 5:43 AM
Love the format. Sure, some people will get cut early. Some of the people getting cut early will be traveling very far to get cut early. I'm traveling from Bogota, Colombia to get to Aromas. I could easily be done after the 1st event and be a spectator for the majority of the 2 days. Oh well, it is an honor to simply show up. The unknown and the unknowable.
Should I start drinking water right about now? haha
Reply to this comment
Permalink
27. Sean Provost wrote...
July 7, 2009 6:18 AM
I totally agree. Again I am not complaining. I could get cut early and I will be perfectly fine spending the rest of the competition encouraging my friends from the sideline, ....while eating ICE CREAM, PIZZA, and drinking BEER and anything else as long as it's not healthy. My only thought is if I have invited someone to come to my place (via qualifier) from half way around the world, even if they have 0 chance of winning after the first couple of events, I am still going to let them compete simply because of how far they came and how much it cost them in time and money to get there. Because really, they COULD let them compete. BUT, I am totally with the rules, they are what they are, and I will respect that. Like I said, if I get eliminated, I am calling domino's and I will be a happy camper either way.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
28. Sean Provost wrote...
July 7, 2009 6:22 AM
Oh, I must of had this whole crossfit thing confused with something else. Are you saying I can't bring my pacifier with me to Aromas?
Reply to this comment
Permalink
29. Paul Eichengrun wrote...
July 7, 2009 6:43 AM
A few observations on the scoring format:
With each place holding equal weight, it pays big time to finish 'ahead of the curve' assuming a normal distribution of finishing times. Each second is more important when one is near the middle of the pack and less important when one is either at the front or back. This scoring system rewards athletes who are above average in all events and will not reward athletes who are below average in one or more events, likely yielding the best All-around athlete with the fewest weaknesses as champion.
If Sunday's events are scored the same as Saturday's, then the worst one can do is 16 points for last place in an event on Sunday. A strategy that may make sense is to go as hard as possible on Saturday at the expense of Sunday, knowing the penalty for a poor finish on Sunday is much lower than on Saturday.
Do I think this scoring system will result in the best competitor not winning? No. Yet there is ample room for competitive strategy which can substantially affect the finishing position of middle place finishers.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
30. katrina wrote...
July 7, 2009 6:48 AM
if they have no chance of winning, they shouldn't even bother competing? i think that might be the most anti-crossfit statement i have ever heard. should kallista have quit her clean and jerk wod last year because people already won that one? should i quit on fran when my PR time goes by? i thought sticking it out was the toughest/most rewarding part of participating.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
31. Kat wrote...
July 7, 2009 6:49 AM
Athletes being cut after two events? That sucks. I know I would be pissed if I was competing. With the economy the way it is people can barely afford this stuff. The qualifiers were an amazing idea but I know it is the case in Canada that athletes had to spend close to $3000 to travel and compete in their qualifier... and again forking out another $3000 to compete in the games that may only have two workouts in it for them. Bummer.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
32. Jelli wrote...
July 7, 2009 7:02 AM
Katrina
You could not have said it any better... or used better examples.
I have never been more proud to be a part of CrossFit than at the SE Games where people fought literally through blood, sweat, and tears just to climb a rope, or get an OH squat, or just finish a workout. Men and Women fighting every second no matter what place they were in just out of pure heart and determintaion.
So please be careful of taking away the efforts of those who compete to complete for their own love of CrossFit...Not neccessarily to win.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
33. Wayne wrote...
July 7, 2009 7:10 AM
This is awesome, I can't wait until tomorrow. Bad assery is afoot.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
34. Nick wrote...
July 7, 2009 7:18 AM
Man, does anybody else get the feeling that no matter what happens in Crossfit, somebody is unhappy? I mean, first it was Eastern Canada, now its this. First of all, unless you are actually competing, you have no reason to whine on other peoples behalf. For those people who travelled from around the world, I wish you the best so your trip is not a "waste," but getting to attend this event and say that you are (arguably) one of the 75 fittest persons on the planet is pretty f*ing special, so try to see the forest for the trees, embrace the competition and all it brings, and enjoy a vacation to Sunny Central California!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
35. katrina wrote...
