2013 CrossFit Games Preview: Europe 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 Europe Region.

It’s fair to say the Europe is one of the fastest growing CrossFit Regions in the world. While there are a number countries within Europe that still don’t have a CrossFit gym, the sport itself has blossomed in certain areas like Iceland, Scandinavia and England.

In particular, the Region saw big growth in 2012 after the inaugural CrossFit Invitational was held London, England, featuring a ‘Team Europe’ for the first time ever.

In terms of Competitors, the Region boasts two CrossFit Games champions in Mikko Salo (2009) and Annie Thorisdottir (2011-12), as well as number of top contenders like Samantha Briggs and Frederik Aegidius.

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

Men

The men’s division in the Europe Region is one of the most open in the world, with many athletes talented enough to qualify for the CrossFit Games.

2009 CrossFit Games champion Mikko Salo makes his competitive return this year after injuring his knee in 2012. With his CrossFitting knowledge, we can expect him to finish in the top end of the leaderboard by the end of the Europe Regionals.

Last year’s Regional champ Frederik Aegidius will also be tough to beat in 2013, as will dual CrossFit Games competitor Mikko Aronpää.

Other names to look out for include Numi Katrinarson (3rd at 2012 Regionals) and Lacee Kovacs (2012 Fit as F*uck winner).

2012 Regional Results

1. Frederik Aegidius
2. Mikko Aronpaa
3. Numi Katrinarson

Women

Europe’s females division might not have as much depth as some other Regions across the world, but it does boast one of the biggest name’s in the sport, in Annie Thorisdottir.

Iceland Annie has won the past two CrossFit Games title and is clearly the female to beat in the Europe Region.

4th place finisher at the 2011 CrossFit Games, Samantha Briggs will return to competition this year, after injuring her knee in 2012 and will add depth to the division.

Others to watch out for include teenager Katrin Davidsdottir (2nd at 2012 Regionals) and Thuridur Erla Helgadottir (3rd at 2012 Regionals).

2012 Regional Results:

1. Annie Thorisdottir
2. Katrin Davidsdottir
3. Thuridur Helgadottir

Team

After their 23rd place finish at the 2012 CrossFit Games, Team Butchers Lab deserve to be favourites to win this year’s Regional title.

The Danish team finished 3rd at the 2012 Regionals, but showed last year they are able to perform on the big stage.

Last year’s Regional champions CrossFit Reykjavik will also be hard to beat, after winning five of the six events at last year’s European event.

Other teams to watch out for include CrossFit Sport (2nd at 2012 Regionals) and Team Butchers Garage (4th at 2012 Regionals).

2012 Regional Results:

1. CrossFit Reykjavik
2. CrossFit Sport
3. Team Butchers Lab