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2015 OCT Day 3 Recap

Day 3, the final day of the 2015 OCT was a wet one, but even mother nature couldn’t put a damper on the overall excitement. The OC Fair & Events Center in Southern California, was soaked, leading to tough sledding in the opening event (Event 7­ Gravity) and a slight adjustment to the originally scheduled (outdoor) run for the final event (Event 8­ Touchdown). Brent Fikowski, Lindsey Valenzuela / Meaghan Gonzalez, and Team Nutriforce all held first place in their respective divisions with laser­like focus on that attractive grand prize ($$). Today we saw lots of new event winners. Read on for updates and results for each workout of the final day and the final results of competition. Event 7 – Gravity A moderately loaded sled drag through sand. Pull 300ft ­ 110#/55# Event 7 – Male Rx Highlights Competitors sprinted, walked, crawled, and eventually scratched and clawed their way through 3 full lengths of sled drags, with (none other than) Brent Fikowski crossing the finish line first… Again. The 2015 OCT leader, and outright winner of Event 2, was followed closely by a familiar foe, Mitch Barnard, and workhorse Jacob Hutton. Note: Ben Garard battled hard, but finished 5th in the wet sand, 10 seconds behind the leader. Event 7 – Male Rx Results 1) Brent Fikowski (0:55) 2) Mitch Barnard (0:56) 3) Jacob Hutton (0:59) Event 7 – Female Rx Highlights A walk in the park, for super strong competitor, Ana Caldas, as she took home her second 1st place finish of the 2015 OCT. While others struggled pulling the sled through wet sand, Caldas decided (incidentally) to take another lap (oops) before realizing she had won. Powerful athletes, Shannon Humphrey and Siera Hearne made this event look easy, as they finished only one second from the leader and each other. had her chance to shine and show the world what she does best. Note: OCT leaderboard staple, Lindsey Valenzuela, held a fast and constant pace, showing no struggles whatsoever, but finished this event in 6th place finish. Event 7 – Female Rx Results 1) Ana Caldas (0:57) 2) Shannon Humphrey (0:58) 3) Siera Hearne (0:59)   Event 8 – Touchdown final. The OC Throwdown ends as it began—with a grueling chipper. Running is mixed with heavy barbell movements and tall rope climbs. 1200m Run 12 Shoulder to overhead ­ 225#/145# 45 ft Overhead carry ­ 225#/145# 200m Run 12 Power cleans ­ 225#/145# 45 ft Front rack carry ­ 225#/145# 200m Run 12 Front Squats ­ 225#/145# 1 Legless Rope Climb ­ 18ft 4 Rope Climbs ­ 18ft Event 8 – Male Rx Highlights With the pole position all but wrapped up at this point, Event 8 was really crucial for the other 2 podium spots. Like groundhogs day, Brent Fikowski, once again took first place, etching his name in every viewers’ mind all weekend long. Jon Pera excelled at the end to claim a second place finish, while Julian Alcaraz used the power of the crowd to take third. Mitch Barnard came out hot, leading the entire field into the power cleans but the official scoreboard read #14, when it was all said and done. Obvious note: Brent Fikowski had 2015 OCT on lockdown from start to finish, and proved to be a significant contender in the sport. Event 8 – Male Rx Results 1) Brent Fikowski (13:15) 2) Jon Pera (13:54) 3) Julian Alcaraz (14:06) Event 8 – Female Rx Highlights Similar to the Male Rx, the Female Rx overall winner was determined before the start of Event 8. Lindsey Valenzuela made this grueling chipper look like a warmup… No surprises on this final event, with formidable opponents Alessandra Pichelli and Amanda Goodman taking the next two spots respectively. This longer event gave the top female athletes in the field a chance to battle it out and showcase their strength and endurance advantage (over the rest) as the cream rose to the top in the finale. Obvious Note: Lindsey Valenzuela is good. Event 8 – Female Rx Results 1) Lindsey Valenzuela (13:20) 2) Alessandra Pichelli (14:43) 3) Amanda Goodman (14:55) Day 3 (FINAL) – Male Rx Results 1) Brent Fikowski (35) 2) Ben Garrard (53) 3) Mitch Barnard (58) Day 3 (FINAL) – FeMale Rx Results 1) Lindsey Valenzuela (41) 2) Meaghan Gonzalez (60) 3) Siera Hearne (68) Related Articles/Videos: Top 5 Things To Watch For At The 2015 OCT  OCT WOD Analysis And Predictions  2015 OCT WODs