July 7, 2009 7:19 AM
last comment, i promise.
both teams get to finish a pro football game. there is no mercy rule. no matter how bad they are sucking it up, they gotta stay on the field and get hit until the clock runs out.
just sayin's all.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
36. Kat wrote...
July 7, 2009 7:21 AM
Jelli,
I think the scoring system is great. I thought the whole point of the CrossFit Games was to compete for the title of fittest person on the planet? Would that not imply people are competing to win? Where I come from recreational is for people who want to do something because they love it, and competitive is for people who want to be the best and win. Maybe I'm wrong that's just my understanding.
Jerry,
I full on agree with what you just said. Find the fittest person on the planet, I just thought the whole point of the qualifiers was to reduce the number of competitors in the first place. This Games thing is constantly varied from year to year and I understand they have to try out different formats to see what works best for the years to come, BUT with 125 less males and 25 less females than last year I would have expected they allow all competitors to actually compete fully if they found a way to allow that last year.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
37. greg lobotsky replied to comment from freddy c._one world...
July 7, 2009 8:05 AM
alcohol free for a week...?!?! how the hell did you manage that.. i applaud your will power.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
38. Kris Kepler wrote...
July 7, 2009 8:15 AM
well said...end of topic!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
39. Einstein wrote...
July 7, 2009 8:20 AM
Im not sure point structure will actually deliver best overall athlete but rather may allow strong overall athletes avoid considerable failings in specific events. ie heavy athletes will have less to lose in more aerobic type events. Similarly great athletes that are disadvantaged by weight/strength ratio are now at a huge advantage over the field.
Clearly with cutting the field, max efforts on first two events. I suspect events that are balanced w relatively simple movements ie filthy fifty or FGB, or rowing w DU Rope climb etc
6am Friday
Reply to this comment
Permalink
40. Tomanator wrote...
July 7, 2009 8:22 AM
Looks like "motivational consequenses" to me. Great format!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
41. Kris Kepler replied to comment from katrina...
July 7, 2009 8:26 AM
one more thing ;)
only the first string starters stay on the field... just saying. i take that back, unless it's a blowout and then the backups get to play.... or someone gets hurt, or needs a breather,..or, or, or.... bring your A game if your competing! do your best and see what happens! stop worrying about being eliminated after 2 events, if that has you screwed up already you might as well not come because you have defeated yourself before your first event.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
42. Jelli wrote...
July 7, 2009 8:47 AM
Kat- I want you to know that I have not mentioned anything about the scoring system or the programming of the games. That is not what I was referring to. I understand what the games are all about. I know this is a competition and I know it is to seek out the "fittest" man/woman.
I was simply referring only to the comment basically stating if you have no chance of hitting the podium why continue. I will use myself as example. I was not on the podium last year and chances are I will not be this year. This is a tough competition with amazing competitors. I am very competitive myself. I have busted my butt to get there and will bust my butt out there. Personally I would not appreciate my trainer, friends, fellow competitors or ANYBODY for that matter to tell me I blew my chances at winning and there is no reason to continue. That is all.
I apologize if I wasnt very clear.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
43. Kat wrote...
July 7, 2009 9:53 AM
Thanks for clarifying Jelli. I completely agree with you. The issue I have is not with being last or in the bottom 10, it's just the fact that people are coming from great lengths to compete in possibly two workouts.
So for that... good luck Jelli I'm sure you'll do great!!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
44. louise wrote...
July 7, 2009 10:02 AM
Yahoo,
Let the games begin. Good luck to all the crazy canucks competing. I will be there screamin for ya!!!!! Love the scoring and elimination, perfect way to test the fittest man/woman. If you can't stand the heat then get outta the kitchen!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
45. Doug wrote...
July 7, 2009 10:09 AM
They should add a 6th WOD for AMRAP in 20 mins of arguing and complaining.
Is this CrossFit or Little League?
Reply to this comment
Permalink
46. randy 5280 wrote...
July 7, 2009 10:27 AM
memo to complainers:
do you think that there hasn't been considerable time and effort put into this event??? stop questioning coach, lauren and all the hq staff that KILL themselves daily for your benefit. if you are a competitor and you are complaining about the possibility that you "might" get cut after two events then you have the WRONG mindset already and yeah you probably should have just given your slot to someone who believes in themselves enough to stay out of the bottom 10 no matter what.
