Survey Scope and Response Rate
A recent survey conducted among elite CrossFit athletes has unveiled a concerning trend in the competitive landscape of the sport. Out of 443 top athletes reached via Instagram direct messages, 266 responded, yielding an impressive 60% response rate. This strong participation included a mix of past podium finishers and regional champions, providing valuable insights into the mindset of elite competitors.
Plummeting Confidence in CrossFit HQ
The survey results reveal a significant drop in confidence towards CrossFit HQ. On a scale of 1 to 5, athletes rated their confidence for the upcoming 2025 season at an average of just 2.20. A staggering 34% rated their confidence a 2, while the dissatisfaction with CrossFit’s recent leadership decisions is palpable.
When asked about the handling of the Lazar Ðukić investigation, athletes responded with an average rating of 1.72, with 58% indicating they were very dissatisfied. The new structure for the 2025 season fared little better, receiving an average rating of 1.81, with no respondents rating it a 5.
Athletes Reject CrossFit’s Structural Changes
The survey’s 16-category rapid-fire rating section highlighted poor sentiment towards several aspects of the CrossFit Games season. Among the most negatively received areas were:
- Investigation Response: 1.61 average rating
- Communication from HQ: 1.76 average rating
- Judging (Online): 1.77 average rating
- CrossFit Games Leadership: 1.86 average rating
- Athlete Safety: 1.97 average rating
Only in-person competition structure (3.00) and in-person judging (3.03) received neutral or slightly positive ratings.
Nearly 26% of Top Athletes Say ‘No’ to 2025 Season
When questioned about their plans for the 2025 season, responses revealed a split among the athletes:
- 39.1% (104 athletes) plan to compete
- 35.3% (94 athletes) are undecided
- 25.6% (68 athletes) have decided NOT to participate
Among those opting out, the main reasons identified were:
- 36.8% (25 athletes): Done with CrossFit but still competing in fitness competitions
- 35.3% (24 athletes): Abstaining until further action from CrossFit
- 7.4% (5 athletes): Medical reasons
- 5.9% (4 athletes): Retiring from competitive CrossFit
Mass Exodus to Other Fitness Competitions?
Among the 94 athletes who remained undecided, many are considering alternative competitions. The data suggests:
- 29.8% are contemplating leaving CrossFit to pursue other fitness competitions.
- 27.7% may abstain from the CrossFit Games unless significant changes occur.
Several athletes specifically mentioned other events, including TYR Wodapalooza, Dubai Fitness Championship, Rogue Invitational, HYROX, and IF3 as viable alternatives.
Athletes Speak Out: Uncertainty, Frustration, and a Search for Stability
The anonymous comments gathered from respondents revealed widespread frustration among the athletes:
- “I love CrossFit, but I hate the way HQ treats us.”
- “I will compete this season, but only because I love the sport, not the decisions being made.”
- “Due to constant changes, I’ve decided this will be my last year competing in CrossFit.”
- “If another organization emerges, I’ll go there instead.”
- “They made me tired of chasing my dream.”
What’s Next for the CrossFit Games?
With the 2025 CrossFit Games season set to kick off in February, the results of the survey present a looming crisis. With nearly one in four elite athletes indicating they may not return and another third unsure of their participation, the challenges ahead for CrossFit HQ are significant. If the organization does not effectively address concerns regarding leadership, competition structure, and athlete treatment, the upcoming season could herald a major shift in the sport, potentially resulting in a mass exodus of top talent to other fitness competitions.