September 22, 2012
CrossFit Games Behind the Scenes: Saturday, Part 1

Hear more from Games Director Dave Castro and find out what judges and coaches say in this installment of Sevan Matossian’s Behind the Scenes series at the 2012 Reebok CrossFit Games.

In the warm-up area by the outdoor track, teams prepare for the yoke walk while judges and coaches provide insights.

The judges are a key part of the Games, and CrossFit’s top Seminar Staff trainers are charged with evaluating the reps of the world’s fittest athletes.

Zach Forrest says a good judge is characterized by “the ability to make a decision and stick with it quick,” which is no easy task when top athletes are moving very fast.

Brian MacKenzie of CrossFit Endurance says a good coach cares more about the athlete than himself.

According to MacKenzie, a good coach is “somebody who loves what they do, is very passionate about what they’re doing, (and) is more involved in coaching somebody than in, typically, their own athletic-type endeavors.”

Plus, catch a normally clothed Tommy Hackenbruck shirtless.

“(I’ll) put my shirt on,” he says with a wide smile. “I’m not really a shirt-off guy.”