Jan 11, 2015

2015 OCT Day 2 Recap

Day 2 of the sixth annual OCT at the OC Fair & Events Center in Southern California saw lots of new event winners. Unfortunate news shocked the Male Rx field, as defending champ and 2015 favorite, Kenny Leverich reluctantly withdrew from the competition, along with Ben Stoneberg, and Blake Bastian due to minor injuries suffered in Day 1. With the title up for grabs in the Male Rx division, Day 2 of action continued with 3 more tough events and close finishes. Read on for updates and results for each workout of the second day of competition.   Event 4 – Ignition   Another quick test. This time of speed and precision in Olympic weightlifting. Athletes have 90 seconds to snatch five barbells twice each of progressively heavier weight.   2 snatch reps at each station MALE: 185/200/215/230/245 FEMALE: 115/125/135/145/155 1 min rest before EVENT 5   Event 4 – Male Rx Highlights Jon Pera capitalized on his Grid league training, manhandling the barbell and taking first place over powerhouse Jacob Hutton, and 2015 OCT standout Mitch Barnard. Note: Seemingly attached at the hip, fellow Canadian and Day 1 leader, Brent Fikowski finished 4th in this event, just behind his counterpart, Mitch Barnard as the back and forth duel continued.   Event 4 – Male Rx Results 1) Jon Pera 2) Jacob Hutton 3) Mitch Barnard   Event 4 – Female Rx Highlights Heavy weight meant one thing: Ana Caldas had her chance to shine and show the world what she does best. No surprise that Ana was pushed hard by powerful competitors Amanda Goodman, and the “people’s champ,” Lindsey Valenzuela. Note: Alessandra Piccheli rose to the occasion, too, with an impressive 4th place finish.   Event 4 – Female Rx Results 1) Ana Caldas 2) Amanda Goodman 3) Lindsey Valenzuela   Event 5 – Rocketsled Four shuttle sprint repeats with just one minute rest after the previous event 4. Shuttle Sprint Repeat Every 90sec x 4 30m/25m/20m/15m/10m (200m total)   Event 5 – Male Rx Highlights Event 5 proved to be the most competitive of all the events at the 2015 OCT, with only 7 seconds separating first place (2:31) from tenth place (2:38). In a race almost too close to call with the human eye, Jason Carroll and Marshall Creed left it all on the table to split the top spot at a time of 2:31. Once again, Mitch Barnard cracked the top three (2:33), seemingly pacing himself off Australian superstar Ben Garard and inching him out at the finish. Note: Day 1 leader Brent Fikowski kept his handcuff to Mitch Barnard finishing an arms length behind in 5th place.   Event 5 – Male Rx Results 1) Jason Carroll / Marshall Creed (2:31) 3) Mitch Barnard (2:33)   Event 5 – Female Rx Highlights Event 5 for Female Rx was just as close as Event 5 for Male Rx with an 8 seconds gap between first and ninth place. Mandi Janowitz (2:41) squeaked by Caitlin Hogan (2:42), and Jenn Ryan / Jessica Coughlan split 3rd place with a time of 2:45. Note: Lindsey Valenzuela finished in 13th place (2:53).   Event 2 – Female Rx Results 1) Mandi Janowitz (2:41) 2) Caitlin Hogan (2:42) 3) Jenn Ryan / Jessica Coughlan (2:45)   Event 6 – Fireproof A wicked twist on Fran, the most infamous of benchmark workouts. This couplet has ascending weight on the thrusters and progressively harder pull­up variations.   21 Thrusters ­ 95lb/65lb 21 Pull­Ups 15 Thrusters ­ 125lb/85lb 15 Chest to Bars 9 Thrusters ­ 155lb/105lb 9 Bar Muscle­Ups   Event 6 – Male Rx Highlights The big names all left their mark on a brutal twist to a classic benchmark workout. Ryan Fischer wowed the crowd and reminded everyone why he is still a force to be reckoned with. Ryan set an impressive sub 4 (minute) pace that held up amongst an all star field. Gerald Sassers finished 2nd, and Ben Garard finishedhird. Highlight: 1st place qualifier and fan favorite, Julian Alcaraz gave his local club reason to cheer with solid 4th place rank, one second behind Ben Garard.   Event 6 – Male Rx Results 1) Ryan Fischer (3:30) 2) Gerald Sassers (3:36) 3) Ben Garard (3:40)   Event 6 – Female Rx Highlights Jessica Coughlan showed why she was the number one qualifier for the 2015 OCT, setting the aggressive pace and leaving everyone else behind. Not far behind was Meaghan Gonzalez, falling short of Coughlan by only one second, but staying ahead of Amanda Goodman by only three seconds. Note: Fan favorite, Kris Clever beat overall leader, and fellow LA Reign teammate, Lindsey Valenzuela by one second in sixth place.   Event 6 – Female Rx Results 1) Jessica Coughlan (4:00) 2) Meaghan Gonzalez (4:01) 3) Amanda Goodman (4:05)   Day 2 – Male Rx Results 1) Brent Fikowski (33) 2) Ben Garrard (37) 3) Mitch Barnard (42)   Day 2 – Female Rx Results 1) Lindsey Valenzuela / Meaghan Gonzalez (34) 3) Mandi Janowitz (55) Related Articles/Videos: Top 5 Things To Watch For At The 2015 OCT  OCT WOD Analysis And Predictions  2015 OCT WODs

