The Victory That Reignited the Conversation
Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr has once again proven her unmatched talent by claiming victory at the 2025 Torian Pro. With an impressive performance, she won five out of six events, reminding the CrossFit world that she remains at the pinnacle of the sport, even after giving birth to her daughter just a year ago. However, despite this extraordinary achievement, there is still uncertainty about whether she will accept her invitation to the upcoming CrossFit Games in Albany, NY.
“She Has a Deadline”—Dave Castro Speaks
In a recent Week in Review posted June 2, Dave Castro, CrossFit’s General Manager of Sport, addressed Toomey’s situation head-on. He clarified that while Tia has clinched her spot at the Games, there is a deadline for her decision.
“Tia won her event at Torian, so she has a spot to the Games,” Castro stated. “She has a period of time to decide. We gave her a date—basically, until when she has to make a decision if she wants to use the spot or not.” If she opts to decline, her qualification will transfer to the fourth-place finisher at the Torian Pro, as the second and third place competitors have already qualified through prior events.
“We’re letting [the fourth-place athlete] know: ‘Tia has until X date to make a decision.’ And because of that, we want you to continue training—stay prepared,” Castro added. He emphasized that the chosen date is fair, allowing adequate time for the fourth-place finisher to train for the Games.
What Makes This Moment So Critical?
Tia Toomey-Orr isn’t just any athlete; she is the most successful competitor in the history of the CrossFit Games, having won six consecutive titles from 2017 to 2022. After stepping away from competition in 2023 to give birth, many speculated that she might retire. However, her return to peak performance at the Torian Pro has reignited conversations about her future in the sport.
CrossFit analyst and former athlete Tommy Marquez weighed in on her mindset, stating, “Tia’s comeback is inspiring—but it’s also mature. She’s not racing to prove anything anymore. She’s thinking about legacy, about family, about longevity.”
Why Castro’s Statement Matters
Castro’s public comments on this issue carry significant weight. Traditionally, CrossFit HQ has handled athlete communications privately, so bringing Tia’s situation into the light underscores its importance not just for logistics, but for the integrity of the competition.
If Toomey-Orr delays her decision too long or chooses not to participate, it impacts other athletes’ preparation and opportunities. Castro’s remarks highlight that this matter goes beyond procedure; it speaks to the soul of competitive integrity.
“Only Tia knows what Tia is going to do,” he added, encapsulating the current sense of suspense.
The Fourth-Place Wild Card
If Toomey declines her invitation, the fourth-place finisher at the Torian Pro, Grace Walton, will get the opportunity to take her place at the Games. With her commendable performance, including a second-place finish in Event 5, Walton is eagerly awaiting a decision from Toomey-Orr. Castro’s assurance that they are keeping Walton informed ensures she remains ready to seize the opportunity if it arises.
A Legacy on the Line
Should Tia Toomey-Orr choose to compete at the Games, she could potentially capture an unprecedented seventh title, solidifying her legacy as the greatest CrossFit athlete of all time and placing her among the elite in sports history. Conversely, if she decides to sit this one out, her triumph at the Torian Pro may be the last competitive chapter in her storied career, leaving fans with lingering questions of “what if?”
Final Thoughts
The world of CrossFit thrives on performance under pressure, and right now, Tia Toomey-Orr is feeling that pressure acutely. The spotlight is on her to not just execute physical feats but to finalize her commitment to the sport. With the clock ticking, the entire CrossFit community waits in anticipation.