Veterans at the '15 Games

July 20, 2015

Megan Mitchell

Few athletes earn a spot at the CrossFit Games. Even fewer make it back year after year. Get to know the athletes who are making return trips to the Individual Division. 

 

Becca Voigt

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
7th 20th 7th 3rd 10th 11th 24th


Becca Voigt, 34, is the only individual athlete to earn the distinction of competing in eight CrossFit Games. The Southern California native got started in the sport in 2008—the second year of the Games—and has managed the incredible feat of qualifying for the Games every year since then.

She has consistently finished in the upper half of the field, reaching the podium in 2011 and twice finishing in 7th (2008 and 2010). Last July, she earned the Spirit of the Games award, joining the ranks of athletes like Chris Spealler and Deb Cordner Carson.

Best Games Events

2014 - Midline March (3rd), Sprint Carry (8th).

2013 - The Cinco 1 (7th), The Cinco 2 (4th), Burden Run (7th).

2012 - Ball Toss (7th), Rope - Sled (1st), 2012 Clean Ladder (9th), Double Banger (4th), Fran (8th).

2011 - Skills 1 (3rd), 2011 Rope Clean (7th), Skills 2 (7th), Dog Sled (3rd), The End 1 (1st), The End 2 (2nd), The End 3 (2nd).

2010 - Max Overhead (3rd, 185 lb.), Sandbag move (3rd), Push-up/OHS (6th), Toe-to-Bar/Ground-to-Overhead (6th), Wall Burpee / Rope Climb (5th).

2009 - Couplet (4th).

2008 - The Run (4:55).

Follow her on Instagram @BeccaVoigt

Ben Smith

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
64th 8th 3rd 11th 3rd 7th


Ben Smith made his debut at the CrossFit Games at 19 years old. He has twice earned the bronze. 

Best Games Events

2014 - The Beach (11th), Overhead Squat (9th, 357 lb.), Muscle-up Biathlon (2nd), Sprint Carry (5th), Midline March (11th), Thick ‘N Quick (3rd), Double Grace (7th).

2013 - The Pool (2nd), Burden Run (2nd), ZigZag Sprint (6th), Naughty Nancy (7th), Clean and Jerk (4th, 345 lb.), The Cinco 1 (2nd), The Cinco 2 (4th).

2012 - Pendleton 2 (5th), Broad Jump (8th), Rope-Sled (4th), Clean Ladder (11th, 335 lb.), Chipper (4th), Double Banger (10th).

2011 - Skills 1 (3rd), Rope Clean (2nd), Skills 2 (10th), Dog Sled (3rd), The End 1 (11th), The End 2 (9th), The End 3 (2nd).

2010 - Amanda (5th), Max Overhead (2nd, 295 lb.), Clean/Ring HSPU (3rd), Toes-to-bar/Ground-to-overhead (1st), Wall Burpee/Rope Climb (7th).

2009 - Deadlift (33rd, 455 lb.).

Follow him on Twitter @Ben_Smith13

 

Camille Leblanc-Bazinet

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
9th 8th 6th 16th 1st


Camille Leblanc-Bazinet, 26, has consistently proven to be a top-tier athlete at the CrossFit Games. Over the last five years, she has finished in the top 10 four times. After her career low of 16th in 2013, she came back in 2014 to earn the title Fittest on Earth.

This July, she will defend her title in the presence of 2013 champion Sam Briggs, and 2011 and 2012 champion Annie Thorisdottir. 

Best Games Events

2014 - The Beach (6th), Overhead Squat (2nd, 242 lb.), Sprint Sled 1 (8th), 21-15-9 Complex (1st), Muscle-up Biathlon (2nd), Clean Speed Ladder (5th), Push Pull (3rd), Midline March (6th), Double Grace (5th).

2013 - The Pool (10th), Clean and Jerk (5th, 225.2 lb.), 2007 (3rd), Sprint Chipper (4th), The Cinco 1 (6th), The Cinco 2 (2nd).

2012 - Track Triplet (5th), Medball-HSPU (2nd), Rope-Sled (6th), Clean Ladder (7th), Chipper (8th), Elizabeth (4th), Isabel (10th), Fran (1st).

2011 -  Skills 1 (2nd), Triplet Sprint (10th), Killer Kage (10th), Dog Sled (5th), The End 1 (9th), The End 2 (8th), The End 3 (10th).

2010 - Amanda (2nd), Pyramid Double Helen (6th), Deadlift/Pistol/2xUnder (6th), Clean/HSPU (4th), Toes-to-bar/Ground-to-Overhead (5th), Wall Burpee/Rope Climb (9th). 

