I CrossFit® Games 2022 have just begun (on 3 August 2022) and the first event, “Bike to Work ", has already claimed victims!
In addition to chaos happened in the leaderboard, in this event we have witnessed Haley Adams get her first career win in an event of the Games, while Tia-Clair Toomey, the world's fittest woman in charge, finish second and newcomer Emma Lawson finish third.
Then there is Emily Rolfe, who finished in 14th place with a time of 40: 27.40. However, about an hour after the end of the race, the athlete announced his retirement from the competition.
With an Instagram post published on the afternoon of August 4, Rolfe revealed that he is have experienced severe blood clotting in the left arm.
Index
Here is Emily Rolfe's message
“Devastated. Hopeful. Grateful ❤️
I showed up at the CrossFit® Games 2022 without a doubt fitter and stronger than ever in my CrossFit® career. I couldn't wait to show it on the big stage.
I want to thank the medical staff of the CrossFit® Games. Without them, it is legitimate to think that I could have lost my left arm.
Before the Games I had a slight strain on my bicep, which I underwent a treatment that was still ongoing while I was in Madison. I felt some discomfort, but nothing more than a stretch or a pull.
After the TTB in Event 1, when I got on the bike, I looked down and noticed that my left hand was blue. Worse still, I no longer felt anything. We move on to C2B and I struggle to grasp the bar with my left hand.
On the second bike ride, my entire left arm was numb and I knew something was very wrong. I finished the race in 14th place and as soon as I left the field I immediately went to Doctor Rockett (this guy is the best ever!).
He examines my left arm: my left hand is completely blue and cold to the touch. Although it has some motor function, I have neither ulnar nor radial pulse.
After an ultrasound, unfortunately I had to withdraw from the race and they immediately sent me to the UW hospital where I underwent emergency vascular surgery to remove two blood clots in both the brachial and radial artery.
Now I am recovering and would like to extend my sincere gratitude for the love and support to everyone who has contacted me with their messages.
This is really what the CrossFit® community is all about and both Kyle and I are extremely grateful.
I'll be back 👊🏼 "
Other athletes had to retire ...
Kealan Henry, the fittest on earth in South Africa after a series of injuries before the Games (he tore his hamstring), he tried to compete anyway, completing wod 4. Unfortunately he announced that he will not continue.
Also Tom Muhlbeier, bin the men's 65+ Age Group division, he retired from the Games on day one. On the second day, 4 other Masters athletes withdrew:
- Sam Dancer (35-39)
- Darius Bookholdt (50-54)
- Andrew Livingston (50-54)
The reasons for the withdrawal were not disclosed.