Here are our biggest takeaways from the South Regional.

Dave Castro is NOT messing around

[instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFaQ8gsNvZ1" hide_caption="0"]

A few years ago, this programming would have been ambitious for the Games. Now, movements like legless rope climbs and strict handstand push-ups have become staples. Plus, new movements like strict muscle-ups made their appearance, which are arguably some of the toughest gymnastic movements for CrossFitters.

The judging standards were surprisingly good and mostly uniform

As the level of difficulty in movements increases, so does the need for quality judges. CrossFit still runs its most prestigious events with volunteer judges and staff, which can increase the potential for problems (as demonstrated by past competitions). But based on what I saw at the South Regional, the judges did a decent job upholding the standards of movement—even on the most difficult skills.

The level of competition is incredible

Going into the last workout, the field of qualifiers was far from set. Though Camille Leblanc-Bazinet, Roy Gamboa and #TeamDensity took early leads over the weekend and did not relinquish them, the rest of the field was frequently up for grabs. I can’t remember a Regional where the outcome of the last workout determined more than half of the individual qualifying spots.

On the women’s side, all five Games qualifiers besides Camille had one workout where they finished in 20th place or worse. But each of those qualifiers ALSO had one first place finish. Moral of the story: If you tank a workout, you better have one that you dominate to make up for it!

Fresh blood

[instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFeJ5XtEusl" hide_caption="0"]

In the South, more rookies qualified for their first Games in all divisions than Games Veterans. The Games has always seen some amount of churn, but it looks like this year threw some veterans for a loop.

By Leah Kay