Chandler Smith Sits Out 2025 CrossFit Games Season
Table of Contents
- 1. Chandler Smith Sits Out 2025 CrossFit Games Season
- 2. A Voice for Change
- 3. A Legacy of Growth and Advocacy
- 4. Impact and Future Outlook
- 5. Chandler Smith Steps Away from CrossFit, Embraces New Fitness Horizons
- 6. A Legacy of Excellence and Evolution
- 7. The Open: A testament to Community and Determination
- 8. Looking Ahead: A Future of Innovation and Growth
- 9. How do you think the shift towards more multi-disciplinary fitness competitions like the World Fitness Project (WFP) and Hyrox will impact the future of CrossFit?
- 10. Chandler Smith Steps Away from CrossFit, Embraces New Fitness Horizons
- 11. Interview with Chandler Smith, Former CrossFit Competitor
Longtime CrossFit competitor Chandler Smith announced his withdrawal from the 2025 CrossFit Games season in a series of Instagram posts, causing a stir in the fitness community. Smith, a ten-year veteran of the Open, cited concerns about athlete safety, structure, adn fairness within the CrossFit Games enterprise as the primary reason for his decision.
A Voice for Change
“What’s the point in having a voice if it gets stuck inside your throat?” Smith wrote in his statement. “Today, I’m using my voice and following it up with action: I will not be competing in the 2025 CrossFit Games season.”
Smith stressed that his decision was not a reflection of his respect for the sport,its methodology,or its community.Instead, he expressed his disappointment with the brand’s response to athlete concerns, particularly following the tragic death of lazar Dukic. “I don’t think the brand as it’s currently established has done enough to make me beleive that it is indeed serious about doing things differently,” Smith stated.
A Legacy of Growth and Advocacy
Known for his outspoken advocacy for athlete well-being and the evolution of the sport, Smith views competition as a platform for progress. “My desire for growth has always looked like treating my work as a tool to provide for my family,” he wrote. “However, as an athlete, I’ve always aimed to use any influence I have to try to elevate both the sport of fitness and the science of training.”
Impact and Future Outlook
Smith’s decision carries significant weight in the CrossFit community. it highlights the ongoing debate surrounding athlete safety, transparency, and the role of brands in addressing concerns raised by their athletes.The future of the CrossFit Games and its relationship with its competitors will undoubtedly be shaped by this decision and the broader conversations it ignites.
Smith’s departure serves as a reminder that athletes have the agency to choose their platforms and advocate for change. It compels both athletes and brands to prioritize open dialog, safety, and a shared commitment to the integrity and growth of the sport.
Chandler Smith Steps Away from CrossFit, Embraces New Fitness Horizons
Veteran CrossFit competitor, Chandler Smith, has announced his departure from the CrossFit Games, choosing instead to focus on the burgeoning World Fitness Project (WFP) and Hyrox competitions. This decision comes after five appearances at the CrossFit Games, with his most notable finish being a 6th place ranking in 2020. Smith’s farewell message to the CrossFit community underscored his belief in continual improvement and his hope that his choice, along with others, will lead to “better opportunities for both CrossFitters and the rest of the fitness space worldwide.”
Smith’s decision coincides with the growing popularity of the World Fitness Project, a multi-discipline fitness competition that embraces a broader range of athleticism than traditional CrossFit. Smith, along with 19 other Pro Card athletes, will be competing in the inaugural 2025 WFP competition.
A Legacy of Excellence and Evolution
Smith’s career highlights the ever-evolving landscape of competitive fitness. His dedication and skill earned him a place among the CrossFit elite, culminating in a 7th place finish at the 2023 Games as part of a team. However, his decision to embrace new challenges demonstrates a willingness to adapt and grow within the ever-expanding fitness world.
“If the last ten years of the Open taught me anything, it was to believe that competition brings out the best in anyone,” Smith stated.This sentiment underscores his continued belief in the power of competition to inspire personal growth and drive excellence, even as he expands his horizons beyond the CrossFit box.
The Open: A testament to Community and Determination
Smith acknowledged the meaning of the Open, CrossFit’s annual fitness competition, praising its ability to “connect gyms around the world.” While stepping away from the Games, he extended his support to his fellow crossfitters, reminding them that he “would be a pal worth having if I couldn’t get behind cheering them on.” This speaks to the enduring camaraderie and shared passion within the CrossFit community.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Innovation and Growth
Chandler Smith’s decision marks a significant shift within the competitive fitness landscape. His choice to prioritize the WFP and Hyrox competitions reflects a broader trend toward multi-discipline fitness challenges that emphasize athletic versatility and accessibility. This evolution promises to bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the world of fitness, pushing athletes and enthusiasts alike to embrace new challenges and explore the full potential of their physical abilities.
For those seeking a new path within the world of fitness, Smith’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of excellence knows no bounds.Whether within established frameworks or emerging frontiers, the drive to improve, compete, and inspire remains at the heart of the fitness community’s evolution.
How do you think the shift towards more multi-disciplinary fitness competitions like the World Fitness Project (WFP) and Hyrox will impact the future of CrossFit?
Chandler Smith Steps Away from CrossFit, Embraces New Fitness Horizons
Interview with Chandler Smith, Former CrossFit Competitor
Recently, veteran CrossFit competitor Chandler Smith announced his departure from the CrossFit Games, choosing instead to focus on the burgeoning World Fitness Project (WFP) and Hyrox competitions. To gain further insight into his decision,Archyde had the opportunity to sit down with Smith for an exclusive interview. Here’s what he had to say:
Archyde: Chandler, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Yoru decision to step away from the CrossFit Games has certainly generated a lot of conversation within the fitness community. Could you elaborate on your reasoning behind this move?
chandler Smith: It’s been an astonishing ten-year journey competing in the CrossFit Open. I’ve grown tremendously as an athlete and an individual thanks to this sport and the amazing community surrounding it. However, I’ve reached a point where I feel it’s time for me to explore new challenges and opportunities within the broader fitness landscape.
Archyde: Your decision comes at a time when there are ongoing discussions within CrossFit about athlete safety, openness, and overall athlete experience. Did these factors influence your choice?
chandler Smith: Absolutely. My commitment to athlete well-being has always been a driving force in my career. While I believe CrossFit offers an incredible training methodology, I also believe that the well-being of its athletes should always be paramount. I’ve felt, at times, that certain aspects of the competition habitat could be improved to better ensure athlete safety and long-term health.
Archyde: Your move towards competitions like the World Fitness Project (WFP) and Hyrox seems to reflect a shift towards a more multi-disciplinary approach to fitness. What excites you about these opportunities?
Chandler Smith: I’m thrilled to be part of this movement towards a more inclusive and diverse fitness landscape. The WFP, in particular, embraces a wide range of athletic disciplines and celebrates individual strengths across various physical domains. It’s refreshing to see a competition that values functional fitness and holistic athlete development.
archyde: Looking ahead, what message would you like to leave with fellow CrossFit athletes and the broader fitness community?
Chandler Smith: I urge everyone to continue challenging themselves, pushing thier boundaries, and finding joy in the pursuit of fitness. Never be afraid to explore new avenues and advocate for what you believe in. The world of fitness is constantly evolving, and we all have a role to play in shaping its future.
Archyde: Thank you for your insights, Chandler. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
