The Australia Regional brought a weekend of surprises. While Games veterans Ruth Anderson Horrell and Chad Mackay failed to qualify, returning competitor Denae Brown took first overall for the women, and Rob Forte stood atop the men’s podium for the second consecutive year.

Games spots were up for grabs all weekend.

“When you look at this Leaderboard, it’s becoming very clear that Australia is just as competitive as any other region out there,” said “CrossFit Games Update” host Sean Woodland.

Returning to defend her title as regional champion, Kara Webb nabbed first-place finishes in Events 1 and 3 but knew that didn’t mean a thing.

“There’s a lot of workouts to still be done,” she said with a grin on Day 2.

Brown—who was back from pregnancy and a year away from competition—finished second and fourth on Day 3 to take top spot on the women’s podium. Webb was second, and Pip Malone finished third.

Fan favorite Mackay had a rough Day 1, picking up 22 points on Event 2.

“Today’s just about effort … . I know I’m gonna put in my best effort, and hopefully I’m gonna climb back up that Leaderboard,” Mackay said on Day 2.

Despite the effort, Mackay was not able to overtake Forte, Games vet Brandon Swan and Khan Porter, who will make his first Games appearance.