CrossFit athletes withdrawing from the 2025 season have amassed remarkable achievements: 42 Games appearances, 33 Games event wins, 11 podium finishes, and two championships.
Several elite athletes have decided to skip the 2025 CrossFit Games. Annie Thorisdottir’s absence marks her first time missing the Open since it began. Patrick Vellner, a decorated athlete with nine CrossFit Games appearances and five medals, will also step away from the competition. These athletes plan to focus on other competitive fitness events.
Notable athletes opting out (so far):
- Annie Thorisdottir
- Patrick Vellner
- Chandler Smith
- Elisa Fuliano
- Emma Tall
- Emma McQuaid
- Luka Ðukić
- Jelle Hoste
- Emma Lawson
- Jack Farlow
Annie Thorisdottir
Annie Thorisdottir, CrossFit’s prominent figure and two-time CrossFit Games champion, has made the most important decision about her 2025 season participation. She announced her withdrawal during a Buttery Bros interview, ending her decade-long consistent presence in the sport.
Reasons for Withdrawal
Deep concerns about CrossFit’s handling of recent events drove Thorisdottir’s decision. This historic moment marks the first time she won’t compete in the Open since its 2009 inception.
The veteran athlete described CrossFit as “half her life”. Notwithstanding that, her moral convictions pushed her to take this unprecedented step. The tragic passing of Lazar Đukić during last year’s CrossFit Games swimming competition stands as her biggest concern.
Thorisdottir’s disappointment runs deeper than the tragedy’s immediate circumstances. CrossFit HQ’s subsequent actions left her deeply unsatisfied. “I feel very, very disappointed in how they have handled everything and what happened. More, how they’ve handled it going forward is even more disappointing and devastating”.
The athlete remains committed to the broader CrossFit community despite withdrawing from competitions. She plans to continue workouts at her gym. Her decision stays personal, and she won’t judge other athletes who compete in the 2025 season.
The athlete’s position highlights serious concerns about organizational accountability. She believes CrossFit HQ expects that “time will just make you forget”. She firmly refuses to let these problems fade from memory.
Her stance sparks a broader discussion about athlete safety and organizational responsibility. She explained during the interview, “Everyone needs to make a decision for themselves… The way that everything has been handled has just not been ok for me; therefore, I’m making this choice”.
This withdrawal means more than an athlete skipping competition. A respected CrossFit figure takes a principled stand. She highlights systemic problems with athlete safety and organizational accountability. Her actions show that supporting a community sometimes requires stepping back when core values become compromised.
Patrick Vellner
Nine-time CrossFit Games athlete and five-time medalist Pat Vellner won’t compete in the 2025 CrossFit Games season. This decision comes after ten consecutive years of qualifying for the CrossFit Games.
Reasons for Withdrawal
Safety concerns and leadership issues drove Vellner’s decision to step away. He wants to spark real changes in the sport.
The death of fellow athlete Lazar Đukić in 2024 played a big part in Vellner’s choice. He pointed out that while many things led to this tragedy, the CrossFit Games team’s leadership decisions were a major factor.
Vellner felt frustrated by CrossFit Inc.’s poor handling of safety issues. “For years I’ve committed an enormous amount of time, energy, and passion to the CrossFit Games season, but it has become increasingly difficult to justify that commitment”.
Vellner wants these vital changes:
- An independent safety council with real power
- Better two-way talks between athletes and leaders
- More focus on athlete safety and well-being
Though he’s skipping the CrossFit Games season, Vellner will stay active in the sport. His focus shifts to other competitions throughout the year:
- World Fitness Project (WFP)
- TYR Wodapalooza events
- Rogue Invitational
Athletes planning to compete in both CrossFit Games and WFP seasons should watch out for physical strain. Three major events – The 2025 Rogue Invitational, TYR Wodapalooza SoCal, and WFP Tour Event 2 happen between the CrossFit Games and WFP Finals.
Vellner shared his thoughts with the CrossFit community on Instagram: “This fitness community has truly changed my life; through it I have made friends, gained opportunities, built community and maintained a level of physical fitness I’m extremely proud of”.
His choice shows deeper problems with athlete safety and organizational response. “The current mechanisms for athlete input don’t seem to carry any real weight, and we need the concerns of athletes to be a top priority”. The sport needs big changes in safety protocols and leadership accountability.
This withdrawal means more than one athlete’s choice – it sends a message about needed changes in CrossFit’s competitive structure. As Vellner stated, “Sometimes, the best way to push for change is to take action, and this year I’m taking a stand by voting with my feet”.