Thank you Coach and Lauren and all involved in this, im sure it will be a classic event!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
47. Sean Provost replied to comment from randy 5280...
July 7, 2009 11:27 AM
Why is it automatically complaining when someone gives their opinion? They (crossfit hq / crossfit games staff) post these things on this site (A PUBLIC FORUM WEBSITE) that allows people to state their opinion, thats all we are doing. I don't happen to agree that the bottom competitors should be cut, NOT necessarily to give them a chance to win, just out of respect of how much time and effort they gave to get to the QUALIFIERS AND THE GAMES (potentially TWO BIG EXPENSIVE trips). If you agree with people getting cut, that is fine and you have every right to say that you agree with it as much as anyone else has the right to say they don't. But I don't understand why you are tearing people down by saying they are whiny or a complainer. I haven't seen any complaining, anyone saying that this is stupid and the people organizing the event are stupid for making the rules this way, or even saying its stupid to compete because of this. I appreciate everyone who has had to work even for an hour just so I can compete at this event. And I know most of the people who have voiced their opinion are actually competing and they feel the same way. I just don't understand why you are calling people a whiny baby because they don't share your opinion....
Reply to this comment
Permalink
48. Sean Provost wrote...
July 7, 2009 11:30 AM
"And I know most of the people who have voiced their opinion are actually competing and they feel the same way"
I specifically meant that they are more than likely as appreciative as I am of all the hard work that has gone into making this happen, not that they necessarily feel the same way about the bottom 10 being cut.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
49. Jenna wrote...
July 7, 2009 11:39 AM
I dunno, I just saw on the Twitter Feed up top that there is a BEER GARDEN on Saturday night. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to be cut!
j/k of course. We're all in it to win it.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
50. randy 5280 replied to comment from Sean Provost...
July 7, 2009 11:42 AM
sean, i never called anyone a "whiny baby", nor am i "tearing people down" those are your words not mine. yeah its a public forum that allows for personal opinion, mine included, so dont bash me if you think two wrongs will make a right. the problem i have is that those "dissenters" in essence are criticizing those in charge of this event and expecting that they can please all the people all the time, and thats simply never gonna happen. HQ has done an incredible job on this event and i personally think that the fear of being in the bottom ten will add some intensity to the event, and make it exciting all the way through. any competitor should never just be "happy to be there" especially the top 75 crossfitters on the planet. show HQ some respect and trust them to make this awesome
Reply to this comment
Permalink
51. BJP wrote...
July 7, 2009 11:56 AM
Great format.
Do you guys remember this Crossfit Journal article, A Statistical Analysis of the 2008 CrossFit Games, By Robert Novy-Marx?
A point-based format will make events like ctb-Fran or a hill run actually matter. Kudos to the programmers for building off last year's lessons!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
52. Brian Handles wrote...
July 7, 2009 12:55 PM
Memo to complainers complaining about complainers complaining:
I'm not sure what "man pants" are, but jumping into them just doesnt sound heterosexual
Reply to this comment
Permalink
53. FYI wrote...
July 7, 2009 1:54 PM
While scoring had some effect on last years results, it was much less than expected
Top 10 actual
Everett (2)
Khalipa (1)
Barber (4)
Spealler (10)
Thiel (3)
Frausto (6)
Fitzgerald(12)
Tincher (5)
Lowy (7)
Brainerd (9)
Bottomline: Consistency in performance across all disciplines
PS The only thing missing in collective evaluation is a swim component
Reply to this comment
Permalink
54. hr wrote...
July 7, 2009 2:53 PM
I think it's brilliant! I love that the bottom 10 are being cut. Yes, some people in that bottom 10 might have been able to do really well in later workouts. That's not the point. The FITTEST person in the WORLD needs to have a well rounded ability in all lifts and movements of CF. Who cares if they can kill Fran but do horribly on a run; they aren't the fittest.
Good luck to everyone this weekend! I can't wait to be there to cheer on the CFOmaha crew!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
55. Maggie replied to comment from Jelli...
July 7, 2009 3:32 PM
I couldn't agree more Jelli! This year the competition is brutal, and whether is just 2 workouts or 4 or making it to Sunday, we are there to compete. It doesn't matter if we come first or last, as long as we give it our all. Good luck girl!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
56. Ryan wrote...
July 7, 2009 3:43 PM
If you are one of the top 10 fittest people, there should be no way you end up in the bottom 10 after two events given the definition of fitness. So I don't think anyone should worry about a "monster" getting cut after two events. That means they are weak in the areas being tested compared to the average, and the fittest won't/shouldn't be that weak in any area.