Jan 10, 2015

2015 OCT Day 1 Recap

Day 1 is in the books here at the sixth annual OC Throwdown at the OC Fair & Events Center in Southern California. The OCT stands out as one of the premiere events in the sport of elite fitness. What started as a local Orange Country, CA event arranged for the purpose of pitting nearby club vs nearby club has "morphed into a worldwide competition, drawing elite competition from across the world.” Day 1 of action consisted of 3 tough events. Read on for updates and results for each workout of opening day.   Event 1 – Runway A grueling down ­and­ back chipper. With high skill movements and heavy unilateral loading, this workout takes a page out of the GRID playbook.   20ft Handstand walk 15 Right leg weighted pistols ­ 24kg/16kg 20 ft Handstand walk 15 Right arm hang KB snatch ­ 32kg/20kg 50 ft Right arm overhead walking lunge ­ 32kg/20kg 15 Wall balls ­ 30#/20# ­ 10ft 7 Ring muscle­ups 1 min rest 7 Ring muscle­ups 15 Wall balls ­ 30#/20# 50 ft Left arm overhead walking lunge ­ 32kg/20kg 15 Left arm hang KB snatch ­ 32kg/20kg 20 ft Handstand walk 15 Left leg weighted pistols ­ 24kg/16kg 20 ft Handstand walk   Event 1 – Male Rx Highlights Event 1 proved that the Official OC Throwdown is not predictable, with 3 qualifiers taking the top spots, including fellow Canadians Mitch Barnard, Brent Fikowski, followed by top qualifier Julian Alcaraz in third. Note: Defending champ Kenny Leverich finished in 7th place (10:38), over one minute behind the leader.   Event 1 – Male Rx Results 1) Mitch Barnard (9:27) 2) Brent Fikowski (9:36) 3) Julian Alcaraz (9:47)   Event 1 – Female Rx Highlights Different year, same result as defending champ, and local fan favorite, Lindsey Valenzuela finished first with an impressive victory, followed by powerful competitors Amanda Goodman, and Mandi Janowitz. Note: Alessandra Piccheli finished in 16th (12:16), for the surprise of the day.   Event 1 – Female Rx Results 1) Lindsey Valenzuela (10:36) 2) Amanda Goodman (11:12) 3) Mandi Janowitz (12:00)     Event 2 – Weightless A quick test of vertical jumping and coordination. Athletes have 90 seconds to jump eight hurdles of ascending heights.   Hurdle Jump ­ 90 second time cap MALE: 42”, 44”, 46”, 48”, 50”, 52”, 54”, 56” FEMALE: 32”, 34”, 36”, 38”, 40”, 42”, 44”, 46”   Event 2 – Male Rx Highlights After a strong 2nd place finish, the tall Canadian, Brent Fikowski standing at over 6’1” made easy work of the hurdles and secured a three way tie for the top spot with Kenny Leverich, and Joshua Dirks. Highlights: Plenty of epic fails, as the competitive nature got the best of a handful of shorter athletes. Cue the replay…   Event 2 – Male Rx Results 1) Brent Fikowski / Kenny Leverich / Joshua Dirks Event 2 – Female Rx Highlights At 5’10”, qualifier Siera Hearne seemed built for this quick event finishing ahead of 47th place qualifier, Paula Santos, and notable top 5 qualifier Meaghan Gonzalez. Highlights: Defending champ and Event 1 winner, Lindsey Valenzuela finished 6th overall holding her spot at the top.   Event 2 – Female Rx Results 1) Siera Hearne 2) Paula Santos 3) Meaghan Gonzalez   Event 3 – Jetfuel A couplet of heavy deadlifts and burpees over a wall with a quick rowing buy­in. Deadlift/Wall Jump ­ 7 min time cap Row 600m/500m 10 Deadlifts ­ 345#/225# 15 Burpees over 30” wall 8 Deadlifts ­ 345#/225# 15 Burpees over 42” wall 6 Deadlifts ­ 345#/225#   Event 3 – Male Rx Highlights Finally. Super star Ben Garard showed his true colors, reminding everyone of his powerful engine beating both 2nd place finisher Daniel Iracheta and Day 1 All Star, Mitch Barnard, by over 30 seconds each. Notables: Ben Stoneberg tied for 10th with his second top 10 finish of the 2015 OC Throwdown   Event 3 – Male Rx Results 1) Ben Garard (4:13) 2) Daniel Iracheta (4:49) 3) Mitch Barnard (4:50)   Event 3 – Female Rx Highlights Mandi Janowitz proved herself once again, with an impressive win locking in her #2 overall rank for Day 1 at 2015 OC Throwdown. Ana Caldas, 13th place qualifier, surprised many with her gritty second place finish, followed closely by 41st place qualifier Lindsey Dietsch. Notables: Lindsey Valenzuela finished only 3 seconds from a 3rd place spot   Event 3 – Female Rx Results 1) Mandi Janowitz (4:56) 2) Ana Caldas (5:04) 3) Lindsey Dietsch (5:12)   Day 1 – Male Rx Results 1) Brent Fikowski (17) 2) Julian Alcaraz (23) 3) Ben Garard (25)   Day 1 – FeMale Rx Results 1) Lindsey Valenzuela (11) 2) Mandi Janowitz (14) 2) Meaghan Gonzalez (14) Related Articles/Videos: Top 5 Things To Watch For At The 2015 OCT  OCT WOD Analysis And Predictions  2015 OCT WODs