Chandler Smith
CrossFit Games veteran and fan-favorite athlete Chandler Smith announced his withdrawal from the 2025 CrossFit Games season through social media. Smith’s decision comes after ten years of competing in the CrossFit Open, marking a turning point in his athletic journey.
Reasons for Withdrawal
Smith’s decision stems from his concerns about CrossFit as an organization. He believes three significant aspects need immediate attention:
- Athlete safety protocols
- Competition structure
- Overall fairness in the sport
Smith made it clear in his announcement that he still respects CrossFit’s methodology and community. His stance comes from the brand’s lack of action to address athlete concerns about competition floor dynamics.
The athlete’s viewpoint on organizational change played a vital role in his decision. Smith managed to keep hope throughout his career that he could spark positive changes within the sport. His ground experiences showed him that athletes might not get the value they deserve from the organization.
Smith’s announcement gained more significance after the tragic events with Lazar Đukić. This whole ordeal shaped his viewpoint on how the organization handles critical situations. His statement showed broader disappointment with CrossFit’s response to athlete concerns and safety issues.
Smith will now channel his competitive energy into other fitness platforms. He and his wife Jessi Smith, a two-time CrossFit Games team athlete, plan to compete in the World Fitness Project (WFP) and HYROX competitions.
His decision appeals to his steadfast dedication to using competition as a catalyst for progress and growth, both personally and for the fitness community. Smith sees his withdrawal as a constructive protest that challenges the CrossFit community to welcome its commitment to continuous improvement.
Though stepping away from the 2025 season, Smith backs athletes who choose to compete. He arranges with the Professional Fitness Athletes’ Association (PFAA) and promises support for those continuing in the Games season.
Smith’s competitive achievements highlight his withdrawal’s impact. His record shows:
- Four CrossFit Games appearances
- A career-best finish of 20th place in 2022
- Consistent presence in the sport’s elite ranks
His exit from the 2025 season means more than one athlete’s choice. It represents a broader call for organizational accountability and athlete-focused improvements in the CrossFit ecosystem.
Emma McQuaid
Emma McQuaid, a six-time CrossFit Games athlete, announced her withdrawal from the upcoming season through a powerful Instagram post. The Irish athlete has dominated as the fittest woman in her country for six consecutive years. She didn’t hold back her frustrations about CrossFit’s current state.
Reasons for Withdrawal
Several concerns about CrossFit’s organizational practices led to McQuaid’s decision. She shared her thoughts by reposting content from Luka Đukić on her Instagram story and added her own sharp critique of how the organization treats its athletes. Her statement pointed out these major issues:
- Season structure keeps changing
- Athletes’ safety takes a back seat
- Organization doesn’t address concerns properly
McQuaid’s announcement came right after CrossFit wrapped up its third-party investigation into the tragic events of the 2024 Games. She expressed her disappointment that CrossFit wouldn’t make the full report public, citing “privacy and legal considerations”.
Signs of McQuaid’s possible exit first showed up during her chat with Pedro from Coffee Pods & Wods. She talked about stepping away from the sport, which suggests recent events weren’t the only reason behind her decision.
Her announcement’s timing proved crucial as other top athletes had already stepped away. She called out ongoing problems within CrossFit’s structure and stated that the organization “will NEVER change” and would “continue to do whatever they want when they want”.
McQuaid’s criticism runs deep into CrossFit’s competitive framework. She highlighted how the organization changes its season format yearly without asking athletes or thinking about their safety. Her words show a growing gap between CrossFit’s leaders and competitive athletes.
Athletes now look toward other fitness competitions such as:
- World Fitness Project
- Rogue Invitational
- TYR Wodapalooza
- HYROX
McQuaid’s 34 years of competitive experience adds weight to her criticisms. Her exit means more than just one athlete leaving – it shows the mounting worries about how CrossFit runs things and treats its athletes.
Her stance matches a growing movement of CrossFit competitors who want better safety measures and accountability. This decision highlights how recent events could reshape competitive fitness’s future.
Emma Tall
Swedish powerhouse Emma Tall made waves when she announced her withdrawal from the 2025 CrossFit Games season during The Athlete Zone Podcast. A competitive swimmer for ten years, Emma’s CrossFit career saw her rise from 228th worldwide in 2018 to an impressive 43rd position by 2023.
Reasons for Withdrawal
Emma’s decision came largely from her concerns about the Professional Fitness Athletes Association (PFAA). She made it clear that her choice “definitely has to do with the response to the PFAA”. This stance points to deeper problems in the competitive CrossFit world.
