CrossFit is not HYROX

I'd like to share my thoughts on HYROX based on my experience, and I inevitably compare it to CrossFit. I apologize if any of you disagree with my opinion.

I was at the HYROX in Valencia because I wanted to see firsthand how it was organized, the type of crowd, and gauge the feeling of the competition. Watching events on Instagram or YouTube is nothing like experiencing them in person. My most sincere feeling is that it's a soulless competition, but with very good branding. I went as a visitor, not as an athlete, so I can't comment from that perspective. My impression was that things weren't done well.

The judges are mere observers, whose presence encourages the hybrid athletes to work a little harder to perform the movement standards somewhat well. I saw valid reps that in CrossFit would be a resounding no-rep. There were constant injustices compared to those who did them well. I clearly noticed who came from CrossFit and who didn't. I'm not going to go into the execution of the wall ball, burpee broad jump, etc. A competition made for runners with poor standards. I understand the desire to create a community and for it to be an adapted sport that all types of people can practice. I saw many I admired, but they should be more demanding so as not to be unfair.

Honestly, I don't think it's a competition comparable to CrossFit. As a spectator, I wasn't entertained, I didn't enjoy constantly walking from one station to another, I wasn't thrilled. CrossFit made my hair stand on end, it made me jump out of my seat, it made me scream, it made me clap proudly, and it made me cheer for that athlete who was left behind.

CrossFit isn't HYROX, and HYROX isn't CrossFit. Comparing them is a mistake, and that's what I just did, but it's inevitable due to the overlap between the type of athlete who practices it and their constant relationship in the fitness world. They're different sports, different athletes. Totally respectable. A legitimate escape route from always doing the same thing, although I think it's only in one direction. A CrossFit athlete can do a HYROX, but I'm hesitant to go the other way.

I'll write about how sad it is that CrossFit is in the situation it's in, and how nostalgic it is for when everyone participated in the Open and everyone wanted to go to the Games, where only the fittest people in the world made it.