Follow her on Instagram @CamilleLBaz

 

Annie Thorisdottir

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
11th 2nd 1st 1st Injured 2nd


Annie Thorisdottir first appeared at the CrossFit Games in 2009 at 19 years old. 2015 marks her seventh year in the sport, but her sixth appearance in the Games. The two-time CrossFit Games champion had to sit out of the 2013 season due to a back injury.

While regaining her confidence as a recently healed athlete, Thorisdottir still managed to earn second at the 2014 Games. This July, we’ll get to see what she can do when she’s 100 percent.

Best Games Events

2014 - Sprint Sled 2 (6th), 21-15-9 Complex (3rd), Sprint Carry (5th), Push Pull (6th), Midline March (1st), Thick ‘N Quick (2nd), Double Grace (1st).

2012 - O-Course (3rd), Ball Toss (4th), Medball-HSPU (1st), Rope-Sled (2nd), Clean Ladder (3rd, 220 lb.), Chipper (3rd), Double Banger (5th), Elizabeth (6th), Isabel (1st), Fran (6th).

2011 -  Beach (5th), Rope Clean (1st), Triplet Sprint (7th), Skills 2 (1st), Killer Kage (3rd), Dog Sled (1st), The End 1 (3rd), The End 2 (3rd), The End 3 (3rd).

2010 - Pyramid Double Helen (1st), Max Overhead (8th, 165 lb.), Deadlift/Pistol/2xUnder (1st), Sandbag Move (1st), Push-up/OHS (2nd), Toes-to-bar/Ground-to-Overhead (3rd), Wall Burpee/Rope Climb (1st).

2009 -  Run (7th), Sandbag Sprint (1st), Sledge (4th), Snatch (9th, 115 lb.), Triplet (4th).   

Follow her on Instagram @AnnieThorisdottir
 

Graham Holmberg

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
19th 1st 4th 10th 14th DNQ


Graham Holmberg, 30, is the only man to beat Rich Froning at the Games. The 2010 Games champion and father of one is returning to Carson, California, after missing qualification in 2014. 

In his five previous appearances, he has consistently been a top-tier athlete.

Best Games Events

2013 - Legless (11th), Sprint Chipper (7th), The Cinco 1 (5th), The Cinco 2 (7th).

2012 - O-Course (5th), Broad Jump (9th), Track Triplet (3rd), Clean Ladder (9th, 335 lb.), Elizabeth (8th), Isabel (7th), Fran (6th).

2011 -  Rope Clean (8th), Triplet Sprint (9th), Killer Kage (2nd), The End 1 (1st), The End 2 (2nd), The End 3 (4th).

2010 - Pyramid Double Helen (1st), Max Overhead (3rd, 285 lb.), Deadlift/Pistol/2xUnder (3rd), Clean/Ring HSPU (1st), Push-up/OHS (6th), Toes-to-bar/Ground-to-overhead (2nd), Wall Burpee/Rope Climb (5th).

2009 -  Deadlift (1st, 505 lb.), Sledge (10th).

Follow him on Instagram @GrahamHolmberg
 

Neal Maddox

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
25th 32nd 20th 9th 15th


Neal Maddox, 37, is the oldest athlete in the individual division at the 2015 Games. 

Even as he has aged, Maddox has gotten fitter. He earned his best finishes at the last two Games. 

Best Games Events

2014 - Overhead Squat (6th, 365 lb.), Sprint Sled 1 (1st), Sprint Sled 2 (1st), Clean Speed Ladder (1st), Thick ‘N Quick (5th).

2013 - Row 2 (2nd), 2007 (10th), Sprint Chipper (10th), The Cinco 1 (8th), The Cinco 2 (6th).

2012 - O-Course (10th), Broad Jump (6th), Ball Toss (9th), Clean Ladder (1st).

2011 -  Skills 2 (6th).

2010 - Amanda (2nd).

Follow him on Instagram @NealMaddox
 

Stacie Tovar

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
36th 14th 37th 12th 20th DNQ


Like Thorisdottir, Stacie Tovar made her Games debut in 2009. This will be her sixth appearance in the individual division, after missing qualification in 2014 by 6 points. 

The 30-year-old athlete from Omaha, Nebraska, has a record of rebounding from career lows with career highs. From year to year, she has bounced between the lower half and the upper half of the field. 

Best Games Events

2013 - ZigZag Sprint (3rd), Sprint Chipper (8th).

