CrossFit Regionals: Australia Day One Wrap

It’s been eight weeks since the CrossFit Open finished, and for the 120 athletes who qualified for the Australian CrossFit Regionals, the time has been spent training hard and preparing for the next stage.

Today that stage began in Wollongong, New South Wales.

There were a number of familiar faces returning this year. In the men’s division, Chris Hogan and Rob Forte will both be trying hard to earn spots to the Games again, while Jason Haywood has made the cut yet again.

Last year’s female Regional winner Amy Dracup returns after a 26th place finish in the Open, as does Amanda Allen who is not only recovering from a serious leg injury, but also a bad bout of the flu.

“Let’s just get this weekend over and done with it,” she joked as she walked into WIN Stadium.

At the same time there are a few faces that won’t be back in 2012. None bigger than CrossFit veteran Pat Barber, who has returned to North California after his short stint in New Zealand. However, his absence will only make it easier for the ever improving men’s division, with the opportunity for another local to take his qualifying place.

After two events the leaderboards are already starting to separate. In the men’s comp, dual Games competitor Rob Forte leads the field, with Brendon Swan second and last years Spirit of the games winner, Brendan Clarke, in third spot.

Chad Mckay, who finished 12th at the games in 2010, has shown he is over his injury problems, sitting in 5th place overall. Chris Hogan (9) and Kieran Hogan (4) are also on track to become the first brothers to qualify for the Games.

The big surprise in the women’s division is Amy Dracup. Last year’s Regional winner is in 7th place overall, after struggling in the first two events. Kara Gordon leads the field after setting a new world record in the second event, while Ruth Anderson Horrell and Denae Brown round out the top three. 41 year old Amanda Allen sits fourth overall.

As expected, Schwartzs CrossFit Melbourne lead the team event, with CrossFit Newcastle hot on their heels.

Here are how the leaderboards look after day one of the Aussie CrossFit Regionals:

Men:

Women:

Team: