CrossFit isn't open to letting Dave Castro continue as Director of the Games, Jack Darling isn't open to getting a vaccine, Russia isn't open to not invading Ukraine and China isn't open to buying stuff from Australia. Butttt, WA is open (ing soon, maybe...?), Kayne is open to calling off the divorce, the Open is almost open AND the Open Close is back for a 2022 edition as we look to bring to you updates within the CrossFit Claremont Open scene.
Who could forget (and if you did you will be reminded) about last year? Green Faction swept all before them, winning every event. The remaining 4 teams battled for the podium with everyone being in contention coming into the final week.
The Open began with a team bonding session on Sunday with a boat cruise where there was an intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, synthesizing and/or evaluating information, or generated by - observation, experience, reflection, reasoning and communication.
Some brainstormed core values were cut down to a final list of 13. Sadly we lost 2 captains from last year. After Hannah refused to redo the week 2 workout which resulted in Red finishing equal last - she banished herself to the wildness of Tasmania. There was a recent sighting of her with some new camera technology they have just acquired over there, which the Premier was very excited to demonstrate.
The other photo she sent was "Nate" painted onto an ancient rock cave. Luckily for Hannah the message managed to make its way over here before BHP destroyed the site. Nate deciphered the message and knew it was now his time to transition from Red Team member to Red Team leader. Good luck!
Kat was kind enough to give a parting interview. "I'm no quitter, but I'm also a realist. After 3 years of proudly representing team Yellow, or Gold as I called it - I've decided to take an indefinite break to go away and try to build both my physical and leadership skills to hopefully come back to finally topple Jason and team Green. The pain of loss fades, but the pain of regret lingers and I walk away knowing I did all I could with the skills and people I had at the time".
The team at the Open Close wish Kat all the best for the future and hopefully, we see her again next year with the C armband on. Being 1 week after Valentine's day Monday was the perfect day to hold the draft. At the end of the proceedings, all team captains walked away feeling very confident with the squad they assembled. That confidence is misguided for all but one because as we know at the conclusion of the 3 week period there will be only one winner. Unless of course, all teams finish with equal placings, which is very much possible and all parties are winners!
The teams came out as Purple Faction: Liz (capt), Jen, Kim, Sarah, Tobey, Kate A, Marshall, Guy, Liam P, Christian L, Christian B, Ben C, Ervin, Liam D. Red Faction: Nate (capt), Rose, Amy, Brenda, Georgia, Mike W, Ryan K, Ryan M, Matt Bl, Brett, Stewart, Steven M, Noel. Blue Faction: Wacey (capt), Elyse, Ching, Greta, Claire D , Karen, Harry F, Shaun B, Conor B, Fergus, Damon, Duncan, Cam, Michael B. Green Faction: Jason (capt), Laura, Emily, Milla, Grace, Sienna, Adam L, Paul M, Quentin, Matt Bi, Cooper, David, Mitch H. Thing Gary heard: "Blood alone moves the wheels of history" - Liz. "I don't know too much about this Open thing, but it looks like it will be fun" - Mitch H. "I think they are going to repeat all 3 of last year's workouts" - Wacey. "I've got a feeling Liz is going to dye her hair purple" - Liam "Yep, I'm back to training 4-5 times a week, I'll be hitting the Open too" - Chris Loftus early January. "Let's hope Duncan can find some Blue shorts" - Tobey. "Tia wished me happy birthday, I told you we're friends!" - Kimmy It was great to see many people as early as Monday afternoon rocking their team colours. A reminder, your team will get a penalty if you don't wear a significant amount of team clothing of your faction colour to either Friday Night Lights or the Monday Open workout. It was also great to see non Open entrants such as Mel and Bobbie wearing green today along with people even from opposing factions such as Claire Davis wearing Green shorts too. On a serious note, a massive congratulations to those who registered for the Open. It's scary putting yourself out there for the world to see, and it can be a nerve-racking and intimidating feeling. But it's important to do hard things along with taking yourself outside your comfort zone. You will never feel "ready' or maybe at your peak but you will grow as a person. If you are intending on doing Friday Night Lights, please remember to put your name on the heat sheet at the front desk. See you there!
Catch up on previous Open Closes if you like here...
Enjoy the Gallery from 21.3/4 here.