2014 CrossFit Regionals: North Central Preview

The 2014 North Central Regional takes place this weekend (May 9-11) in Chicago Ill.

Here’s a quick preview of the Region and a closer look at the top female and male athletes competing in the three day competition:

Men

Kyle Kasperbauer is the stand out performer in the men’s Division, having claimed the Regional title for the past two years. The 3rd place finisher at the 2012 CrossFit Games accepted his individual invite this year after finishing the Open in 11th place.

Justin Allen, who has claimed podium finishes at the past two North Central Regionals, will provide some tough competition, as will Alex Nettey (3rd place last year).

Youngster Bobby Noyce is the top qualifier in the Region, and will go into the weekend as the ‘smoky’ in the field. The 25 year-old finished the Open in 3rd place last year but didn’t compete in the Regional. He’s sure to provide some tough competition for the veterans like Kasperbauer, Allen and Phillip Kniep.

Other names to look out for include Joshua Page, Sam Dancer and Jared Stevens (4th place last year).

2013 Regional Results:

1. Kyle Kasperbauer
2. Justin Allen
3. Alex Nettey

Women

The Women’s division in the North Central Region is arguably one of the toughest in the world. In the past two years all three female qualifiers have finished in the top 21 at the CrossFit Games.

10th place finisher at the 2013 Games, Elisabeth Akinwale, remains the woman to beat after claiming the past two Regional titles, however she has some tough competition from Games veteran Stacie Tovar who has finished runner-up two years in a row.

The big out this year is Deborah Cordner Carson who is pregnant and taking the year off. With the 2012 CrossFit Games Spirit of the Games winner not competing, the window is open for a new female competitor to make a name for herself.

Kelley Jackson, who has finished 5th and 6th at the past two North Central Regionals, is the top qualifier and will be one of the favourites to qualify for the Games.

2013 Regional Results:

1. Elisabeth Akinwale
2. Stacie Tovar
3. Deborah Cordner Carson

Predictions

Male Champion – Kyle Kasperbauer

Female Champion – Stacie Tovar

Team Winner – CrossFit Kilo

Surprise Packet – Bobby Noyce