One in all these women could ascend to the throne in Toomey’s absence.
Because the history books say, any time a dynasty ends, there might be a struggle to fill within the tremendous power vacuum. After a dominant reign as a six-time Fittest Woman on Earth®, Tia-Clair Toomey is not going to be defending her title in August’s 2023 CrossFit Games. The athlete has not retired and may perhaps return to prominence soon enough post-pregnancy, but for at the very least one edition of the Games, her throne might be vacant. That brings to mind a matter about who can climb the mountain.
Because the 2023 Games, here’s a breakdown of 5 potential contenders for the Women’s Individual title. Toomey leaves behind sizable shoes to fill, but one in every of these athletes could prove quite capable soon enough.
Potential 2023 CrossFit Games Women’s Individual Contenders
Simply because Toomey won’t be a fixture at the newest iteration of CrossFit’s flagship contest doesn’t mean there aren’t worthy competitors waiting within the wings. Here’s a brief profile and rundown of just a few to think about.
Laura Horvath (Hungary)
- Best finish: Runner-up (2018, 2021)
- Games debut: 2018
Horvath has had a comparatively consistent place amongst CrossFit’s elite because the moment she began competing in Madison, WI. Now entering her seventh edition of the Games, some might consider the 2022 podium finisher the general Women’s favorite with the absence of each Toomey and Mal O’Brien. After a third-place end in the 2023 Europe Semifinal and a second-overall finish within the Quarterfinal, Horvath seems primed to finally break through after three podium finishes (2018, 2021-2022).
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Annie Thorisdottir (Iceland)
- Best finish: Champion (2011-2012)
- Debut: 2009
A living CrossFit legend, it’s been a protracted time since Thorisdottir stood on top of the game. A former two-time Women’s Individual champion (2011-2012), injuries and a pregnancy halted much of Thorisdottir’s progress in the game through the middle of last decade. Nevertheless, lately, “Iceland Annie” has began to regain her form. After missing the cut in 2019 and 2020, Thorisdottir got here in third in 2021 and ventured into Teams competition in 2022, where she placed fourth because the Captain of Team CrossFit Reykjavik. Today, the 33-year-old might be considered more of a dark horse as she returns to Individual competition.
Though, not many “dark horses” have already got two championship titles and two runner-up placings to their name.
Emma Lawson (Canada)
- Best finish: Sixth place (2022)
- Debut: 2022
At just 18 years old, Lawson approaches CrossFit competition like a seasoned veteran. The 2022 CrossFit Rookie of the 12 months and 2021 Games champion within the Girls (16-17) division, Lawson stormed to sixth place in her Women’s division debut. Normally, potential Games champions have a bit more experience before they finally break through on the most important stage. Nevertheless, with much of the Women’s division in apparent flux, that would play to Lawson’s advantage as an exceptionally young and brilliant possible first-time winner.
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Arielle Loewen (United States)
- Best finish: eleventh place (2022)
- Debut: 2021
Loewen is one other top contender who will surely qualify more naturally under a dark horse or “surprise” label. Unlike other prospective winners, Loewen doesn’t have a big-name trophy distinction and arguably has less of a high-profile resume overall, never having broken into the top-10. That said, a third-place finish within the North America West Semifinal and third-place overall worldwide end in the Quarterfinal paints the image of an athlete prepared to skyrocket. Her third Games appearance in 2023 is perhaps that momentous opportunity.
Gabriela Migała (Poland)
- Best finish: Sixth place (2021)
- Debut: 2019
An experienced Games veteran, Migała has seemingly only improved since first entering the Women’s division at the top of last decade after reaching the rostrum in 2016 within the Girls (16-17) division. For somebody who has never even earned a podium finish within the Women’s contest, Migała’s repute almost precedes her. She’s trained with World’s Strongest Man Hafthor Björnsson, and appears to be an athlete waiting for that one final springboard. Notably, either Migała or Horvath can be the primary Eastern-European Individual champion in your complete contest’s history.
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There’s lots to be decided for Individual Women’s competitors within the 2023 CrossFit Games. When all is alleged and done, one in every of these women is perhaps the subsequent queen of CrossFit.
Featured image: @laurahorvaht on Instagram