2012 - Broad Jump (6th), Track Triplet (7th), Sprint (5th), Chipper (5th), Double Banger (6th), Elizabeth (10th), Isabel (7th), Fran (7th).

2011 -  Skills 2 (21st).

2010 - Amanda (4th), Max Overhead (10th, 155 lb.), Deadlift/Pistol/2xUnder (9th).

2009 -  Couplet (31st).

Follow her on Instagram @StacieTovar

Michele Letendre

2011 2012 2013 2014
25th 24th 13th 4th


Michele Letendre, 29, has consistently moved up the overall standings at the Games. With a fourth-place finish in 2014, Letendre has nothing but podium spots ahead of her.

Best Games Events

2014 - The Beach (4th), Overhead Squat (8th, 231 lb.), 21-15-9 Complex (8th), Muscle-up Biathlon (7th), Clean Speed Ladder (9th), Push Pull (1st), Thick ‘N Quick (6th), Double Grace (8th).

2013 - The Pool (1st), 2007 (4th), The Cinco 2 (3rd).

2012 - Track Triplet (9th), Chipper (6th).

2011 -  Skills 1 (8th).

Follow her on Instagram @MicheleLetendre
 

Dan Bailey

2011 2012 2013 2014
6th 6th 8th 10th


Dan Bailey has never finished outside the top 10.

Best Games Events

2014 - The Beach (9th), 21-15-9 Complex (8th), Push Pull (8th), Midline March (9th), Double Grace (3rd).

2013 - ZigZag Sprint (2nd), 2007 (7th), Sprint Chipper (2nd), The Cinco 1 (10th), The Cinco 2 (7th).

2012 - Ball Toss (4th), Medball HSPU (2nd), Sprint (5th), Clean Ladder (6th, 345 lb.), Chipper (6th), Isabel (5th), Fran (3rd).

2011 - Beach (4th), Triplet Sprint (4th), Killer Kage (8th), Dog Sled (7th), The End 1 (6th), The End 2 (2nd).

Follow him on Instagram @Dan_Bailey9

Rob Forte

2011 2012 2013 2014
30th 35th 33rd 12th


Rob Forte broke free of the 30s last year, jumping all the way up to 12th. The 28-year-old raced motocross competitively, then branched out to other sports including Brazilian jiu jitsu, which led him to CrossFit.

Best Games Events

2014 - Triple 3 (1st), Sprint Sled 2 (5th), Sprint Carry (7th), Thick ‘N Quick (10th), Double Grace (6th).

2013 - Row 2 (8th), Burden Run (6th).

2012 - Pendleton 1 (7th), Pendleton 2 (10th), Rope-Sled (14th).

2011 -  Beach (6th).

Follow him on Instagram @Rob_Forte

Spencer Hendel

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
12th 17th 9th 13th DNQ DNQ


Spencer Hendel ended his 2013 and 2014 seasons in fourth place, one spot outside of qualification for the Games. In 2015, he landed in fourth place once again, but fortunately at the new combined East Regional the top five advanced. 

The 6-foot-2 athlete is the tallest man in the individual division. The next tallest is 6-foot-1 Chad Mackay.

Best Games Events

2012 - O-Course (1st), Broad Jump (2nd), Ball Toss (7th), Clean Ladder (8th, 345 lb.), Chipper (7th), Isabel (2nd).

2011 - Skills 1 (9th), Skills 2 (7th), Killer Kage (1st), The End 1 (7th), The End 2 (6th), The End 3 (6th).

2010 - Deadlift/Pistol/2xUnder (7th), Sandbag Move (6th).

2009 -  Deadlift (1st, 505 lb.), Sandbag Sprint (2nd), Snatch (2nd, 225 lb.).

Follow him on Instagram @Spec1414
 

Elisabeth Akinwale

2011 2012 2013 2014
13th 7th 10th 14th


The Killer Kage introduced Elisabeth Akinwale to thousands of fans, both that night in the Home Depot Center (now StubHub Center), and months later via the post-production shows on ESPN. The former gymnast tore across the adult-version of monkey bars, spinning at the end to return without any rest.

Over the years, she has proven to be a top-15 athlete. 

Akinwale, 36, is the oldest athlete in the Women’s Division at the 2015 Games.

Best Games Events

2014 - Clean Speed Ladder (1st), Midline March (4th), Thick 'N Quick (5th), Overhead Squat (5th, 240 lb.), Sprint Sled 1 (6th), Sprint Sled 2 (8th),

2013 - The Cinco 1 (1st), Clean and Jerk (2nd, 235 lb.), Sprint Chipper (7th).

