The 2024 CrossFit Games qualifying season has drawn to a close, revealing the list of athletes heading to Albany for the 2025 competition. However, this year’s event will feature a significantly different roster than in years past, with several familiar names notably absent.
Who’s Missing? A Breakdown by Gender
Out of the 80 athletes who competed last year, only 15 men and 15 women have qualified for this year’s Games. This striking turnover has been attributed to a variety of factors, including injuries, retirements, and personal decisions to forgo the season.
Top Female Athletes Absent from the 2025 Games
On the women’s side, the absence of leading competitors, including last year’s top four finishers, is particularly evident:
- Bethany Flores: The fourth-place finisher from last year completed only three out of five workouts during this season’s In-Affiliate Semifinals before withdrawing from the Northern California Classic In-Person Qualifying Event (IPQE) due to personal reasons.
- Emily Rolfe: The third-place finisher was just shy of qualifying at the Mayhem Classic, finishing third, and did not participate in the In-Affiliate Semifinals. She withdrew from the Fittest Experience due to injury and skipped two workouts at the Northern California Classic.
- Gabi Migala: The 2024 silver medalist is recovering from a serious Achilles injury, having sustained a tear that required surgery following a failed first operation.
- Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr: The seven-time champion accepted an invite to the Games through the Toran Pro IPQE but hinted at retirement post her recent victory at the Torian. The deadline for her acceptance remains undisclosed.
Additional Notable Withdrawals from the Female Roster
Several other prominent female athletes have chosen to step back from competition this year:
- Laura Horvath: The reigning champion opted out of the season to focus on the World Fitness Project, where she placed ninth at the Tour Event I.
- Emma Lawson: The Rookie of the Year and silver medalist from 2023 has also sidelined herself due to an injury, competing in the WFP where she finished sixth at the Tour Event I.
- Annie Thorisdottir: The veteran athlete cited her discontent with CrossFit’s handling of safety issues, particularly after a tragic event last summer, as his reason for not participating this season.
- Katrin Davidsdottir: The 10-time Games veteran has announced her pregnancy and retirement.
- Dani Speegle: Though absent from individual events, she is competing in the WFP and participated in teams during the In-Affiliate Semifinals.
- Kara Saunders: Announced her retirement after winning the Games as part of a team last year, stating she won’t pursue qualification for the Games again.
Missing Male Competitors at the 2025 Games
On the men’s side, three of last year’s top six athletes will not make an appearance this year:
- Brent Fikowski: The nine-time competitor retired last fall to focus on his role as President of the Professional Fitness Athletes’ Association (PFAA).
- Pat Vellner: The five-time podium finisher opted out of this season’s Games but continues to compete in the World Fitness Project.
- Sam Kwant: The seven-time Games veteran narrowly missed qualification this year, finishing 15th at the In-Affiliate Semifinals.
Other Notable Male Withdrawals
A few more male athletes are also notable by their absence this year:
- Björgvin Karl Guðmundsson: A veteran of 11 straight Games, he finished 22nd at the In-Affiliate Semifinals despite competing.
- Cole Sager: After a long career, he chose not to compete this year but clarified this isn’t a retirement message.
- Chandler Smith: Citing dissatisfaction with CrossFit policies, he stepped back from the Games season but continues with the WFP.
- Gui Malheiros: The Brazilian athlete opted out of the Games but is still active in the WFP.
- Saxon Panchik: Initially intending to compete, he chose not to but is now part of the WFP leadership team.
A New Chapter for the 2025 CrossFit Games
This season promises to be one of the most transformative in CrossFit history. With a significant turnover of athletes, new talents are set to emerge on the competitive stage, ready to seize the opportunity to make their mark in Albany this August.