Look again on the 12 months’s most gripping tales.
Final up to date on January 2nd, 2025
It’s change into one thing of an annual custom right here on the Morning Chalk As much as collect our workers for a roundup of their favourite tales of the 12 months — and, in fact, 2024 was no exception.
Beneath, every of our workers members picked one story they beloved from final 12 months and shared some perception into why it topped their private record. From neighborhood spotlights and stats-based deep dives to inspiring profiles and competitors outcomes, right here’s the very best of the very best, in keeping with our workers.
Joe Genetin-Pilawa, Managing Editor
Story: “Is There a Sophomore Slump at the CrossFit Games?” by Dave Charlton
By the 2024 season, Dave Charlton wrote some actually insightful, analytical tales, breaking down historic knowledge to offer a clearer take a look at some key questions within the sport. On this case, he charted the profession stats on the Video games from an athlete’s rookie season by their second 12 months.
Presenting knowledge in an easy-to-grasp and compelling approach is Dave’s expertise, so these stood out to me.
In one other story, he charted how many years it takes an athlete to make it to the Video games (in fact, that one included quite a lot of caveats and definitional questions.)
Emily Beers, Senior Author
Story: “My Hiller Challenge: Part 1, Endings and Beginnings” by Athena Perez
My favourite story of 2024 was Athena Perez’s multi-part collection known as “My Hiller Problem,” the place she documented her journey working with CrossFit YouTuber Andrew Hiller, who acted as her coach.
- Perez — the proprietor of Scaled Nation CrossFit, which caters to larger-bodied athletes — has struggled together with her weight her whole life. She even wrote a e-book about it just a few years in the past known as Lifting the Wait.
A proficient author, Perez is susceptible and relatable in how she tells her story concerning the unlikely partnership she created with the outspoken Hiller. Like all good collection, I discovered myself wanting ahead to the following half the second I completed studying every one.
Teaganne Finn, Senior Author
Story: “Affiliate of the Month: Rare Breed CrossFit Offers Fitness Home for LGBTQ+ Community in Kansas City” by Emily Beers
I selected this story written by Emily Beers, however actually, it’s your entire “Affiliate of the Month” collection that I’d like to spotlight.
- The CrossFit neighborhood has been by rather a lot this 12 months, and whereas adjustments appear to be occurring at a macro stage, the neighborhood is sticking collectively and persevering with to do what it does finest — health.
Emily’s tales are nice reminders of what CrossFit is and the way it continues to be a sport that brings folks collectively. Persons are on the market doing necessary and trustworthy work, and it’s such a pleasure to learn these affiliate tales every month.
Scotty Freymond, Employees Author
Story: “The 2024 Belgrade Games Wraps, Honors Lazar Ðukić” by Nicky Freymond
That is my favourite article of the 12 months, and it was not possible to learn with out tearing up.
Honoring such an exquisite human as Lazar is tough and emotional. Each Nicky and the Belgrade Video games did so extraordinarily nicely.
Julia Papworth, Employees Author
Story: “Organización de Amigos: Using Fitness to Help Oregon’s At-Risk Youth” by Nicky Freymond
Typically, as CrossFit athletes, we get caught up within the heavy lifts and aggressive elements of the game, however Nicky Freymond’s article introduced me again to what it’s all about – neighborhood and the way impactful CrossFit could be on populations that want it most.
In her piece, Nicky talks concerning the significance of getting at-risk youth into the health club to construct energy in physique and thoughts.
Dave Charlton, Employees Author
Story: “10 Moments That Made Us Smile at the 2024 CrossFit Games” by Scott Freymond
The lack of Lazar Ðukić on the CrossFit Video games was a tragedy we by no means thought potential. Watching from residence, I couldn’t think about the ache and sorrow athletes, coaches, media, and followers on website have been processing, given the vary of feelings I used to be feeling.
No matter your ideas on the continuation of the Video games, the present went on, and the athletes who took the ground confirmed us why we love the game of CrossFit, even within the face of tragedy.
Within the darkness that was the 2024 CrossFit Video games, Scott highlighted the brilliant spots of why we watch within the first place.
Story: “How Elite Athletes Recover From Achilles Injuries” by Julia Papworth
One among my favourite articles from the 12 months was Julia Papworth’s story about Achilles tendon accidents.
She spent a lot time interviewing a number of athletes and harm specialists for this piece, and it was simply so nicely carried out. I beloved how she was in a position to tie in a number of sports activities and experiences from individuals who have suffered the harm previously, all the best way as much as this season.
- She additionally did such a beautiful job of recounting the incidents of harm with such professionalism and respect for the people.
Julia’s items are all the time so “human first,” and I like that about her writing.
Featured picture: @alexgrodriguez4 / Instagram