September 2, 2012
Challenging Dan and Rich: Backflips and Handstand Walks

It seems Dan Bailey and Rich Froning might be reluctant to do a workout, perhaps for the first time ever.

“Rich is trying to quit the workout,” Games Director Dave Castro says with a laugh while standing outside during the CrossFit Tour event in Big Sky, Mont.

So he yells up to Froning’s hotel room.

“Rich, come down,” says Castro, still laughing. “Don’t be afraid.”

Froning’s response: “You can’t make us.”

The challenge—pulled from a hat—is 8 back handsprings and handstand walks with a partner. The challengers: Danielle Hale of CrossFit by Overload and Becca Saran, daughter of CrossFit general counsel Dale Saran.

“The dudes can’t do back handsprings, but they can do backflips,” Castro announces to the crowd.

“I just learned how to do a backflip 25 minutes ago,” Bailey says. “I’ve done a total of three in 28 years.”

Still, the guys best the girls by being faster on their handstand walks.

“I didn’t expect to have to walk that far, but it was fun,” Hale says. “I didn’t really think they could do back handsprings, so I didn’t plan on doing it ever. They just learned them. Whatever.”