Today’s events for the 2018 CrossFit Games started with the Madison Triplus: a 500m swim, 1,000m paddle, and 2,000m run. While she didn’t maintain the lead the entire time, Tia-Clair Toomey proved it didn’t matter and ended up taking the event win.
Getting back into the water with the paddleboard, Toomey was actually in third, behind Kristi Eramo and Amanda Barnhart. The latter two women chose to paddle on their bellies. Toomey, however, knelt. This might have been the game-changer, and Toomey ended up passing both women in the water.
By the time the run came along, Toomey and Eramo were side by side, but Toomey created the space she needed to comfortably take first.
In her interview afterward, she said she chose to row from her knees because it was more efficient. While women rowing on their stomachs were likely relying on their shoulders, doing so from a kneeling position allows you to use your hips more.
Well done, Tia!
You don’t need to be in Madison to shop Vendor Village. Check out our collection of all the top brands.
Main image: Tia-Clair Toomey/Instagram