Jan 10, 2015

2015 OC Throwdown Results

2015 OC Throwdown Results

Jan 9, 2015

Top 5 Things To Watch For At The 2015 OCT

What do you get when you combine warm and sunny Southern California with a jam-packed weekend of three days of workouts, and an array of world class athletes, eager to test their training and fitness against one another?   You get the OC Throwdown (OCT).   It’s officially here.    The first elite local competition of the pre-Games season is happening this weekend and FloElite will be covering all the action, LIVE, Friday-Sunday (January 7-9th).   Here is our list of the TOP 6 THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR AT THE OCT.    1. The Return of the Defending OCT Champs:  Lindsey Valenzuela (2013 CrossFit Game’s “Second Fittest Woman in the World”) and Kenny Leverich (2012-2014 CrossFit Games) both return to the OCT this year to defend their titles as the 2014 OCT ‘champs.’    2. Other “Top” Dawgs: Games athletes, including: Neal Maddox, Alessandra Pichelli, Ben Garard, Chyna Cho, Jennifer Smith, Shawn Ramirez (current 40-44 ‘World Champion’), Ben Stoneberg, Becky Conzelman, Valerie Calhoun, Cassidy Lance—just to name a few.   3. NEW SilverFox Master’s Division: A new platform at the OCT, specifically geared for Master’s athletes to test their abilities. SilverFox is known for hosting different competitions throughout the SoCal community, providing opportunity for those newer to competitive fitness as well as the experienced, competitive athlete. They are happy to bring a new level of competition to the masters community at the OCT.   4. Special Seminars and Breakout Sessions: In addition to hosting some of the best athletes from around the world, the OCT will also offer a slew of demos, exhibitions, and training camps throughout the whole weekend with numerous well-informed guest speakers, including: Coach Chad Smith and the JuggernautT raining System crew, squatting HUGE numbers (think 500 lbs. for 20 reps) and an Olympic Lifting PR Clinic led by Waxman's Gym, and more hands-on experiences for spectators.    5. Prize Purse of over $100,000! Fitness has truly turned into a career for the elite athletes of the sport. Keep working hard and maybe you, too, could be ‘living the dream’ Related Articles: New Year, New OC Throwdown FloElite To LIVE Stream The 2015 OC Throwdown KCECC Athlete Update

Jan 7, 2015

2015 OC Throwdown Event Analysis & Predictions

By: Anthony Rinaldi  The sixth annual OC Throwdown takes place this weekend, January 9-11, at the OC Fair and Events Center in Costa Mesa, California. Competitors from across the globe will participate in seven events over three days. Read on for analysis and individual athlete picks for each workout. How do you stack up against CrossFit's elite?   Event 1 – Runway A grueling down-and-back chipper. With high skill movements and heavy unilateral loading, this workout takes a page out of the GRID playbook.   -Kenneth Leverich had no finishes outside the top 10 at the 2014 SoCal Regional, including maximum distance handstand walk and Nasty Girls V2. -Cassidy Lance is a member of the Miami Surge and former collegiate gymnast. She excels in this domain. Predicted Men's Champ: Kenneth Leverich  Event 2 – Weightless A quick test of vertical jumping and coordination. Athletes have 90 seconds to jump eight hurdles of ascending heights. -Ben Stoneberg is the model of consistency and being well-rounded. His CrossFit Games finishes are on an upward trend—16th in 2013 and 9th in 2014. His track and field background should serve him well. -Jennifer Smith ran track and field at the University of Kentucky. Her 5'6" frame should have no problem with even the tallest hurdle of 46". Predicted Women's Champ: Jennifer Smith  Event 3 – Jetfuel A couplet of heavy deadlifts and burpees over a wall with a quick rowing buy-in. -Neal Maddox is one of CrossFit's most powerful athletes. He finished sixth in his region on Open workout 14.3, the ascending deadlift and box jump couplet. -Alessandra Pichelli took first place in workout five of the 2013 NorCal Regional, the 21-15-9 couplet of deadlifts and box jumps. The heavier weight here should not slow her down. Predicted Men's Champ: Neal Maddox Event 4 – Ignition Another quick test. This time of speed and precision in Olympic weightlifting. Athletes have 90 seconds to snatch five barbells twice each of progressively heavier weight.   -Neal Maddox hang snatched 295 pounds at the 2014 NorCal Regional, taking first place and beating every other individual male across all regions. He also finished first in the Clean Speed Ladder at the 2014 CrossFit Games. Neal knows how to lift heavy, and quickly. -Alessandra Pichelli hang snatched 170 pounds at the 2014 NorCal Regional and placed 10th in the Clean Speed Ladder. Expect her to power through this test. Predicted Women's Champ: Alessandra Pichelli Event 5 – Rocketsled Four shuttle sprint repeats with just one minute rest after the previous event. -Will Moorad is no stranger to this style of running—he played Division I soccer at Belmont University. -Jennifer Smith placed seventh in the Zigzag Spring at the 2013 CrossFit Games. She's adept at running short and long distances with minimal rest. Predicted Men's Champ: Will Moorad Event 6 – Fireproof A wicked twist on Fran, the most infamous of benchmark workouts. This couplet has ascending weight on the thrusters and progressively harder pull-up variations.   -Gerald Sasser is a four-time CrossFit Games competitor from the Central East region. He placed highly in Open workout 13.5, a couplet of thrusters and chest-to-bar pull-ups. -Jessica Coughlan is from Australia and placed first in the 2015 OC Throwdown qualifier. She is an ex-gymnast and has a 2:35 Fran time. Nothing should trouble her in this event. Predicted Men's Champ: Gerald Sasser Event 7 – Gravity A moderately loaded sled drag through sand. -Neal Maddox comes to mind whenever sleds are mentioned, and for good reason. He crushed Sprint Sled 1 and 2 at the 2014 Games and his football background should prove invaluable once again. -Alessandra Pichelli is a former collegiate rower and proven weight mover. She should pull the 55 pound sled with ease. Predicted Men's Champ: Neal Maddox Event 8 – Touchdown The final. The OC Throwdown ends as it began—with a grueling chipper. Running is mixed with heavy barbell movements and tall rope climbs. -No picks here. With the volume and intensity a competition like this requires, this event is any one's for the taking. Sheer determination and grit will push the athletes to the finish line within the 18 minute time cap. Who are your picks to win the 2015 OC Throwdown? Post thoughts to comments.  Related Articles:  The Best Of The Best To Convene In California: OCT Style  New Year, New OC Throwdown  Do You Want It Bad Enough? Super Regions Change The Game

