Opinion | CrossFit Games: Rich Froning’s Mayhem Freedom look to continue dynasty reign into new decade
- The CrossFit icon has switched seamlessly from the individual competitions to teams, showcasing his talent as both an athlete and manager
In 2015 the team competition was much different than what we’re used to today. Back then teams were composed of six members, three men and three women, as opposed to the four person format we have now. Additionally, all six of those members had to train at the same facility a majority of the time, and had to document training.
The 2015 version of Froning’s CrossFit Mayhem Freedom was much different from the juggernaut they are today. That team included James Hobart and Matt Hewett, in addition to Froning, while the women consisted of Kristin Reffett, Elly Kabboord and Lauren Neal. Neal was a masters athlete who ultimately saved the team because she was really the only other person available to complete the roster.
During the 2015 CrossFit Games, Mayhem Freedom were able to make an epic comeback for two reasons. One was a devastating injury to Miranda Oldroyd on NorCal CrossFit, who otherwise would have been the champions that year. And the second was Froning doing what Froning does best, which is dominate on the final day of competition like a true champion.
It was a bit ironic for Froning to have things break his way in his first year on a team, as opposed to his first year in individual competition in 2010 when things definitely did not break his way on the final day and he saw that initial title slip from his grasp.