As to why people are being cut...I am guessing something about the events on Sunday requires that there be less competitors and I can't wait to see what the events are!!!!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
57. Sean Provost replied to comment from randy 5280...
July 7, 2009 3:55 PM
Alright last post on this...promise. I never post in this stuff and this is why....it can go on forever! :)
Randy, I couldn't agree with you more. Everyone at HQ has, as I can ONLY imagine, gone through hell to make this happen. Ever since the first post I have pointed out that fact. You can never please everyone, just as you said, and I realize that my opinion doesn't matter to HQ or anyone here. It shouldn't matter to HQ, as they would know a lot more than I would about all this. All I am saying is, The "fittest" person is gonna win whether or not the bottom 10 are cut. I just don't see why turning people down from doing the workouts is the way to go when they have spent so much time and money to be there is all. I am not saying the rules need to change or anything to that effect. There might be legit reasons that I don't / will never know about because I would not know the first thing about putting something like this on. My whole point is, I am going to feel really bad for the guys and girls who have traveled SO far and spent SO much money on this to be denied the opportunity to complete the event is all. Do I think the rules SHOULD change, NO!! Do I necessarily agree with them, nope. But I also don't agree with doing 165# squat cleans and 70# KB swings, but I still do them. I was simply putting my opinion out there, as were others. And inevitably, someone is going to make the standard post "all you whiners and complainers" which is why I shouldn't have done it at all, and I am sorry if I offended anyone.
On another note, I am super pumped to compete against and encourage all of you, I really can't wait. If this event is anywhere near the quality of the dirty south qualifier we are all in for a real treat. To Randy, and anyone else attending or competing, I hope to get to meet you and have a good time watching / doing this awesome sport together! See you in a few days!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
58. Ewen wrote...
July 7, 2009 5:21 PM
I can't help but laugh at all the hardcore dudez ranting about man pants and gladiators and what not.
We should all remember that this is very much an amateur competition where fitness fanatics come mostly to have fun, "fittest man and woman on earth" claptrap notwithstanding.
On the other hand, I think most of the competitors already have a pretty good idea what their chances are of winning or even finishing in the top 16. One can wonder if those who are spending thousands of dollars to come compete in Aromas would have made the effort if they had known in advance that they would most likely be competing for half a day instead of two full days.
So, are we talking about athletes, tourists or a bunch of acquaintances getting together for a beer and a laugh?
Reply to this comment
Permalink
59. Richard wrote...
July 7, 2009 5:25 PM
I don't know Coach, but he seems more like a person who responds to critical thinking with "I see why you think that, but here's what I think and why" and not with "stop complaining and put on your man pants". Everyone in this thread should try to be more like Coach.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
60. Sean Smith wrote...
July 7, 2009 5:27 PM
Sean Provost, I see you point. Valid. This event is turning into what many other sporting events are. I know in Olympic Trials you need to go through prelims, semifinals, and then finals. If you can get top two or four in many sports at Olympic Trials, then you can move on to the Olympics. The people who have more experience in situations where they need to compete multiple times will do better in the future. The people that are getting dropped after the second event aren't wasting their time or money. They are learning what it takes and what to expect for the next games. Maybe there should be a "loser's bracket?" Let the people who got dropped after the second event compete in the next three workouts but their times don't count. Just a thought. Moral of the story...even if you don't make it through all the events, you are gaining awesome, invaluable experience. Hopefully that made sense.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
61. Nick at OTG wrote...
July 7, 2009 5:42 PM
Congrats to all who made it and hope you all are healthy(and remain healthy) and bring your A-game!
Breathe when you're done!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
62. Sean Provost replied to comment from Nick at OTG...
July 7, 2009 7:00 PM
Im with you. All good points!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
63. Robert Gerdes wrote...
July 7, 2009 7:18 PM
Dissent does not equal complaining. I am excited to compete and would be coming regardless of the rules. Just a consideration.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
64. brandon312 wrote...
July 7, 2009 8:32 PM
Provost you already said that was your last post, and then you promised. And then you posted again.
