The first event of the 2016 CrossFit Regionals was a test of strength and speed. It was a race against the clock to snatch five barbells descending in reps but ascending in weight. The athlete to complete the snatch ladder in the shortest amount of time won. 

This event — just like every CrossFit workout — was measurable, observable, and repeatable. 

Whether a CrossFit workout programmed at a CrossFit affiliate or during the CrossFit Games season to find the Fittest on Earth, we repeat workouts at an irregular cadence to measure progress. 

So, eight years later, CrossFit athletes were retested in the same snatch ladder event at the 2024 CrossFit Semifinals, and for the returning 2016 Regional athletes, this was a retest to see just how much their fitness had progressed over the years. 

Out of the 27 returning 2016 Regionals men, 20 improved their scores, and of the 19 returning women, 16 improved. 

So what does this mean? The fittest athletes on Earth may be getting older, but they are only getting fitter and wiser. 

“My training has evolved so much (since 2016),” said eight-time CrossFit Games athlete Brent Fikowski. “I wish I knew back then what I know now about training and how to prep for a comp. I’m definitely stronger and definitely know myself better.”

Brent Fikowski during Event 5 at the 2024 North America West Semifinal | Photo by Adam Bow

The Snatch Ladder: 2016 vs. 2024