2013 CrossFit Regionals: Central East Results

The best was saved for last during this year’s CrossFit Regionals.

Heading into the final weekend of Regional competitions, CrossFitters from around the world had their eyes firmly set on the Central East Region to watch a number of the world’s best athletes compete, including reigning CrossFit Games champion Rich Froning.

During the three days of competition, the two time Games champ did not disappoint, breaking three world records on his way to yet another Regional title!

Froning aside, there were plenty of other top CrossFit athletes competing over the weekend, including 2010 Games champion Graham Holmberb, Dan Bailey and Lindsey Smith in the women’s half. Froning’s CrossFit gym, CrossFit Mayhem also competed in the Team division.

With a number of top CrossFitters in all three divisions, including a former and current CrossFit Games champion, the Central East Regional was also going to full of highlights.

Here’s a closer look at each of the major divisions during the three days of competition:

Men

As expected, Rich Froning showed everyone in the world why he is still regarded as the fittest man on Earth with a dominant performance in the men’s half.

Froning won four of the seven Events, setting a world record on each of the three days of competition. He ended up finishing 15 points ahead of Scott Panchik, with training partner Dan Bailey a further two points behind in third.

Graham Holmberg was one point behind Bailey in fourth place and also receives an invite to the Games with a former Games winner (Froning) finishing inside the top three.

With Holmberg also being a former Games champion, Marcus Hendren will also be competing at the Games next month, securing fifth place after winning the final Event.

Nick Fory was the unlucky competitor, placing 6th overall, just one point outside the automatic qualification zone.

In the end, the same five male individuals who competed at the CrossFit Games last year will be returning to the Home Depot Center to compete in 2013.

Women

With 2012 Games runner-up Julie Foucher choosing not to compete in this year’s Regional, the door was open for a new face to claim the female’s crown.

After her 21st place finish at the Games last year, Lindsey Smith was one to watch over the weekend. However, despite winning the opening Event, she struggled in Event’s 5 and 6 to finish fourth overall, missing a berth at this year’s CrossFit Games.

Jennifer Smith, who was competing at her first Regional competition as an individual, claimed the overall honours, finishing three points ahead of Michelle Kinney. Lindy Wall claimed the final qualification spot, rounding out the top three.

Last year’s Games qualifier Heather Welsh finished seventh overall.

Team

The Team division had one of the best finishes at the Regional Competitions this year with four teams battling it out for three qualification spots for the CrossFit Games.

Heading into the final Event, just six points separated first and fourth place. That margin was reduced to just five at the end of the workout.

In the end, Rich Froning’s CrossFit Mayhem claimed the title in their first year competing at a Regional competition. Indy North Black won the final Event to claim second overall, with CrossFit New Albany rounding out the podium.