CrossFit veteran Jack Farlow is making headlines with his recent announcement that he will not be participating in the 2023 CrossFit Open. In a post shared on his Instagram, Farlow revealed he is redirecting his competitive energy toward other opportunities for the upcoming 2025 season.
Balancing School and Competition
Farlow’s decision comes shortly after his girlfriend, Emma Lawson, also announced she would skip the Open. While Lawson is sidelined due to a back injury, Farlow’s choice stems from the need to balance his academic commitments at the University of Waterloo, where he is pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering, with a demanding competition schedule.
“It’s challenging to manage school responsibilities while competing three times in May, so I’m focusing on events that truly excite me and set me up for success next year,” Farlow explained in an interview.
World Fitness Project and Future Aspirations
This year, Farlow will concentrate on the World Fitness Project (WFP). Although he won’t be one of the 20 signed male athletes, he has opted for the Challenger path and has registered for the inaugural WFP online qualifier, aiming to collect enough points this season to secure his Pro Card for 2026. The qualifier is set to take place from March 19-25, with the top 30 athletes racing to secure an invitation to the WFP Tour Event 1 in Indianapolis from May 9-11.
Possible HYROX Debut
In addition to the WFP, Farlow may return to compete in HYROX. He and Lawson showcased their skills in the Mixed Doubles division at the Toronto HYROX last October, finishing in a commendable second place in the 16-29 age group and qualifying for the 2025 HYROX World Championships scheduled for June.
Upcoming Competitions
Although he won’t compete in the CrossFit Open, which is crucial for anyone looking to qualify for the CrossFit Games, Farlow is set to participate in the Mayhem Classic in April. This event is one of the In-Person Qualifying Events for the 2025 CrossFit Games. The top two male and female athletes will earn invites to the Games, and should Farlow secure a top-two finish, the invite would be extended to the athlete finishing in third place.
Farlow has been a consistent participant in the CrossFit Open since 2017 when he began competing in the Teenage Boys 14-15 division. He has since qualified for the CrossFit Games two times: once in 2019 as a 16-17 year-old and again as an elite individual in 2023.