It’s been a rocky few weeks for CrossFit. And if what some competitors and affiliate owners are saying is true, things have been bad within this community for years, whether the rest of us saw it or not. After Greg Glassman stepped down as CEO and retired, Dave Castro has taken his place. Recent posts from CF promise that positive change is ahead.

They say they’re planning out actionable steps to take to try to do right by the community, including “commissioning an external analysis and review of diversity and cultural representation.”

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For the global community, this is a watershed moment, a time to look inward and reflect on where we have been and where we are going. The CrossFit Games will undergo a cultural review to examine diversity and opportunities for inclusion. For us, this starts with: – • Commissioning an external analysis and review of diversity and cultural representation. • Producing media that represents and creates opportunities for the Black community and underrepresented cultures. • Continuing to collect, organize, and circulate feedback internally while consulting with diversity experts. This is the start of a continuing process that will take time to execute well. We recognize it’s not enough to say this. CrossFit is working to develop a consistent response rooted in action. Thank you for your patience as we work alongside the community to improve in this area. #CrossFitGames #CrossFit

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The fact that they’re acknowledging the issue at all shows at least some signs of progress. HQ had previously remained quiet on anything and everything political, although it looks like this, too, will be changing.

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Over the past two weeks, we have read, listened, and engaged in discussions on the topic of race. The Black community, Indigenous communities, and People of Color have voiced a consistent demand for decency, respect, equality, representation, and celebration. We must do better by creating an environment where many groups feel welcome. We’ve discovered many areas in need of improvement. We do not broach this topic to cause further divide. As a sport, we avoid politically charged topics to tolerate the independent opinions of those in our audience. However, the health, equality, and inclusion of the Black community and other underrepresented groups are important. It is time to heal and rebuild with that understanding. The healing may look different for each person in this community. Whether you’re taking time away from the conversation or have decided to stay along for the ride, your messages are received with gratitude. Thank you.

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As uncomfortable as some of these conversations might be, we have to have them.

The CrossFit Games even tweeted a letter from Castro himself — a very honest and candid message about where we’ve come from, where we’re at, and where we’re going.

Change isn’t easy, especially when you’re talking about undoing and fixing years and years of a broken foundation. But this community has always been strong, and we’ve always been in this together.

Here’s hoping for a better future.

Main image: Dave Castro/Instagram 

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