2012 - Clean Ladder (1st, 235 lb.), Double Banger (1st), Ball Toss (2nd), O-Course (7th), Chipper (11th), Isabel (9th), Fran (11th).

2011 -  Killer Kage (1st), Skills 1 (7th), Rope Clean (11th).

Follow her on Instagram @EAkinwale

 

 

Lucas Parker

2011 2012 2013 2014
26th 15th 19th 34th


Watch out for the man with the ginger-beard when an event calls for heavy lifting.

The 25-year-old former rugby and soccer player was a part of the 2014 CrossFit Invitational team that represented Canada.

Best Games Events

2014 - Overhead Squat (11th, 350 lb.), Muscle-up Biathlon (17th), Clean Speed Ladder (11th).

2013 - Legless (4th), Clean and Jerk (1st, 355.1 lb.), Sprint Chipper (8th), The Cinco 1 (4th), The Cinco 2 (5th).

2012 - O-Course (7th), Broad Jump (4th), Ball Toss (4th), Sprint (3rd), Double Banger (5th), Isabel (10th).

2011 - Skills 1 (5th), Skills 2 (11th).

Follow him on Instagram @ToqueLuc

Austin Malleolo

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
6th 18th 8th 41st DNQ


Austin Malleolo has twice finished within the top 10 at the Games, though he took a downward slide in recent years finishing at the bottom of the field in 2013 before missing qualification in 2014.

The 28-year-old athlete earned his return trip to Carson with a fifth place finish at the East Regional.

Best Games Events

2013 - Naughty Nancy (19th).

2012 - Pendleton 2 (11th), Track Triplet (6th), Medball-HSPU (3rd), Chipper (11th), Double Banger (6th), Elizabeth (3rd).

2011 - Triplet Sprint (3rd), Killer Kage (7th).

2010 - Amanda (7th), Pyramid Double Helen (9th), Deadlift/Pistol/2xUnder (1st), Sandbag Move (10th), Clean/Ring HSPU (6th), Push-up/OHS (5th), Toes-to-bar/Ground-to-Overhead (3rd), Wall Burpee/Rope Climb (6th).

Follow him on Instagram @AMalleolo

Scott Panchik

2012 2013 2014
4th 4th 5th


Scott Panchik has proven to be one of the fittest men in the world, both in terms of staying power—he has qualified every year since 2012—and consistency—he has never dropped out of the top five.

Best Games Events

2014 - The Beach (10th), Overhead Squat (8th, 360 lb.), 21-15-9 Complex (4th), Muscle-up Biathlon (7th), Clean Speed Ladder (7th), Midline March (6th), Thick ‘N Quick (8th), Double Grace (8th).

2013 - The Pool (11th), Row 1 (11th), ZigZag Sprint (4th), Clean and Jerk (5th, 335 lb.), 2007 (8th), Sprint Chipper (9th), The Cinco 1 (3rd), The Cinco 2 (7th).

2012 - Pendleton 2 (4th), Track Triplet (7th), Rope Sled (9th), Chipper (5th), Double Banger (7th), Elizabeth (6th), Isabel (6th), Fran (1st).

Follow him on Instagram @ScottPanchik
 

Sam Briggs

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
19th 4th Injured 1st DNQ


2013’s fittest woman on Earth will get a chance to defend her title. That opportunity was taken from her last spring by the max-distance handstand walk at the Europe Regional.

This July, no champion since 2011 will be missing from the roster. Thorisdottir, Briggs, Leblanc-Bazinet and a host of challengers will compete for the title.

Briggs has battled two significant injuries this season, including issues with her SI joint and a broken bone in her foot.

Best Games Events

2013 - The Pool (4th), Row 1 (1st), Row 2 (1st), Burden Run (3rd), Naughty Nancy (2nd), 2007 (10th), Sprint Chipper (1st), The Cinco 2 (4th).

2011 - Beach (2nd), Triplet Sprint (4th), Skills 2 (9th), Dog Sled (10th), The End 1 (7th), The End 2 (1st), The End 3 (1st).

2010 -  Pyramid Double Helen (3rd), Sandbag Move (10th).

Follow her on Instagram @BicepsLikeBriggs
 

Lindsey Valenzuela

2011 2012 2013 2014
34th 9th 2nd DNQ


Like Briggs, 2015 will mark Lindsey Valenzuela’s first chance to defend her podium finish at the 2013 Games. Valenzuela missed qualification by 1 rank and 9 points in 2014.

She more than made up for it at this year’s California Regional, earning second place.

