2016 Reebok CrossFit Games West RegionalsMay 20, 2016 by Paige Bayer
Connor Vale Snatch Save Leaves Crowd In Awe
Connor Vale Snatch Save Leaves Crowd In Awe
If you happened to catch a close enough glimpse of Margaux Alvarez’s wrist, you might’ve noticed more than just wrist wraps. No, no injuries (calm down), bu
If you happened to catch a close enough glimpse of Margaux Alvarez’s wrist, you might’ve noticed more than just wrist wraps. No, no injuries (calm down), but rather, a watch. Timing was a large key to Event 1, and she knew it. Unfortunately, the event didn’t quite go in her favor, but her inability to finish Event 1 wasn’t the only surprise on the women’s side. Emily Abbott was well on track to break the event record in the West set in heat 3 by Janine Shillington of 7:11. When she got to the 175lb. bar however things slowed down. Abbott did finish the event, with a time of 10:02, however as she shook her head after she reached the finish mat it was clear she expected a stronger performance from herself. Courtney Walker took the win in heat 4 with a time of 9:52. Interestingly enough, the best performances in the event did not come from the final heat, but 1st place came in heat 3, and 2nd and 3rd in heat 2.
On the men’s side, Tyson Takasaki took the event win in the West with a time of 7:16. Brent Fikowski finished in 2nd with a time of 7:31. Like we saw on the women’s side, not names of people we necessarily expected to take the event wins, but anything is fair game during Regionals. Lucas Parker was consistent in his tempo, and held a steady pace throughout. However, while he was taking time between reps, Brent managed to pass by. Cole Sager and Cody Anderson both had strong performances in Event 1. Cole Sager started out of the gate exceptionally strong, on time to beat Rasmus Anderson’s time from last weekend. However, he did slow down as the weight moved up. It looked as if Sager would take the event win for his heat, however out of seemingly nowhere Connor Vale impressively maneuvered his way through his second squat snatch at 265lb. The save left the crowd in awe and amazement. Cody Anderson was not able to finish the event, and finished in 12th.
At the end of Event 1, Tyson Takasaki sits in 1st, Brent Fikowsi in 2nd, and Connor Vale in 3rd for the men. Janine Shillington sits in 1st, Samantha Tolbert in 2nd, and Christina Verhagen in 3rd for the women.
Photo Credit: CrossFit Inc.
On the men’s side, Tyson Takasaki took the event win in the West with a time of 7:16. Brent Fikowski finished in 2nd with a time of 7:31. Like we saw on the women’s side, not names of people we necessarily expected to take the event wins, but anything is fair game during Regionals. Lucas Parker was consistent in his tempo, and held a steady pace throughout. However, while he was taking time between reps, Brent managed to pass by. Cole Sager and Cody Anderson both had strong performances in Event 1. Cole Sager started out of the gate exceptionally strong, on time to beat Rasmus Anderson’s time from last weekend. However, he did slow down as the weight moved up. It looked as if Sager would take the event win for his heat, however out of seemingly nowhere Connor Vale impressively maneuvered his way through his second squat snatch at 265lb. The save left the crowd in awe and amazement. Cody Anderson was not able to finish the event, and finished in 12th.
At the end of Event 1, Tyson Takasaki sits in 1st, Brent Fikowsi in 2nd, and Connor Vale in 3rd for the men. Janine Shillington sits in 1st, Samantha Tolbert in 2nd, and Christina Verhagen in 3rd for the women.
Photo Credit: CrossFit Inc.