HYROX Meets CrossFit

As HYROX heats up with notable events this weekend, we also find ourselves just two weeks out from the CrossFit Games. Although there’s been some subtle rivalry brewing between the two communities, the crossover and shared roots are undeniable.

CrossFit largely popularized the use of both the Rower and SkiErg, two staple stations in HYROX. And that dreaded 100 Wall Ball finisher? A classic CrossFit move.

🔁 The Athlete Crossover

Several of HYROX’s biggest names got their start (or have dabbled) in CrossFit:

  • Hunter McIntyre famously earned a wildcard into the 2019 CrossFit Games — only to be cut after two events.
  • Lauren Weeks, the GOAT of HYROX, had multiple top finishes in the CrossFit Open and Regionals. Check her out dominating an endurance event on the CrossFit floor here
  • Mirjam von Rohr has gone the other way — from HYROX European Champion to a two-time CrossFit Open winner and 2025 Games athlete.

With the 2025 CrossFit Games opening event featuring:

4 mile Run + 3000m Row + 2 mile Run (for time)

...we’d love to see some HYROX Elite 15 athletes throw down — assuming the CrossFit team measures the course correctly this year.

🏆 Top 5 CrossFit → HYROX Performances

  1. Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr
    After having a child, Tia returned to the CrossFit Games and took the 2024 title. But, she seemingly longed for more. Following a couple of races with James Newbury, her first time going all in on HYROX was at the Elite 15 Doubles qualifying race in Houston. Partnering up with Joanna Wietrzyk, they not only defeated Lauren Weeks and Lauren Griffith but also set the Pro Doubles Women record in the process.
  2. Joshua Wichtrup
    Joshua won the first-ever HYROX race in October of 2018 and thus briefly held the World Record. He backed that up with an 18th-place finish at the 2019 CrossFit Games (the same Games that Hunter McIntyre took 61st in)
  3. Kristi Eramo O’Connell
    If you asked many CrossFit Games fans which woman would crush HYROX many would say Kristi. She raced once in Houston in 2024 and backed up the expectation with an incredible 64:37 in her debut. Unfortunately, we have not seen her in a solo race since.
  4. Ricky Garard
    There was a lot of hype around Ricky as he took the course at the first ever Australian HYROX in August of 2023. He ran a 62:21, finishing 2nd after James Kelly. He was able to lower that time to 60:42 earlier this year in Brisbane.
  5. Noah Ohlsen & Chandler Smith
    Noah and Chandler may have the optimal build for CrossFit, but they look much different than many at the front of HYROX races. Despite this, they attacked the race in Miami and finished with a very impressive Pro Doubles time of 54:12.

💬 Did we miss anyone? Hit reply and let us know.

🔭 What to Watch This Weekend

HYROX is back on three continents with events in Abu Dhabi, Cape Town, and New Delhi. Several Elite 15 hopefuls are eyeing top times to qualify for fall Majors. Notable names on the start lists include:

  • Cape Town: Emilio Aguayo
  • Abu Dhabi: Eugenio Bianchi, Fabian Eisenlauer, Graham Halliday, Sebastian Ifversen, Tanja Stroschneider, Jess Towl
  • Delhi: Rylan Schadegg

Let’s see who makes a statement.

🎧 The Debate: Top 10 HYROX Women Ever

Offseason = reflection time.
Matt, Brakken, and Michelle sit down to debate the Top 10 HYROX Women of All Time.

💌 Stay in the Loop

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