Best Games Events

2013 - The Pool (6th), Row 2 (5th), Clean and Jerk (2nd, 235 lb.), Sprint Chipper (6th), The Cinco 1 (8th), The Cinco 2 (4th).

2012 - Medball - HSPU (4th), Clean Ladder (2nd, 235 lb.), Chipper (7th), Elizabeth (5th).

2011 -  Skills 2 (13th).

Follow her on Instagram @LiftLikeLindsey
 

Jenn Jones

2012 2013 2014
28th 6th 10th


Jenn Jones has earned a spot in the top 10 the last two years.

Best Games Events

2014 - Sprint Sled 1 (10th), Push Pull (10th), Midline March (7th), Thick ‘N Quick (1st).

2013 - Legless (5th), Naughty Nancy (10th), Clean and Jerk (5th, 225 lb.), 2007 (8th), Sprint Chipper (2nd), The Cinco 2 (4th).

2012 -  Sprint (4th).

Follow her on Instagram @JennJonesCF
 

Chad Mackay

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
12th DNQ 9th 11th DNQ


Even though some call the Games a small-man’s sport, 6-foot-1 Australian Chad Mackay has never finished outside of the top 15 in his three Games appearances.

The choppy ocean swim, single-speed mountain bike ride, and run over Microwave Mountain on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in 2012 gave Mackay his highest Games event finishes to date. He was the second to the midway point, and the first to the finish.

Best Games Events

2013 - The Pool (7th), Row 1 (5th), Row 2 (11th), Clean and Jerk (7th, 335 lb.), Sprint Chipper (6th), The Cinco 2 (7th).

2012 - Pendleton 1 (2nd), Pendleton 2 (1st), Ball Toss (1st), Medball-HSPU (11th), Double Banger (4th).

2010 -  Max Overhead (4th, 275 lb.), Sandbag Move (7th).

Follow him on Instagram @Mackay_Chad
 

Kara Webb

2012 2013 2014
19th 12th 31st*


While her Games record above doesn’t show it, Kara Webb came close to winning the Games in 2014. She had to withdraw before the final event, however, due to nerve pain that she would later learn was related to her jaw alignment.

The Australian athlete is a favorite to win in 2015.

Best Games Events

2014 - The Beach (3rd), Overhead Squat (1st, 250 lb.), Sprint Sled 1 (4th), Sprint Sled 2 (3rd), 21-15-9 Complex (5th), Sprint Carry (9th), Clean Speed Ladder (3rd).

2013 - The Pool (2nd), Burden Run (9th), ZigZag Sprint (8th), Clean and Jerk (4th, 230 lb.).

2012 - Pendleton 1 (5th), Pendleton 2 (10th), Clean Ladder (10th, 205 lb.).

Follow her on Instagram @KaraWebb1
 

Daniel Tyminski

2011 2012 2013 2014
25th 14th 34th Injured


2012 was Daniel Tyminski’s best year to date; 2013, his worst.

Tyminski is returning after a year off. In 2014, he strained his teres major in his left shoulder while doing Open Workout 14.2, which dropped him out of the running for regionals.

Best Games Events

2013 - 2007 (3rd).

2012 - Pendleton 1 (11th), Pendleton 2 (13th), Track Triplet (1st), Elizabeth (4th), Isabel (9th), Rope-Sled (15th), Clean Ladder (15th), Chipper (13th).

2011 -  Triplet Sprint (6th).

Follow him on Instagram @Boomsauce051

Cassidy Lance

2013 2014
29th 8th


Cassidy Lance was the most improved athlete at the 2014 Games. Between 2013 and 2014, the Floridian athlete jumped 21 ranks.

Best Games Events

2014 - The Beach (5th), Overhead Squat (3rd, 241 lb.), 21-15-9 Complex (4th), Thick ‘N Quick (9th).

2013 - The Pool (7th), 2007 (11th).

Follow her on Instagram @Cassidy_Lance
 

Chyna Cho

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
18th DNQ DNQ DNQ 15th


Chyna Cho qualified for the 2014 Games after three years at the regional level.

After years of waiting, Cho wasted no time. She secured a second-place finish in the beach event in Hermosa, swimming, burpeeing, and kettlebell thrustering her way ahead of everyone except Olympian Anna Tunnicliffe.

Best Games Events

2014 -  The Beach (2nd), Muscle-up Biathlon (6th), Thick ‘N Quick (4th).

2010 -  Max Overhead (8th, 165 lb.).

Follow her on Instagram @ChynaCho
 

Denae Brown

2012 2013 2014
44th* -- 17th


This is technically Denae Brown’s third CrossFit Games, but only her second appearance in Carson, California. She qualified in 2012, but soon learned she was pregnant and decided not to compete. 

