If we talk about CrossFit® legends, surely it can only come to our mind Rich Froning Jr. A complete athlete, with an exceptional career to say the least: 4 Fittest on Earth titles in the individuals category and 6 titles for the team category.
But apparently there are changes in sight… During an episode of October 25, 2022 of The Sevan Podcast, Froning has announced its intention to retire from the CrossFit® Teams division.
The 35-year-old said he did enjoyed leading Team Mayhem Freedom - the most successful team in Games history - but is now planning new things for his future.
"If I can get back to doing well and competing at the level I want, I will definitely do the Open, the online age group qualifiers and any semifinal for the Masters," he said. "If I feel that this doesn't stop me from spending the summer with the kids and doing fun things, then I will decide every year whether to compete or not."
From his words it is clear that lui may not stop competing forever. While putting an end to his important individual and team career, the athlete said he could compete in the CrossFit® Masters division in the future.
At the moment, it looks like he is aiming for a quieter life, away from the floors and dedicating himself to his beautiful family.
Here is the post he posted on his profile to clarify his decision:
“I've had an incredible career up to this point, both as an individual and as a team. From now on, whether or not I will compete I will decide from year to year, depending on the season of life we are in and how this old body feels ”.
The athlete concluded with a word of thanks and appreciation to the CrossFit® community:
“Thanks to our [CrossFit® Mayhem] family and the rest of the [CrossFit®] community for supporting us in competitions, you guys are the best fans in all of sport. I'm sure I'll see you all on the floor again in the future, but until then… thanks! ”.
Rich Froning Jr.'s career
Taking into account his individual (four) and team (six) victories, Froning Jr. is the most successful CrossFitter of all time. Only the legendary Mat Fraser has achieved more men's individual titles, with five total.
Froning Jr. however also owns a flawless record of consistency: aside from the 2020 Games - where the team race was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic - the athlete has risen, in some way, on every podium since the 2010 Games.
This summer we of CrossMAG we were lucky enough to see him compete in a live team, in an Italian competition, the WW4 died, apparently his last race in this division.
While looking to a life without competitive CrossFit® (for now), Froning Jr. leaves behind an indelible legacy.
In our opinion it is the end of a memorable era for one of the greatest athletes in the sport. And you, what do you think?