2012 CrossFit Games Preview: Europe

Without a doubt, Europe has been the biggest mover in the CrossFit world over the past year.

While it’s hard to gauge an accurate idea of just how much the region has grown since last years Games, the numbers and competition results coming out of Europe have been very impressive.

It’s also hard to discredit the rich CrossFit history the region has had. Last year, Annie Thorrisdottir blitzed the women’s field to take home the crown, while Mikko Salo won the men’s competition in 2009. Both athletes are sure to be serious contenders this time around.

With Europe currently experiencing a deadly cold snap, which has already seen more than 100 people killed by the freezing conditions, many athletes have been relocating overseas to prepare for the 2012 Games.

Tuomas Vainio (19th in 2011) and Elvar Por Karlsson have both made trips to America for specialist coaching, and are ready to improve on last year’s performances.

Other names that are floating around the region are Frederik Aegidius and Lee Howe, who, according to inner circles, have been putting in some impressive performances.

In the women’s side, Annie is being touted as a ‘shoo-in’ to be crowned the world’s fittest female for a second year in a row, but Samantha Briggs is sure to be hot on her heels.

Briggs finished fourth at last year’s event and we’re hearing she’s also been over in America recently working on her lifts, and has been dominating European competitions over the past year.

While it’s always hard to make predictions in CrossFit, one thing I can safely say is there will definitely be a few surprise packets at this year’s Games.

With a large region like Europe, which produces some of the world finest weightlifters and MMA fighters, there are sure to be a few memorable names in 2012.