Good luck to all the athletes. There are going to be some great stories from this
Reply to this comment
Permalink
65. Lucas Nathan replied to comment from Paul Eichengrun...
July 7, 2009 8:50 PM
That is a really smart prediction/analysis and I will be curious to see if it holds true.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
66. Stu Christensen replied to comment from Rob Gerdes...
July 7, 2009 9:43 PM
I totally agree... I think this is retarded to have this many people go out of their way to bust their ass to qualify, pay huge dollars to travel from all over the world at their own expense being led to believe they will have a WEEKEND of competition and then they could be gone after two events. Shitty on the part of CFHQ in my opinion!!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
67. Jon wrote...
July 7, 2009 10:23 PM
Stu, then they shouldn't show up if they think they will fail.
As others have said, if you're the "fittest man/woman on the planet" you won't get cut.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
68. Ashrey replied to comment from Robert Gerdes...
July 7, 2009 10:58 PM
Good Luck to all of the competitors! Especially Rob Gerdes and Vicky Zimmerman of CrossFit Asia!!!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
69. jeff wrote...
July 7, 2009 11:11 PM
Yeah everyone stop complaining!
Even if you happen to survive the weekend of barbaric workouts, with all the cuts and win the competition you get a huge prize of $5000! When you get home,(wherever on the planet that may be) you can spend that money on your affiliate and get a new C2, a couple oly bars, some bumper weights.... and that's about it. Adrien Peterson makes 5 grand in a couple hours work, and if he took one day to learn some CrossFit exercises would absolutely DESTROY the entire field at the CrossFit Games. Please stop with the fittest person on the planet talk. The Games will determine the fittest CrossFitter on the planet.
Best of luck to all the competitors.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
70. charlie wrote...
July 8, 2009 12:20 AM
what some people dont seem to be getting is that they 'chose' to compete, qualify etc...this is not a weekend to kick around some workouts and see who really tries hard...plain and simple it is a competition, it is not a weekend box WOD or series of WODs, it is an elimination competition to determine the fittest...'i dont want to go if i only get to do one or two workouts, i have spent all this money on flights, boohoo'...please...so is the guy who gets second place gonna bitch about spending money on flights cause he didnt win it??? you attend the competition to compete, so compete, if you dont win, spectate...is this a new concept for some of you, have you never competed in your life and realised not everyone in the competition gets a gold medal???
Reply to this comment
Permalink
71. Dan Kallen replied to comment from katrina...
July 8, 2009 12:56 AM
Katrina, I agree.
I recall many positive comments after the SoCal Qualifiers about athletes who were "eliminated" early but who showed up for the other events and still gave it their all.
This "toughing it out" was heralded as being a trademark of CrossFit and athletes were praised for staying in.
On the face of it, this year's format seems a little contradictory to that spirit -- and possibly unnecessary, especially with the number of competitors already substantially reduced from last year.
I know that intense and serious planning goes into the Games. This new format may well be the best thing ever, but eliminating competitors this way surprises me.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
72. Owen replied to comment from FYI...
July 8, 2009 1:40 AM
FYI - nice point, well made! The best athletes will be, and are, strong across the board. CrossFit crucifies the specialist, here the Jack of All Trades will rule.
With all this bickering we forget that The Games is still in it's infancy, and HQ are working to find the most effective format for The Games to be able to say 'we have found the Fittest Man/Woman on the planet'.
I'll not be at The Games this year but the format looks brutal and any weaknesses will be unearthed very early on, hence the early cuts. I can't see past Josh Everett this year...but who knows! Jason came out of nowhere last year and who's to say whether or not this new format won't establish a new CF monster?
Good luck to everyone invovled this weekend!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
73. Aaron replied to comment from freddy c._one world...
July 8, 2009 2:25 AM
Jeremy @ Diablo, Freddy C, you're on.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
74. Mark wrote...
July 8, 2009 4:34 AM
I hear the comments, supportive and critical of the score-elimination system, and I can really see the points of many on this board.
But let's say all this was presented ahead of time.... immediately following each of the regional competitions. The scoring rules are read aloud to those who have qualified for the games, and they are then asked if they'd like to withdraw from Aromas based on the acceptability, fairness, etc of the elimination process.
How many people do we really think would have said, "I'm out."?