Best Games Events

2014 - The Beach (9th), Sprint Sled 2 (5th), Muscle-up Biathlon (5th).

Follow her on Instagram @DenaeBrown
 

Dani Horan

2013 2014
18th 18th


She has landed on 18th twice. Twice.

Best Games Events

2014 - Sprint Sled 1 (3rd), Thick ‘N Quick (10th).

2013 - Clean and Jerk (7th, 225 lb.).

Follow her on Instagram @DaniHoran7
 

Amanda Goodman

2013 2014
35th 20th


Five-foot-nothing Amanda Goodman has solidified her position as one of the strongest female athletes at the Games. Watch out for her on the Snatch Speed Ladder, or anything with (near-)max lifts.

Best Games Events

2014 - Overhead Squat (3rd, 241 lb.), 21-15-9 Complex (10th), Muscle-up Biathlon (11th), Clean Speed Ladder (2nd).

2013 - Clean and Jerk (1st, 235 lb.).

Follow her on Twitter @AGoodman5450
 

Anna Tunnicliffe

2013 2014
9th 22nd


Anna Tunnicliffe, a gold medalist in sailing at the 2008 Olympics, made a strong appearance at the 2013 Games finishing in the top 10.

Don't read too much into the drop to 22nd in 2014, though. She rolled her ankle on the final stretch of the three-mile run in the Triple 3 on Friday morning, and had to compete the rest of the weekend injured. 

Best Games Events

2014 - The Beach (1st), Triple 3 (2nd), Double Grace (7th).

2013 - Row 1 (4th), Row 2 (6th), Burden Run (5th), Legless (5th), Naughty Nancy (7th).

Follow her on Instagram @ATunnicliffe
 

Alessandra Pichelli

2013 2014
4th 23rd


Alessandra Pichelli skyrocketed to the top five during her rookie year. Then, as an experienced athlete, she dropped to the middle of the pack. It’s unclear what will happen for Pichelli in 2015.

Best Games Events

2014 - Sprint Sled 1 (2nd), Sprint Sled 2 (10th), Clean Speed Ladder (10th).

2013 - The Pool (8th), Row 1 (3rd), ZigZag Sprint (10th), Legless (1st), Sprint Chipper (9th).
 

Jon Pera

2011 2012 2013 2014
41st 23rd -- --


Jon Pera chose not to compete in 2013 when doctors found a lump in his wife Ami’s thyroid. As a Deputy Sheriff in L.A. county, and father of three, he had too much going on in his life to train for the Games, too.

After a two-year gap, he’s back.

Best Games Events

2012 - Ball Toss (9th), Medball - HSPU (9th), Rope Sled (7th).

2011 -  Skills 2 (27th).

Follow him on Instagram @JonPera
 

Katrin Tanja Davidsdottir

2012 2013 2014
30th 24th DNQ


Katrin Tanja Davidsdottir missed qualification for the 2014 Games in large part due to a poor performance on Regional Event 5; once her arms fatigued on the legless rope climbs, that was it. 

Earlier that weekend Davidsdottir had set the record in the max distance handstand walk covering 405 feet without falling. 

Best Games Events

2013 - Row 1 (6th), Row 2 (7th).

2012 - Medball - HSPU (17th).

Follow her on Instagram @KatrinTanja
 

Margaux Alvarez

2013 2014
26th 34th


Watch out for Margaux Alvarez on the long, grueling events at the Games. Her highest event finishes to date were on the half-marathon row (second), and Triple 3 (3,000-meter row, 300 double-unders, and 3-mile run, eighth).

Best Games Events

2014 - Triple 3 (8th), Sprint Carry (12th), Clean Speed Ladder (16th).

2013 - The Pool (15th), Row 1 (13th), Row 2 (2nd).

Follow her on Instagram @321gaux
 

Tyson Takasaki

2013 2014
23rd 37th


Tyson Takasaki, a star wide receiver with the University of Manitoba Bisons, unsurprisingly earned his top event finish on the Sprint Sled last year.  

Best Games Events

2014 - Overhead Squat (10th, 356 lb.), Sprint Sled 1 (5th), Midline March (13th).

2013 - Burden Run (13th), Naughty Nancy (5th), Clean and Jerk (7th, 335 lb.), Sprint Chipper (5th).

Follow him on Instagram @TaksNaps

Mathew Fraser

2014
2nd


Mat Fraser was Rookie of the Year at the 2014 Games, earning second overall to four-time champion Rich Froning. Naturally, he’s a favorite to win in 2015.