Emma’s competitive record shows remarkable achievements. She qualified for Regionals in her first Open after switching from swimming to CrossFit in 2016. Her talent shone through when she earned her first CrossFit Games spot in 2019, landing 31st place. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the 2020 season, but she bounced back to claim 19th place in 2021.
The 2023 CrossFit Games became Emma’s breakthrough moment with several achievements:
- She won her first test by completing the Alpaca Redux under 16 minutes
- The 2022 Madrid Championship victory was hers
- She ranked 3rd in Europe
Emma’s career took an unexpected turn at the 2024 CrossFit Games. She started strong with 4th place in the first event and 5th in the second. The whole ordeal surrounding fellow competitor Lazar Đukić’s tragic incident at Marine Creek Lake led to her withdrawal from competition.
Looking ahead, Emma hasn’t ruled out other competitions. “If my lat is good enough, I will do TYR Wodapalooza in January,” she shared during the podcast interview. Her choice reflects how elite athletes now look to alternative competitive platforms.
Emma’s announcement timing matters deeply within the context of athlete withdrawals from the 2025 season. Her decision, among other prominent athletes, expresses growing concerns about organizational responses to athlete welfare and safety protocols.
Emma’s CrossFit career showed steady growth and deep commitment to the sport. Her path from competitive swimming to elite CrossFit athlete shows how diverse roads can lead to success in functional fitness. Yet her withdrawal adds weight to ongoing talks about athlete representation and organizational accountability in the sport.
Her stance connects with wider concerns that fellow competitors have raised about CrossFit HQ’s approach to athlete safety and welfare. Emma’s principle-based decision, rather than performance-driven, adds another strong voice to the growing calls for change in competitive CrossFit.
Jelle Hoste
Belgian athlete Jelle Hoste, who ended up with a remarkable 10th place finish as a rookie at the CrossFit Games, shared his decision to step away from the 2025 CrossFit Games season through a heartfelt statement on Instagram.
Reasons for Withdrawal
The two-time CrossFit Games athlete based his decision on deep concerns about accountability and transparency in the sport. Hoste, a member of the PFAA’s Athlete Board, stressed how athletes must have proper representation and meaningful dialog when making decisions.
Hoste looked back at his CrossFit trip: “For years, my goal was simple: become a CrossFit Games athlete. I was inspired by those who came before me, pushed my limits to stand among them, and ultimately achieved what once seemed impossible”.
His career path showed steadfast dedication. Hoste made tough choices before stepping away. He left his IT consulting career in 2024 to focus on training and increased his sleep from six to almost ten hours each night.
His choice to withdraw comes down to three main points:
- Safety protocols and athlete welfare
- Organizational transparency
- Clear competition standards
Hoste spoke about the tragic loss of fellow athlete Lazar Đukić and called it “a tragedy that was completely avoidable”. This whole ordeal changed his view on CrossFit’s organizational accountability.
The Belgian athlete still plans to compete, just in different arenas. He will focus his energy on:
- World Fitness Project
- Rogue Invitational
His position on athlete advocacy stays strong: “I believe in a future where athletes have a voice and where that voice truly matters”. This view shows his dedication to encouraging positive change in competitive fitness.
His background in training adds credibility to his decision. Hoste managed to keep a demanding schedule before going all-in on CrossFit. He balanced eight-hour workdays with intense training sessions. This gave him a unique understanding of what professional athletes face daily.
Hoste spoke to the broader CrossFit community with respect: “I love this community and I respect every athlete’s journey, no matter which direction they choose”. He emphasized that competing matters, but speaking up during tough times carries equal weight.
His announcement comes as more people discuss athlete safety and organizational responsibility. His role on the PFAA’s Athlete Board adds weight to his concerns about accountability and transparency.
Hoste shows through his withdrawal that “Silence doesn’t drive change – action does”. His choice means more than a personal decision – it stands as a call to reform organizations and boost athlete representation in competitive fitness.
Elisa Fuliano
CrossFit Games veteran Elisa Fuliano announced on Instagram her decision to step away from the 2025 CrossFit season. The Italian athlete’s choice marks a transformation in her competitive experience that comes after years of dedication to the sport.
Reasons for Withdrawal
Fuliano spent months reflecting on her future in competitive CrossFit. She reviewed countless scenarios and considered many implications before making her final decision.
The tragic events at the 2024 CrossFit Games deeply influenced her choice. She withdrew from the competition right after Lazar Đukić’s passing during Event 1, and expressed deep concerns about how the organization handled the situation.
