The CrossFit Open - A brief history
The Open started in 2011 as a way to open up the competition to anyone in the world and make a cleaner start to the CrossFit Games season. It became a thing that unified gyms around the world. Now people with friends in Paris and Qatar could compete against one another. It allowed for competition amongst friends, but also growth of our sport.
Since its inception the CrossFit Open has grown considerably in participation. With signups for the Open going from 26,000 registered athletes in the first year to over 320,000 people in 2023. It is fun to know that there are others out there doing the same workout that I am.
Open announcements have been made all over the world in different gyms. People stay up late in Brazil or wake up early in London just to watch it. It's kind of a big deal.
The Open - History, the first 2 minutes of this gives a bit of history.
Highlights from the 2023 CrossFit Open
Now here we are, entering the 2024 season and we face the question of "am I going to do the Open?” You don't have to have an answer to that question just yet. But my answer is a resounding yes. I couldn't be more excited about this year's Open. I feel this exuberance purely for the fact that I know YOU might have the “Open effect” happen to you. What is the “Open effect?” It is this splendid magical phenomenon that allows people to do things they never thought possible. Things that seemed years from their grasp. It is fueled by a splendid cocktail of adrenaline, peer pressure, and the competition bug. It is incredible. More on that next week.
I can’t wait to see how many of us show up every Thursday night to see what they announce and for the outfits we will wear for Friday night lights. This is going to be such a great time. I can’t believe it is already that time again to get back into our sport.
