A piece of news has just shocked and shocked the world of CrossFit®: Ricky Garard is out of a chance to challenge for the title of Fittest on Earth!
After being able to participate last year (after the 4-year suspension for doping), this year is out of competition after having injured his right shoulder with a lacerated AC joint.
From what he said, he will need at least six months to recover. With the semi-final of the Torian Pro just weeks away, Garard will be unable to recover and, of course, will have to sit out.
Ricky took to his YouTube channel to break the news of his retirement from the 2023 season
“I can't believe this happened, to be honest. But it is what it is and I just have to accept it and face reality. I guess that's the price to pay for the life I want to live"
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In the words of her trainer Justin Cotler:
“This is obviously a major blow. I truly believe Ricky would have won the 2023 CrossFit® Games. But if history has taught us anything, it's how tough he is mentally and physically. I know he will focus on getting him back and I can guarantee he will be back to full strength next season,” he said.
Furthermore, a post appeared on the coach's profile explaining the incident:
“By now, most of you have read the news or seen Ricky's YouTube video related to yours accident to the shoulder. I'm not here to tell it again.
I'm here to simply say this:
Ricky is the toughest, most resilient jock I know. His intense belief in himself and his ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles is unprecedented in our sport. Remember my words.Will come back. He'll be back with a fucking vengeance. And we won't stop until the job is done. Period. I love you, man. The road to winning the 2024 Games starts now.”
Ricky Garard's CrossFit® Career So Far
Ricky's exit leaves a huge void for this year's Games. After all, the Australian finished his season back from suspension with a third place overall and it was one of the great promises of this year.
If you remember, ai Games 2022 Ricky had incredible results and managed to wear the leader shirt for the first few days.
Right after it is managed to win on the floor of Miami, al Wodapalooza 2023, beating top athletes like Roman Khrennikov and Pat Vellner.
And this season, Garard finished 7th in the Open overall and 15th in last month's quarterfinals. He was also the favorite going into the semi-final of the Oceania, Torian Pro, which takes place in the last weekend of May.
- Position in the world ranking – 21st
- Open 2023 position – 7th
- Best Open Finish – 7th
- Games appearances – 2
- CrossFit® Games Best Place – 3rd (2022)
Without him in the race this year, we will have new names vying for the podium. Who are you betting on?