Personal reasons will keep O’Brien for pursuing her first Individual CrossFit Games title.
CrossFit superstar Mal O’Brien has withdrawn from the 2023 CrossFit Semifinals, set to happen from May 18 to Jun. 4, 2023. In an Instagram post on May 16, 2023, O’Brien announced that she’s going to temporarily step away from the game, citing “personal challenges” that she must deal with. As such, she’s going to not take part in August’s 2023 CrossFit Games. The Semifinals are a essential qualifier for all participating athletes to earn a berth within the annual Games.
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Because the 2023 CrossFit Games approached, O’Brien was one in every of the presumed top contenders for the Women’s Individual title. After former six-time defending champion (2016-2022) Tia-Clair Toomey stepped away during her pregnancy together with her first child, O’Brien — the youngest-ever person to win the CrossFit Open (2022), the runner-up through the 2022 edition of the Games, and the 2021 Rookie of the Yr — gave the impression of a lock to vie for the 2023 victory.
As a substitute, the athlete will first work to seek out a healthy life balance for those mentioned, yet undisclosed, personal reasons.
“Sometimes, we face personal challenges that demand our attention and care,” O’Brien wrote in her Instagram post. “It’s vital to prioritize our well-being and embrace the support of family members … Remember, life isn’t nearly winning trophies or achieving goals. It’s about finding balance, taking good care of ourselves, and cherishing the moments that really matter. I’ll be taking this time to give attention to what’s vital to me, and I appreciate your understanding during this era. I wish the most effective of luck to my teammates and competitors.”
O’Brien steps away from the 2023 CrossFit season after winning the 2023 CrossFit Open and leading all Women competitors following the 2023 CrossFit Quarterfinals. Her departure leaves a possible opening for other top contenders like Laura Horvath, Arielle Loewen, and Emma Lawson.
Horvath was the winner of the 2022 CrossFit Rogue Invitational and took home third place for the Women within the 2022 CrossFit Games. Perhaps more of an up-and-comer, Loewen finished in third within the 2023 CrossFit Quarterfinals. Meanwhile, then-17-year-old Lawson was the 2022 CrossFit Rookie of the Yr and enjoyed a sixth-place end in her CrossFit Games debut in 2022. With a longtime heavyweight like O’Brien out of the image, the Women’s Individual field seems wide open at a look.
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For close observers of the game, O’Brien’s withdrawal while on the potential precipice of a primary CrossFit Games title might come as a shock. Nonetheless, sometimes there are more significant and vital things in life than athletic competition. Even when the athlete won’t be a consider the 2023 CrossFit Games, this can likely not be the last instance anyone sees of her in CrossFit.
Featured image: @malobrien_ on Instagram