Her candid Instagram statement highlighted several vital factors behind her decision:
- Inadequate safety measures implemented by the organization
- Lack of accountability from leadership
- The organization’s prolonged silence following the tragedy
- Disconnect between stated transparency and actual actions
Fuliano has worked with a sports psychologist since September 2024. She focused on finding the pure joy of competition without qualification pressure. This therapeutic experience helped shape her view toward competitive fitness.
She plans to stay active in the competitive fitness scene through different channels. Her schedule includes two European In-Person Qualifying Events:
- Wodland Fest
- French Throwdown
She made it clear that these events won’t be about qualifying for the CrossFit Games. This approach matches her goal to compete purely for enjoyment, without qualification pressures.
Her stance on the World Fitness Project (WFP) adds context to her 2025 competitive plans. She won’t join the WFP’s inaugural season because she wasn’t selected among the 20 “Pro” athletes.
Fuliano’s decision deeply appeals to her personal values and mental well-being. She stated, “This is the decision that makes me feel good. It makes me happy, light, and motivated, and it 100% aligns with my values”. Her withdrawal means more than just an athletic choice – it shows her stand on organizational accountability and athlete welfare in competitive fitness.
Luka Ðukić
Serbian athlete Luka Ðukić’s decision to step away from the 2025 CrossFit season carries deep emotional weight after his brother Lazar’s tragic death at the 2024 CrossFit Games.
Reasons for Withdrawal
Ðukić posted a powerful message on social media that sharply criticized CrossFit’s organizational practices. His message struck a chord with the fitness community as he asked followers to “think carefully” about Open registration and affiliate fees. He called CrossFit LLC “a company that does not value human life”.
His decision came from seeing the organization’s failures firsthand. The video footage of his brother’s final moments showed serious gaps in safety measures. Ðukić pointed out that “there were no attempts to save Lazar.” He saw his brother struggling near “two very unequipped volunteers on the paddleboard who didn’t see him”.
A key moment with CrossFit’s competition director Dave Castro strengthened Ðukić’s resolve. Castro suggested continuing the Games as a tribute, but Ðukić felt uneasy about making choices while grieving. Castro’s words – “It’s not up to you anyways” – highlighted how the organization dismissed athlete concerns.
Despite personal loss, Ðukić showed incredible strength. He spent time helping his parents cope with their shared grief. The gym became his sanctuary later, and he admitted he “wasn’t really myself without being in the gym”.
He found success in other competitions:
- Belgrade Games
- Dubai Fitness Championship (where he won)
These wins brought mixed feelings. After his Dubai victory, Ðukić shared, “The biggest thing that I want will never come to me and that’s the hardest thing to accept”.
His criticism went beyond personal loss to expose deeper problems in CrossFit’s structure. Ðukić stated clearly that “no investigation can reveal anything other than the fact that there was no reaction when it was needed”. This highlighted his concerns about the organization’s responsibility and athlete safety.
Through this difficult time, Ðukić managed to keep respect for other athletes’ decisions about competing. His withdrawal stands as more than just protest – it calls for real change in CrossFit’s approach to athlete safety and transparency.
Emma Lawson
Emma Lawson, a rising star in CrossFit, has pulled out of the 2025 CrossFit Open because of a stubborn back injury. Her decision ends what would have been her seventh straight Open appearance.
Reasons for Withdrawal
Lawson’s choice stands out from other athletes who quit due to organizational issues. She wants to protect her athletic career for the long run. She shared through an Instagram story that her back problems could hurt her chances throughout the season.
This young athlete took a smart look at her competitive future. “This would have been my 7th year signing up for the Open, but unfortunately a nagging injury is going to prevent me from being able to give it my best effort without putting the rest of my season at risk”.
Lawson’s competitive schedule needs major changes now:
- She might skip the Mayhem Classic in early April
- Her focus moves to World Fitness Project (WFP) Tour Event 1 in May
- She plans to compete in other events not yet announced
Other elite athletes have backed out too, but Lawson’s reason makes her case different. She puts her health first instead of rushing into immediate competitions.
Right now, Lawson focuses on getting better and planning ahead. “I know the right decision for me is to take the time my body needs to heal,” she said, showing her steadfast dedication to a lasting competitive career.
Lawson handles competitive pressure with remarkable wisdom. She tackles her back problems head-on and sets herself up nicely for upcoming fitness events beyond the regular CrossFit season.
This break from competition shows how smart athletes think about their future. Lawson proves that athletes must speak up and take care of themselves to have successful careers.
