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One of these women could ascend the throne in Toomey’s absence.
As the history books say, whenever a dynasty comes to an end, there will be a struggle to fill the huge power vacuum. After a dominant reign as the Fittest Woman on Earth® six times, Tia Clair Toomey will not be defending his title at the August 2023 CrossFit Games. The athlete has not retired and may well return to the limelight soon enough post-pregnancy, but for at least one edition of the Games, his throne will be vacant. It reminds me of the question of who can climb the mountain.
As the Games 2023, here is a list of five potential contenders for the women’s individual title. Toomey leaves behind some size shoes to fill, but one of these athletes could prove quite capable soon enough.
Potential individual competitors for the 2023 CrossFit Games
Just because Toomey won’t be present at the latest iteration of CrossFit’s flagship competition doesn’t mean there aren’t worthy competitors waiting in the wings. Here is a brief profile and overview of a few to consider.
Laura Horvath (Hungary)
- Best finish: Finalist (2018, 2021)
- Games debut: 2018
Horvath has had a relatively constant place among The elite of CrossFit since the time she started competing in Madison, WI. Now entering her seventh edition of the Games, some might consider the 2022 podium runner-up to be the women’s favorite overall with the absence of Toomey and Mal O’Brien. After a third place in European semi-final 2023 and a second place overall in the quarter-finals, Horvath looks ready to finally break through after three podiums (2018, 2021-2022).
Annie Thorisdottir (Iceland)
- Best finish: Champion (2011-2012)
- Beginning: 2009
A living legend of CrossFit, it’s been a long time since Thorisdottir stood at the pinnacle of the sport. A former two-time women’s individual champion (2011-2012), injuries and pregnancy halted much of Thorisdottir’s progress in the sport midway through the last decade. However, in recent years, “Iceland Annie” has begun to regain her form. After missing out on the cut in 2019 and 2020, Thorisdottir came third in 2021 and ventured into team competition in 2022, where she placed fourth as captain of Team CrossFit Reykjavik. These days, the 33-year-old might be considered more of a dark horse as she returns to individual competition.
However, few ‘dark horses’ already have two league titles and two second-place finishes to their name.
Emma Lawson (Canada)
- Best finish: Sixth place (2022)
- Beginning: 2022
At just 18 years old, Lawson approaches CrossFit competition like a seasoned veteran. The 2022 CrossFit Rookie of the Year and 2021 Games champion in the girls division (16-17), Lawson stormed to sixth place on her debut in the women’s division. Usually, potential Games champions have a bit more experience before they finally break into the bigger stage. However, with much of the women’s division seemingly evolving, this could work to Lawson’s advantage as the exceptionally young and bright possible first-time winner.
Arielle Loewen (USA)
- Best finish: 11th place (2022)
- Beginning: 2021
Loewen is another top contender who would certainly qualify more naturally under a dark horse or “surprise” tag. Unlike other potential winners, Loewen doesn’t have a big-name trophy accolade and arguably has a less high-profile resume overall, having never broken into the top 10. That said, a third-place finish in the North America West Semi-Final and third place overall in the world in the quarterfinals paint a picture of an athlete ready to soar. His third appearance at the Games in 2023 could be that momentous opportunity.
Gabriela Migała (Poland)
- Best finish: Sixth place (2021)
- Beginning: 2019
An experienced Games veteran, Migała has seemingly only improved since entering the women’s division at the end of the last decade after reaching the podium in 2016 in the girls’ division (16-17). For someone who has never even landed a podium in the women’s competition, Migała’s reputation almost precedes her. She is trained with the strongest man in the world Hafthor Björnsson, and seems to be an athlete waiting for that last stepping stone. Notably, Migała or Horvath would be the first Eastern European individual champion in the entire history of the contest.
There’s a lot to decide for female individual competitors at the 2023 CrossFit Games. Ultimately, one of these women could be the next queen of CrossFit.
Featured Image: @laurahorvaht on Instagram
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