Watching 27 Teens brave six scored Events was better than any Superbowl and more memorable than any blockbuster.
The Brand X Varsity Teen Gauntlet takes place at CrossFit affiliates all over the country. Once each and every athlete is assessed for safety and ability, they’re placed in a division and released like hungry lions to the hunt.
“I wish I could have done this at this age,” spectator Julie Berning said.
This year, The Gauntlet tested skill with free standing handstand holds and double-unders, speed and staying power with a 40-yard dash and 800-meter run combined, and experience with two classic couplets.
Athletes, some unable to drive a car, others nearly finishing high school, were examples to be proud of with competitive attitudes to applaud and emulate.
“The teens who finished first quietly moved over to the teens still going to offer words of encouragement,” CrossFitter and parent Kim McGuirk said. “No one asked them to do it, the teens know that in this setting no one leaves the floor until everyone is done.”
Throughout the entire day long Event, no-one was given a pass as no-reps dropped like beads of sweat. Without complaint, every competitor accepted their correction and kept moving. They weren’t interested in sketchy standards or gifts, they wanted to do their best and they wanted to be tested.
“Despite our age, the Gauntlet gives no mercy to the youth,” second place Varsity athlete, Presley Cruz said. “The Gauntlet is good at keeping their events varied and not giving certain athletes a better advantage.”
Cruz’s brother Garon, Gauntlet Junior Varsity competitor, agrees and adds that the Teen athletes of today may be the CrossFit champions of tomorrow.
“I think it is a pretty good predictor for the future of CrossFit because it allows people to see the younger generation in action and how some of the athletes can have a chance at going to regionals or even the games,” he said.
No one knows exactly where CrossFit will be in the years to come, but we’re positive that with Teens like this manning our next generation, it’s only going to get better.
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Warm-up:
Coaches choice
Strength:
5-Back Squat AHAP
10-Supine rows
*Alternating OTM for 10 Minutes
For score:
“Fight Gone Bad”
Compare here
Wall ball
Box Jumps 20/24
SDHP 55/75
Push Press 55/75
Burpees
3 Rounds
*One minute at each station for max reps. Recover one minute between rounds.
Auxiliary:
Roll something before it hurts too much to roll it.
Extended:
Snatch
*Stall at the knee, work up for 15 minutes.
Level 1
Strength:
Deadlift
5×5
Work up for 15 minutes with perfect form.
For time:
50-Wall-ball
50-Sit-ups
50-Push-ups
Auxiliary:
Shoulder mobility.
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