Jan 7, 2015

The Best Of The Best To Convene In California: OCT Style

In less than a week, on January 9th-11th, the OC Throwdown (OCT) is going down for its sixth annual year in a row. Held at the OC Fair & Events Center in Southern California, the OC Throwdown is known as the first local competition in SoCal for competitors in the sport of fitness, outside the CrossFit Games. Now in it's 5th year, the OC Throwdown stands out as one of the premiere events in the sport of elite fitness.  What started as a local Orange Country, CA event arranged for the purpose of pitting nearby club vs nearby club has "morphed into a worldwide competition, drawing elite competition from across the world, with countries including, Russia, Austrailia, Iceland, Japan, China, Canada and so many more."   Charis Chan is one of many elite athletes who will be throwing down this weekend for the coveted title of OCT Champ. As an experienced CrossFitter, Chan is looking to kick ass and take names in California, leaving everything out on the floor.  1. What was your athletic background before CrossFit? Collegiate Track and Field (sprinter) Recreational - Soccer, Swimming  2. When did you first begin CrossFit and what was your initial impression of it? I started CrossFit February of 2012. I saw it on TV and said I can do that! Haha my first week I was so sore I couldn't even sleep. But I love it and keep coming back for more!  3. Was competition a goal right away? Yes! My goal when I first started was to make it to regionals.  4. How did your first competition go? My first CrossFit competition was a team holiday competition. I was so nervous but my teammates were super supportive of me and helped calm my nerves. I could barely string together double unders or do a chest to bar, but I had a lot of fun and knee I wanted to do more.  5. As a competitor, what personal improvements have you seen from your first competition to now? I'm not as nervous and I'm more confident in myself and my abilities.  6. What level of competition do you expect to find at the upcoming OC Throwdown? I've always viewed the OC Throwdown as an elite competition with the best competitors in the world.  7. How have you been preparing for the level of competition you’ll face in California?  I have been working with an Olympic Lifting coach the past 4 months, training with him 5 days out of the week for 2-3 hours a day. I work on CrossFit and conditioning in the afternoon for 2-4 hours  8. Leading up to the 2015 OCT, what does a normal training day look like? 9-12:30 Olympic lifting 1:15-2:15 lunch 4:00-7:00 CrossFit Coaching in the morning +/or evening  9. “I’ll consider this weekend a success if….” (Fill in the sentence) I leave everything out on the competition floor with no regrets... and a top 5 in a few events would be nice too ;)  CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE 2015 OC THROWDOWN LIVE 1/9 - 1/11  Related Articles: New Year, New OC Throwdown FloElite To LIVE Stream The 2015 OC Throwdown KCECC Athlete Update