Jack Farlow
Jack Farlow, a biomedical engineering student at the University of Waterloo, announced his withdrawal from the 2025 CrossFit Open through an Instagram post. His decision follows an impressive showing at TYR Wodapalooza, where he landed eighth place with four top-10 finishes.
Reasons for Withdrawal
The 22-year-old athlete can’t balance his academic commitments with an intense competition schedule. His full-time studies clash with three major competitions scheduled for May.
Farlow’s competitive record boasts remarkable achievements. He won the Olympic Total event at the 2023 CrossFit Games by 21 pounds. This rookie year victory helped him end up in 27th place overall.
2024 brought mixed results for Farlow. He showed exceptional strength at TYR Wodapalooza by securing second place in the ‘Worth the Weight’ event, with only Gui Malheiros ahead. His path to the Games hit a snag when he placed 17th in the North America East Semifinal.
Farlow takes a smart approach to picking his competitions. “I’m picking and choosing what I compete in based on what excites me the most and what I think sets me up best for next year,” he said. His top-7 finish at the 2024 TYR Wodapalooza Miami guarantees his spot in future events.
Farlow’s announcement came at the same time as his girlfriend, Emma Lawson. While Lawson withdrew due to injury concerns, Farlow stepped back to focus on his studies.
His dedication to both education and athletics shows the complex life of modern athletes. Farlow’s focus on his biomedical engineering degree at the University of Waterloo proves that success goes beyond competition results.
Final Words
Top athletes pulling out of the 2025 CrossFit Games marks a turning point in competitive fitness. These athletes raised serious questions about organizational accountability and safety. Their combined record speaks volumes – 42 Games appearances, 33 Games event wins, 11 podium finishes, and two championships. Each athlete made this choice based on these reasons:
- Annie Thorisdottir: Showed her disappointment with CrossFit’s response to Lazar Đukić’s whole ordeal
- Patrick Vellner: Asked for better safety protocols and communication between athletes and leadership
- Chandler Smith: Pointed out issues with competition structure and fairness
- Emma McQuaid: Raised questions about CrossFit’s transparency and athlete welfare
- Emma Tall: Supported Professional Fitness Athletes Association (PFAA) concerns
- Jelle Hoste: Pushed for more athlete input in key decisions
- Elisa Fuliano: Put her mental health and competition enjoyment first
- Luka Đukić: Stepped away after his brother’s tragic death at the 2024 Games
- Emma Lawson: Took a break to deal with back injury issues
- Jack Farlow: Needed time to balance school and competition
Some athletes now focus on other competitions like the World Fitness Project and Rogue Invitational. Others stress the need to make basic changes in CrossFit’s competition system. Their united stand proves that real change needs bold steps. Each athlete chose a different path, but together they highlight the need to protect athletes, communicate clearly, and run competitions responsibly.
2025 CrossFit Games: FAQs
Q1. Which prominent athletes have withdrawn from the 2025 CrossFit Games? Several top athletes have announced their withdrawal, including Annie Thorisdottir, Patrick Vellner, Chandler Smith, Emma McQuaid, Emma Tall, Jelle Hoste, Elisa Fuliano, Luka Đukić, Emma Lawson, and Jack Farlow.
Q2. What are the main reasons athletes are choosing not to participate in the 2025 CrossFit season? The primary reasons include concerns about athlete safety, dissatisfaction with CrossFit’s organizational practices, lack of transparency, and the need for improved communication between athletes and leadership. Some athletes are also prioritizing their health, academic commitments, or exploring alternative competitive platforms.
Q3. How might these withdrawals impact the CrossFit Games and the sport overall? These withdrawals could significantly affect the competitive landscape of the CrossFit Games, potentially leading to decreased viewership and sponsorship. It may also prompt CrossFit to reevaluate its practices and policies regarding athlete safety and organizational transparency.
Q4. Are there alternative competitions that athletes are considering instead of the 2025 CrossFit Games? Yes, many athletes are redirecting their focus to other fitness competitions such as the World Fitness Project, Rogue Invitational, TYR Wodapalooza, and HYROX events. These platforms offer different competitive structures and may align better with some athletes’ current priorities.
Q5. How has the tragic incident at the 2024 CrossFit Games influenced athletes’ decisions? The passing of Lazar Đukić during the 2024 Games has deeply impacted the CrossFit community. Many athletes cite CrossFit’s handling of this tragedy and subsequent lack of transparency as key factors in their decision to withdraw from the 2025 season, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures and organizational accountability.