We saw impressive performances the first weekend of Regionals, but there’s still a lot of competing left to do. This weekend, those in the Central, West, and Latin America regions will battle it out to earn a spot to the CrossFit Games. Here are the athletes we’re keeping a close eye on.
Central Regional
We already know you will have an eye on back-to-back champ Mat Fraser (who’s new to the region this year), but don’t let George Sterner fly under your radar. The 18-year-old is looking to make his rookie appearance at the Games this year as an individual.
In 2016, Sterner was on the podium with a silver medal in the 16-17 teen division. He started his 2018 season strong, ending the Open in 35th place worldwide, and third in the North Central division. It’s definitely not going to be an easy weekend for Sterner, competing against vets like Fraser and Scott Panchik – but we’re excited to see what he brings to the table.
On the ladies’ side, we have our eye on the 2017 Fittest Nurse – Jessica Griffith. Griffith made her rookie Games appearance last year and ended up in 34th place. It’s clear she has been putting in some major work during the offseason, including leaving her full-time nursing career to focus on training. She finished this year’s open in 58th place worldwide. We’ve been watching Griffith crush some major weights on her Instagram account – like this 280lb front squat PR – so we have a feeling workouts like Linda will be a breeze for her.
West Regional
The West region is stacked with notable male athletes, but we have our eye on Cody Anderson. Anderson completed the Open this year with his best ever finish, 56th place worldwide — an improvement from his 412th worldwide placement in 2017. He’s a well-rounded athlete who has both the strength and skill needed to succeed in these grueling regional events.
There might not be anyone hungrier to get to the Games this year than Tia Wright. After a disappointing sixth-place finish at Regionals last year, Wright has been doing whatever it takes this offseason to make sure that ticket to Madison doesn’t slip through her fingers again. Her dedication to her training, nutrition, and recovery has been truly inspiring. She is both mentally and physically prepared to take the floor this weekend.
Latin America
Ivan Gaitan has a gymnastics background that will without a doubt help him through Events 3, 5, and 6. He finished 89th worldwide in the Open this year. Gaitan has Games experience from when he competed team in 2017, but this weekend he will compete for his chance to go to the CrossFit Games for the first time as an individual.
We’re watching Brenda Castro on the women’s side in Latin America this weekend. Castro made a name for herself in 2017 when she participated in the live announcement of 17.4. She then went on to finish in 11th place at Regionals that year. This year, we can see Castro easily making it into the top five. Will 2018 be the year she makes her rookie appearance at the Games? We certainly don’t think this weekend will be the end of Castro’s season.
Who do you think we will see finish in the top five and start their Games training after this round of Regionals?
Main image: Brenda Castro/Instagram
