A quick review of the Crossfit Games site this morning saw some posts regarding Kristen Clever’s performance on Crossfit Open Games WOD 12.3. Looks like some folks have some issues with how the standards were enforced specifically as they related to the box jumps (and some of the toes to bar). Many pointing to the performance of Emily Bridgers as a comparison (see both videos at the end of the post). I’d have to say I got pulled in to the arm chair judging a little bit. So, before I go any further, let’s lay out a few things that are not up for debate…
- Kristen Clever is a ridiculous athlete that could out-crossfit most of us even if she was dealing a raging stomach virus, 3 injuries and one hand tied behind her back (and possibly with 2 arms tied behind her back, but then I think I would have a chance if there were pull-ups in the WOD)
- While I have never had the pleasure of meeting Kristen, she appears to be everything great about crossfit wrapped up in a 5′ 2″ package
- The only things certain in life are death, taxes, and Kristen on the podium at the games
Now let’s discuss the comments regarding the judging:
Imperfect Judging
Through all the best efforts of Crossfit HQ, the Crossfit Open is an imperfect process. There are likely 10,000 or more different judges all over the world deciding on rep or no rep. There is a ridiculous amount of variability throughout the whole range of scores represented on the crossfit open leaderboard. This is the trade-off we make to allow 70,000 of us to say we are “athletes” competing in the crossfit games and most of you would concede that it is a fair trade off. If there is a better solution, let HQ know.
Higher Standards
I noticed a few comments regarding Valley Crossfit & Kristen to maintain ‘higher’ standards because of who they are. I will agree that because of who they are, they will be subject to more scrutiny than you or I. If they care (and they probably don’t) about the comments, I simply wouldn’t have posted the video. Specifically where the camera angle likely had more to do with the questionable reps than the reps themselves. It is cool to see a great performance, but the door was left open a crack for the haters.
Let those Cast the First Stone
There are some out there who believe that their box and only there box is the keeper of the standards and they are the only ones who uphold them. Let me suggest that each of them submits a video and let the masses rank the best judged box…I can assure you that this would not be fun for anyone. When you are talking about hundreds of reps, they will not all be accurately judged.
Maybe not Equal but Certainly Fair
No two athletes in the Crossfit Open are treated exactly the same…different judges, different boxes, different attire (baggy shorts vs. booty shorts as someone posted), and yes different athletes might get different treatment from a judge. However, I do strongly believe that everyone has the best intention and that the process is fair. Different judging may have been the difference between 1st and 2nd in the Crossfit Open 12.3 workout. But overall, the process works; the best athletes are on top of the leaderboard.
So with that in mind, watch the videos for the two top women on workout 12.3…you can choose to watch each rep with a critical eye for hips not opening, etc. Or, if your like me, you can enjoy two amazing athletes and tell yourself you could beat them with a little more training, a little bit better diet and of course they would have to have tied their hands behind their back…and then for sure I would have a chance…maybe.
…well done, Kristen, Emily and all the great athletes competing in the 2012 Crossfit Open.
Kristen Clever’s First Place 12.3 Performance
Emily Bridger’s Second Place 12.3 Performance