Behind the Scenes: Part 8

Join Sevan Matossian as he captures the athletes, judges, spectators and staff, providing a look at what goes on before, during and after the events of the 2011 Reebok CrossFit Games.

In Part 8, the final series of three workouts is getting underway. Beforehand, men’s leader Rich Froning sits in the same place he did last year at the same time. However, in 2010 he finished second after a disappointing final workout. This year he is determined.

“I just want to crush it. I just want to leave no doubt,” he says.

After taking the win, Annie Thorisdottir is emotional backstage. She’s overjoyed to be the Fittest Woman on Earth, and she’s smiling, as always.

“It couldn’t have gone better. I’m so stoked about it,” she says.

Defending Games champion Graham Holmberg placed first, second and fourth on the final three workouts and finished fourth overall.

“At the CrossFit Games and at the competitive level that this sport is getting to, you can’t have any mistakes early in the weekend,” he says.

“It was a fun, fun weekend,“ he continues, ”and I think the guy that was deserving of the title is gonna be standing on the podium, right where he should be. Rich had a heck of a weekend, had a heck of a year training, and I’m happy for him.”

After crowning new champs and putting on a great event that was broadcast on ESPN3.com, Games organizers have a moment to reflect on the 2011 Games.

“It’s fun. It’s very fun. It’s stressful. It’s so much tension, so many moments, so many highs and lows, and it’s so rewarding at the end,” CrossFit Games Director Dave Castro says in summary.

43min 16sec

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Additional reading: Fittest on Earth.