Best Games Events

2014 - Overhead Squat (1st, 377 lb.), Muscle-up Biathlon (8th), Sprint Carry (10th), Clean Speed Ladder (3rd), Push Pull (6th), Midline March (2nd), Thick ‘N Quick (2nd).

Follow him on Instagram @MathewFraser
 

Emily Bridgers

2014
6th


After years at the regional level, Bridgers made it to the 2014 Games and went straight to the top. With a sixth-place finish, she was the highest ranked rookie in the women’s division.

Best Games Events

2014 - 21-15-9 Complex (11th), Midline March (2nd), Thick ‘N Quick (11th), Double Grace (6th).

Follow her on Instagram @EmilyBridgers
 

Noah Ohlsen

2014
8th


Noah Ohlsen wore the white leader’s jersey for part of the 2014 Games.

Of the 13 events, he finished six within the top 10. His worst finishes piled up toward the end of the weekend, dropping to the high teens and 20s on the Clean Speed Ladder, Push Pull, Thick ‘N Quick and Double Grace.

Best Games Events

2014 - The Beach (5th), Triple 3 (6th), Sprint Sled 1 (7th), 21-15-9 Complex (9th), Muscle-up Biathlon (5th), Sprint Carry (11th), Midline March (5th).

Follow him on Instagram @NOhlsen
 

Kristin Holte

2014
16th


Kristin Holte, a former decathlete, chased down Olympian Anna Tunnicliffe in the final stretch of the Triple 3 to earn the event win at the 2014 Games.

She accumulated three top-10 finishes, and never dropped below the 20s.

Best Games Events

2014 - The Beach (7th), Triple 3 (1st), Sprint Carry (4th), Sprint Sled 2 (14th), Double Grace (11th).

Follow her on Instagram @HolteKristin
 

Cole Sager

2014
17th


Cole Sager has been training with his wife, Genasee, in the lead up to the Games, mixing intervals of running with steady hiking up a nearby mountain, and of course, lifting weight.

Last July, Sager’s best event came at the end of the weekend with Thick ‘N Quick.  

Best Games Events

2014 - Sprint Sled 2 (10th), Sprint Carry (8th), Thick ‘N Quick (7th).

Follow him on Instagram @ColeSager35
 

Jacob Heppner

2014
18th


To simulate the Burden Run, Heppner chopped down a tree and then ran 100 meters in 19 seconds carrying that 70-lb. log.

At the 2014 Games, Heppner excelled at events that emphasize running, or relatively high-skill gymnastics movements.

Best Games Events

2014 - Triple 3 (4th), Sprint Sled 1 (6th), Sprint Sled 2 (4th), Muscle-up Biathlon (6th), Midline March (10th).

Follow him on Instagram @JHeppner66
 

Roy Gamboa

2013 2014
22nd DNQ


Roy Gamboa will return after missing qualification in 2014 by 1 point.

The former football player at Hardin-Simmons University got into CrossFit after his friend sent him this text: “Bro, when are you going to win the CrossFit Games?” Gamboa went home, watched the Games on ESPN, and a few months later started training for it. Now, he’s going to make his second appearance.

Best Games Events

2013 - Row 2 (5th), ZigZag Sprint (7th), Clean and Jerk (7th, 335 lb.), The Cinco 2 (7th).

Follow him on Instagram @CFRoyGamboa
 

Lukas Hogberg

2014
23rd


The Swedish athlete came to CrossFit with a background in boxing and martial arts. 

Best Games Events

2014 - Triple 3 (7th), Sprint Sled 2 (8th), 21-15-9 Complex (11th), Double Grace (9th).

Follow him on Instagram @HogbergLukas
 

Bjorgvin Karl Guomundsson

2014
26th


Joining the many “dottirs” at the CrossFit Games is one of Iceland’s “ssons.” Björgvin Karl Guðmundsson was one of the highest ranked European athletes at the 2014 Games, and was thereby invited to represent Team Europe at the 2014 CrossFit Invitational.

Best Games Event

2014 - 21-15-9 Complex (6th), Muscle-up Biathlon (14th), Double Grace (16th).

Follow him on Instagram @BjorgvinK
 

Khan Porter

2014
27th


The former surf lifesaver showed his skill in the ocean during last year’s beach event at Hermosa Beach. Only competitive swimmers Jordan Troyan and Jonne Koski, as well as Navy SEAL Josh Bridges, were able to finish ahead of him.

Best Games Events

2014 - The Beach (4th), Triple 3 (15th), 21-15-9 Complex (14th).