That said, Kat and Jelli makes terrific points in that CF often celebrates those that defy their physical limits by pressing through a WOD. Before critiquing their position, perhaps we should re-read the point Kat was making, and the post she was rebutting.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
75. Stu Christensen replied to comment from Owen...
July 8, 2009 5:51 AM
"FYI - nice point, well made! The best athletes will be, and are, strong across the board. CrossFit crucifies the specialist, here the Jack of All Trades will rule." - OWEN
Then why are they eliminating people after two events and not testing them in "ALL TRADES"? It makes ZERO sense. We all know what happened last year, the last WOD determined it and a HUGE comeback was made - eliminating people after the first two WOD's goes against what CF is supposed to stand for.
Also, everyone is turning a blind eye to the fact that all athletes up until yesterday were led to believe that they would be competing in all WOD's over the weekend and they all competed in qualifiers and have now made their own travel plans and spent money on this event with that premise. Some would even go as far as stating "false advertising" of some sort due to only releasing this information now. I think CFHQ has made a huge mistake with this and I have lost a lot of respect for them all with this announcement. Wake up.
So disappointed.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
76. Sean Andrews wrote...
July 8, 2009 6:04 AM
I don't like the format of the games at all. First of all atheletes are coming from all over the world to compete in the crossfit games not 2-4 WODS. I would find it hard to justify even though it is the crossfit games for entry fee,travel and accomodations to do 2 WODS. It is turning into an elitest sport instead of what I thought the "spirit of the games" were, where everyone had a chance to compete. Secondly I realize that the term "fittest person on earth" is what the crossfit community calls the games winner but 5 WOD's in one day, and multiple on Sunday?? It will be survival strategy rather than ability in my opinion. Not impressed.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
77. Michael Malmfeldt wrote...
July 8, 2009 6:19 AM
I don't really have an opinion one way or the other on the format. Since I am not competing, it doesn't rub me one way or the other. However, I do think there is a chance some of the favorites could be eliminated after the first day. Think about this scenario: What if the first event is a one rep max deadlift or press? Just look at the athletes rankings for those events and it is easy to see that Speal and some of the other guys could be in the bottom 10 for that event. If the other event before cutting is anything heavy, then Speal could easily be eliminated. I only bring his name up because he would be an athlete that would then have a legitimate chance at winning every other event. I would guess the organizers would be smart enough not to have two strength-biased events back-to-back, but just a hypothetical.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
78. Kawasaki Honda wrote...
July 8, 2009 6:33 AM
Yeah I'm coming from Japan and what if I roose? I wir be seriousry angry. I want to be aber to comprete arr the workouts, not be eriminated my first day! I say, ret us try. Arso, good ruck Chris Spearer!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
79. Joel wrote...
July 8, 2009 7:20 AM
Somebody said the word early on, but for the people talking about prelims, you want to be thinking about one thing:
Decathlon.
Yeah you get cut out of heats in the 100m, because if you can't beat the guys in your heat you aren't going to beat them in the final. You don't get cut after five events in the decathlon, because you can always come back.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
80. Stu Christensen wrote...
July 8, 2009 7:30 AM
Joe, mainly because at the Olympics (now that it has been mentioned a few times), you aren't paying your own way to get there!! You can't actually compare the Olympics, the biggest sporting event in the world for centuries, to the 3rd year od the CrossFit games...did you actually do that?? Wow.
I also think that 5 WOD's on day 1 will not bring about the best CF'er...it'll bring about the person that can pace themselves the most - and this will not be the fittest person there - I guarantee it.
As well... steroid testing for everyone there was mandated by CFHQ...and now they are cutting people after wod 2... I sure hope their samples don't get tested...WASTE of money that would be better spent on prizes etc.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
81. toto wrote...
July 8, 2009 8:23 AM
5 events Saturday ...
X ("multiple") events Sunday ...
wonder if "they" are going for a decathalon of endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, accuracy events?
tough, if not impossible, to map skills to events at 1:1 ... obviously most crossfit movements overlap many skills.
just thinking i wouldn't be surprised to see events that had unexpected focus on specific skills ... that's the hopper concept, ain't it?
