2013 CrossFit Games Preview: Canada East Region

With the 2013 CrossFit Open just weeks away, we thought we’d take some time to preview every region taking part this year.

Today we take a closer look at the Canada East Region.

Just like Canada’s West, the East of Canada is also evolving into one of the more competitive Regions in the CrossFit world.

In the past few years we have seen a number of top Canada East athletes, in both the male and female divisions. impress at the CrossFit Games.

At last year’s CrossFit Games, Camille Leblanc-Bazinet finished inside the top ten in the females comp, while Albert-Dominic Larouche was the best placed male, placing in the top 25.

Here is a closer look at some of the individuals and teams to look out for in 2013:

Men

After competing in the past two CrossFit Games, and finishing 25th in 2012, Albert-Dominic Larouche is expected to go into 2013 as the man to beat in the Canada East Region.

The Regional champion showed everyone he has what it takes to mix it with the best in the world, winning the Medball/HSPU event at last year’s Games.

Matthew Lefave is also a chance to claim a Regional title in 2013. Lefave qualified for the 2012 CrossFit Games by the barest of margins, beating Jeff Larsh in a countback.

Other names to keep an eye on include Jonathan Laniel (4th at 2012 Regionals) and Tommy Snarr (5th at 2012 Regionals).

2012 Regional Results:

1. Albert-Dominic Larouche
2. Matthew Lefave
3. Jeff Larsh

Women

The past two years has been a two horse race in the females division, with Camille Leblanc-Bazinet and Michelle Letendre the standout athletes.

Last year, Letendre claimed the bragging rights by winning the Regional title. However, Leblanc-Bazinet was the better performer at the Games, finishing 6th overall, her second straight top ten finish at the Games.

It’s fair to assume, both women will be the ones to beat in 2013.

Other names to keep an eye on include Rebecca Clingersmith (3rd at 2012 Regionals) and Lacey Van Der Marel (4th at 2012 Regionals).

2012 Regional Results:

1. Michell Letendre
2. Camille Leblanc-Bazinet
3. Rebecca Clingersmith

Team

While the individual divisions are quite competitive in Canada East, the Teams divisions are a little bit behind some of the world’s other Regions.

Last year Usine CrossFit Ottawa claimed the Canada East Regional title, but went on to finish 4th last at the CrossFit Games. In addition, Lusine CrossFit, who also qualified last year, finished 33rd at the Games.

Both teams are expected to be there abouts again in 2013. Other teams to look out for include CrossFit Select (3rd at 2012 Regionals) and CrossFit Brossard (4th at 2012 Regionals).

2012 Regional Results:

1. Usine CrossFit Ottawa
2. Lusine CrossFit
3. CrossFit Select