Within the greater CrossFit pantheon, Wealthy Froning Jr.’s resume is essentially unassailable. After an Individual profession where he captured 4 Men’s CrossFit Games titles, Froning Jr. transitioned to a successful Teams profession where he led six consecutive squads to championships. With all his accomplishments in mind, the living legend is prepared for something recent.
During an Oct. 25, 2022, episode of The Sevan Podcast, Froning Jr. announced that he plans to retire from the CrossFit Teams division. The 35-year-old noted that he enjoyed his run at the top of Team Mayhem Freedom — essentially the most successful Team in CrossFit Games history — but is now planning for the longer term.
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Froning Jr. won’t be calling it quits eternally. While he’s putting a bow on his major Individual and Teams profession, the athlete noted he might compete within the CrossFit Masters division in the longer term. (Note: He isn’t the primary long-time CrossFit competitor to announce plans to hold up his kettlebells in some fashion in October 2022.) For now, he appears to be settling right into a calmer life, away from the game and together with his family.
The athlete offered more clarity on what is perhaps in store for him in an Oct. 25 Instagram post.
“I’ve had an incredible profession so far as an Individual and on a Team,” Froning Jr. expressed. “Any further, whether I compete can be selected a year-to-year basis depending on what season of life we’re in and the way this old body feels.”
The competitor signed off with a word of thanks and appreciation for the greater CrossFit community.
“Thanks to our [CrossFit Mayhem] family and the remainder of the [CrossFit] community for lifting us up during competition, you guys are the very best fans in all of sports,” Froning Jr. wrote. “I’m sure I’ll see you all again on the ground sometime in the longer term, but until then … thanks!”
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When accounting for his Individual (4) and Teams victories (six), Froning Jr. is comfortably essentially the most decorated CrossFitter of all time. (Note: Only fellow CrossFit legend Mat Fraser has earned more Individual Men’s titles, with five.) Froning Jr. also possesses an impeccable record of consistency. Save for the 2020 CrossFit Games — where the Team competition was canceled as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic — the athlete finished, in some fashion, on every Games podium since 2010.
As he looks to a life without competitive CrossFit on his mind (for now), Froning Jr. leaves behind an indelible legacy. It’s the top of a memorable era for one in all the game’s most achieved greats.
Featured image: @richfroning on Instagram