random thought from a man NOT in the arena.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
82. John wrote...
July 8, 2009 8:41 AM
Jerry,
This format IS like an age group triathlon. If you fail to make the swim cut off, you don't get to bike. If you fail to make the bike cut off, you don't get to run. You could fly from Europe to Kona and be watching by 11:00am. It is a testament of strength just to finish these workouts, let alone win the games. Now if we can just figure out a way to get more competitors at the regionals and not just the folks that have a shot at winning. There is much honour in finishing what you start. The more competitors at the event, the better the event. There are many lessons (good and bad) to be learned from other event organizers. BTW, I love the format
Reply to this comment
Permalink
83. Phil replied to comment from Kawasaki Honda...
July 8, 2009 10:28 AM
This is the funniest thing I've read in a long time. I almost shot coffee out my nose. I don't want to hear anyone throw out the race card. I'm Korean, and this is funny as hell.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
84. Suz wrote...
July 8, 2009 10:55 AM
Competitors --- Whether you compete in two WOD's or ten WOD's, you should all be proud of yourselves. Your competing in what the majority of us spectators didn't even try to do! Good Luck to you all!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
85. PJ wrote...
July 8, 2009 11:23 AM
To all the people who qualified for the CrossFit Games, Congratulations!! You made it!!
I do not understand the whining about the the games format or cost of travel. People please grow up, I will pray for you all.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
86. eric#1CFer replied to comment from Kawasaki Honda...
July 8, 2009 11:39 AM
Psssssssstttttttt!!!!!!!!! Hehehehehehehehehehe!!!!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
87. Stu Christensen replied to comment from PJ...
July 8, 2009 11:39 AM
This is about format as well as costs as well as CFHQ not being up front initially about this competition. The only reason the format and cost issue is coming up now is because 4 days before the competition - that has been planned for MONTHS, they are announcing to all entrants that they may no longer eligible to compete in the entire event they qualified to compete in!! They are going to do whatever they want, and by "they" I mean CFHQ. But, it should have been made known before regionals were even held - that's the problem I have here. I compete in strongman and some competitions have a cut off prior to the last two events, BUT... we are always told this BEFORE we register.
This announcment comes off looking like an elementary kid decided to put rules to something that should have been finalized and made public prior to anyone actually qualifying. I'm pseudo surprised all the sheep here aren't seeing this...but then again, I probably should have known better than to think everyone would look at all sides objectively and actually think for themselves on what is happening.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
88. Chris Kamper wrote...
July 8, 2009 1:09 PM
I like the scoring - cross-country style! The interesting thing about the team scoring is, it makes every athlete meaningful because by beating out competitors at his or her level, each player can add points to other teams' scores, helping his or her team win even though not being a star. Team depth is essential, the worst athlete on each team is just as important as the best and can "reverse score" just as many if not more points. A ten-second margin in the lower rankings often means more in terms of points than a ten-second margin at the very top, where there may not be as big a bunch of finishers within the margin.
Five events in one day, wow, what an exciting physical challenge that will be. Best of luck to all competing.
Everyone else, quit yer whinging. This is going to be awesome.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
89. Phil wrote...
July 8, 2009 1:31 PM
I have no more fingernails left.
This is worse than Christmas Eve...
Reply to this comment
Permalink
90. Tobias-Pikes Peak Combat Sports wrote...
July 8, 2009 1:48 PM
Thought I would throw in my two cents. When I read the scoring my first response was "I would work my a** off to stay in the top. The point of the qualifiers is to send the best to the games.
If I am coming Europe to compete, the distance only motivates me more. They won their qualifiers which means that they should be the best that the affiliates have to offer that attended the event.
We are shooting for an elite sport not a contest or a feel good event.
My .02, if I won my qualifiers, and knew I traveled to get there, I would work my a** doubly off to not come in last. I think that this will up the competition.
Also, it said 5 events not 5 WODS, and I see Dave running up a hill....hmmm...it is going to be great!
T-CrossFit Aspire and Pikes Peak Combat Sports
Reply to this comment
Permalink
91. Stu Christensen wrote...
July 8, 2009 2:03 PM
"I wear my sunglasses at night....." must be your favorite song... keep the blinders on my young lamb, keep the blinders on.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
92. Owen replied to comment from Stu Christensen...
July 8, 2009 2:41 PM
Dude, the Jack of All Trades won't get cut! It's that simple! If you're good enough at everything then you'll make the grade.
It sucks that people have had to outlay vast sums of money to compete but, these are the new rules.
Speal didn't bitch much about the 155lbs C&J last year, he may have disagreed and he new the huge disadvantage it would be, but like a true hero he just cranked it out.