Jan 6, 2015

New Year, New OC Throwdown

Article by: Lauryn Lax In T-minus 1-week, on January 9th-11th, the OC Throwdown (OCT) is going down for its sixth annual year in a row. Held at the OC Fair & Events Center in Southern California, the OC Throwdown is known as the first local competition in SoCal for competitors in the sport of fitness, outside the CrossFit Games. In the first year alone, back in 2010, the event attracted 125 athletes to register in attempt to test their training and fitness against other athletes in their area. The original programming included 4 diverse, torturous WODs, selected by James Fitzgerald (2007 CrossFit Games ‘champ’), and drew over 400 spectators to witness two days of fun-filled action. Today, the event is now three days long, and attracts elite athletes from around the world to compete in either Individual or Team Divisions for a total prize purse consisting of more than $100,000. For many this year, hearing the words: “OC Throwdown” brings memories from last year’s fluke accident when experienced competitor Kevin Ogar incurred a spinal cord injury during the 3 RM snatch event WOD. Nearly one year later, Ogar has become known as an ‘overcomer’, living up to the words ‘Ogar Strong’ near daily. A look at his Instagram and Facebook posts reveal the daily feats and accomplishments he makes—both inside and outside the gym, back to doing the things he loves (CrossFit and fitness) and inspiring others to do the same. FloElite caught up with a couple athletes participating in this year’s OC Throwdown. They shared their perceptions of the OC Throwdown this year, and how Ogar’s accident from last year if anything, has taught them all lessons in not taking anything for granted, and doing what it is they love with passion: fitness. “Last year’s tragedy was heartbreaking. I almost lost my dad a year prior in a farming accident that caused similar spinal and nerve issues and it's made me realize how precious life is. I can't imagine what it would be like to go through something like that personally. Seeing both my dad’s and Kevin’s positivity and drive to not let it hold them back is incredible and inspiring,” said Ashley Beaver, owner and blogger of LivinPaleoCuisine.com from Walnut Grove, Calif. This year will be Ashley’s first year competing at the OC Throwdown. “I signed up for the Throwdown to test myself against some of the best athletes in my region. The majority of my competitive experience has been on a team and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to compete as an individual and to learn more about myself as an athlete. I'm looking forward to the physical tests I'll encounter and how I'll hold up mentally and physically after three days of competition,” she said. Meckenzie Riley, a Registered Dietitian from Peoria, Illinois, is also excited for her first year competing at the OCT. “I subscribe to the philosophy ‘if it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.’  I love competing in CrossFit as a sport and challenging myself in general. One of my friends encouraged me to sign up for the OCT qualifier, and like a true competitor, I couldn’t say ‘no’. Having done the Granite Games this past fall, I was eager to do another competition in which I could test myself against some of the best. It’s not often I am given a chance to stand next to athletes of that caliber from far and wide-it’s an honor and I relish the opportunity!” Riley said. Riley also reflected on Kevin’s accident last year, stating that she believes this year’s OCT is, “A chance to show that despite tragedy and setback, you can overcome and come back stronger than before, and reverse the perceptions/reputations that might develop. “ Adding, “There has been and will be criticism directed towards the event surrounding last year’s incident, but I think this is an opportunity for OCT to capitalize upon. The amazing outpouring of support that has been shown for Kevin over the past year is just awesome. As an athlete, it’s encouraging to know that the whole CrossFit community comes together to get behind those wide reaching efforts. It’s a great reflection on the sport as a whole, and makes me proud to be a part of it all,” she said.  Related Articles: FloElite to LIVESTREAM The 2015 OC Throwdown

Jan 3, 2015

FLOELITE TO LIVE STREAM THE 2015 OC THROWDOWN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec 31, 2014