Follow him on Instagram @iamKhanPorter
 

Kelley Jackson

2014
27th


Kelley Jackson’s best event of the 2014 Games was the Triple 3, and her worst was the 21-15-9 Complex.

Jackson has recently talked about her new response to workouts that don't go her way. 

"The 2014 Kelley would spend the rest of the night, the weekend, and even a few days analyzing the workout and what went wrong," she wrote on Instagram. "The 2015 Kelley allows herself several minutes to reflect and then it's time to refocus."

Best Games Events

2014 - Triple 3 (4th), Sprint Carry (10th), Push Pull (15th).

Follow her on Instagram @CrossFitKelley
 

Lindy Barber (Wall)

2013 2014
28th DNQ


The lifelong soccer player showed how well she could cut around obstacles and sprint down the field in the ZigZag Sprint. She made it through the qualifier, quarter-finals and semi-finals, only to finish two-tenths of a second behind Michelle Crawford.

This Saturday she'll get to use the same skills in the Sprint Course.

Best Games Events

2013 - Row 1 (16th), ZigZag Sprint (2nd).

Follow her on Twitter @VolindaBarber
 

Regan Huckaby

2014
30th


Regan Huckaby, 28, has managed to qualify for two consecutive CrossFit Games even with two kids under 5 years old.

Best Games Events

2014 - Sprint Sled 1 (9th), Sprint Sled 2 (19th), Clean Speed Ladder (8th), Push Pull (14th), Thick ‘N Quick (17th).

Follow her on Instagram @ReganHuckaby
 

Jonne Koski

2014
32nd


Jonne Koski had SISU printed across his chest as he dominated the 2015 Meridian Regional.

The 20-year-old former competitive swimmer has the 2009 Games champion, Mikko Salo, in his corner. Koski trains at Salo’s affiliate, CrossFit Varasto, in Pori, Finland.

Best Games Events

2014 - The Beach (2nd), Sprint Sled 2 (11th), Clean Speed Ladder (19th), Midline March (16th).

Follow him on Instagram @JonneKoski
 

Nicole Holcomb

2014
32nd


At the 2015 Central Regional, Nicole Holcomb blasted through the triplet of rowing, chest-to-bar pull-ups and strict deficit handstand push-ups in 14:06.3, which earned her the event win. Only a handful of women worldwide beat that time.

She peaked later in the Games last year before withdrawing from the final two events, Thick ‘N Quick and Double Grace.

Best Games Events

2014 - Push Pull (2nd), Midline March (16th).

Follow her on Instagram @812CrossFitNicole
 

Thuridur Erla Helgadottir

2012 2013 2014
35th DNQ --


Thuridur Erla Helgadottir, one of the four women from Iceland who will be at this year’s Games, will return after a two-season gap.

Expect her to excel on events that emphasize body-weight movements. She admits that heavy lifting still isn’t her forte.

Best Games Events

2012 - Medball - HSPU (7th), Sprint (6th).
 

Emily Abbott

2014
35th


Emily Abbott, an athlete with a background in basketball and track and field, excelled on events that involved running.

Best Games Events

2014 - Triple 3 (19th), Sprint Sled 1 (15th), Sprint Sled 2 (1st), Sprint Carry (11th).

Follow her on Instagram @Abbott.The.Red
 

Nick Urankar

2011 2012 2013 2014
36th DNQ DNQ DNQ


Talk about a hard-earned return to the Games. Nick Urankar competed in 2011, and then spent three years at the regional level fighting for a chance to return to the world stage.

Best Games Events

2011 - Skills 1 (10th).

Follow him on Instagram @NickUrankar
 

Jordan Cook

2014
36th


Jordan Cook received the one-fingered salute as he reached the finish mat on Regional Event 7 after his friend and training partner Travis Williams. The two qualified as the third- and second-ranked athletes from the 2015 South Regional.

Best Games Events

2014 - The Beach (19th), Clean Speed Ladder (15th).

Follow him on Instagram @JCrossFitCook
 

Kevin Simons

2012 2013 2014
37th DNQ DNQ


Kevin Simons combines a background in gymnastics (from 12 to 18 years old), with years of powerlifting training. The two sports made it easy for him to transition to CrossFit.

He’s the kind of athlete who can sprint the 250-foot handstand walk at regionals in 1:35.5 (for the win), and then minutes later snatch 272 lb. for third place in the snatch event.

Best Games Events

2012 - Broad Jump (10th), Medball HSPU (8th), Clean Ladder (13th, 335 lb.).