The guys who are voicing negative views may find that the first 2 events suit their strengths anyway...will they still be bitching if that is the case? Doubtful!
Those with very few weaknesses have nothing to worry about!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
93. momo wrote...
July 8, 2009 4:08 PM
Didn't mean to imply that people who feel they may not make it past the first qualifiers shouldn't show or be told to stay home. I guess what I meant is that a lot of money is spent by athletes or countries to go to the Olympics and if those who qualifiy don't show becasue they feel they may be eliminated early, what would the Olympics be? We would probably never have had the Miracle on Ice.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
94. Mike Wright wrote...
July 8, 2009 6:00 PM
How about this...First Event - 15K, nobody we have ever heard of makes the cut.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
95. Brett wrote...
July 8, 2009 6:28 PM
Man Pants, LOL.
Huh... think...
10 events...
Stuff people normally don't do in WODs.
What were the aspects of fitness as defined by CF?
Accuracy?
Balance?
Or will we just see some kick a$$ WODs like '08?
I'm setting my man pants out so I can hit the WOD tomorrow!
Reply to this comment
Permalink
96. Tommy wrote...
July 9, 2009 12:00 AM
My thoughts are this, the event is about trying to win not just to compete, that's why there has been qualifiers. And there is a mercy rule in Olympic wrestling 10 point rule. If you lose in the first round on the judo world championship, your out, simple as that. This is what competing is about. Good luch to all those competing.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
97. Steven F wrote...
July 9, 2009 8:03 AM
How about we just let everyone post their opinion and quit flaming. I really wish we had a mute button for "Joe" and the others that keep calling everyone whiners.
It will be a great sporting event and likely some people will be disappointed. I would love to see everyone get to compete in every event, but HQ deemed it not so. Is it fair, who knows..... if you don't agree with it, then you have the RIGHT to voice your opinion. If you do agree with it, then you have a RIGHT to voice your opinion. What we shouldn't do is continually tear down the opinions of one another. This is an open forum and what is posted here may truly shape the future of the Crossfit Games. I'm sure someone at HQ is reading and listening. I'm also certain that there are people from around the world that question the legitimacy of CF and the CF Games that will see this.... constant bickering and dissention will only strengthen their case against us.
It takes a bigger man to listen to and understand others, so chose who you want to be.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
98. Ryan S replied to comment from Mike Wright...
July 9, 2009 8:38 AM
Unless there is a huge field of "runners" that somehow made it through the qualifiers (we know that didn't happen), then a 15K is not going to necesarily eliminate any of the current crossfit icons. It certainly won't eliminate Spealler or OPT, two very strong runners.
The cuts make it interesting, not sure I agree with it, but my agreement kind of depends on what the first two events are. If they test a wide range of capacity and skill, then I am for it. If it includes a max effort, then not so much unless its corrected (which I don't like and would generally play to my favor).
To be out in Aromas with the chance to win is a big deal. Very few of these men and women are overnight crossfitters, and I would speculate that those that are, may find themselves training harder for next year early on day 1. These people know what it is going to take to win. I have a feeling we are going to be seeing tons of ties though.
Good luck to everyone competing and prayers for good health and an iron will to sustain you through the weekend.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
99. Larry wrote...
July 10, 2009 4:36 AM
I think it would be great if HQ would comment on why they have a cut after the first 2 events. Is it a motivational tool? A logistical issue? Just an interesting wrinkle? I'm neither pro- or con- the cut .. it is what it is ... just curious.
Reply to this comment
Permalink
100. TomF wrote...
July 10, 2009 12:39 PM
Really, is it any of our business *why* HQ decided to use a format that cuts some athletes? There could be any number of "legit" reasons - from wanting to force people not to "game" the WODs, to wanting to get a small enough group competing on Sunday to maximise the video-shoot potential. It's not up to us.
Sure it would suck to be cut after 2 workouts ... but welcome to "real life." Should I give every "qualified" job applicant a second interview, or only the top few people? You'd better believe that everyone will be fighting to make the cut ... and the best on that day will get through.
In the end, this is Coach's gig, he can make it up to suit himself. There's no IOC committee being offered bribes one way or the other. There's no place for us to vote, as if this was American Idol. There's just Coach thinking, taking advice, and then taking a decision.
The competitors will just have to live with it; and so will Coach. Real consequences, for real actions.
Reply to this comment
Permalink