Rich Froning's CrossFit legacy is unblemished

Ten is kind of an iconic number.

In eleven years, between 2011 and 2022, Rich Froning has won ten CrossFit Games championships. There is no way to underestimate this milestone because what he has achieved is truly incredible making history in this sport. Not only will no one duplicate this type of resume, but chances are no one will even come close to it. That is not a challenge, but rather a declaration of intent. Froning's legacy is impeccable because he did it during a pivotal moment in the young history of CrossFit, something that cannot be replicated.

The CrossFit gods have smiled on Rich Froning for many years. He gave the sport its first bona fide superstar and at key moments acted as its spokesman as the sport went through the usual growing pains. He is a consummate professional and has always conducted himself with the utmost respect and integrity. He's rarely, if ever, been involved in a controversy with anyone, and not only is he a beast in the arena, he's a gentleman outside of it. Those who have shared events with him testify that he is an alpha man, where his voice rises with power over others, even above the competition organizers.

It's easy to run through all the statistics associated with his name, a long list of accolades, trophies and awards. But where Froning has shone brightest is in “branding,” the name he has built on himself and the people around him. The companies he has founded, the gyms he has built, the friendships he has forged, and the people he has helped break into the sport and become the best athletes they can be.

Froning's legacy will surely be built on awards and that golden number: 10, or even more if he decides to continue competing. But CrossFit is, and always will be, the house that Rich built from the ground up, that he helped grow, and we all thank him for that.

People position him as an icon, hero or superstar. The team's quarterback, the perfect American hero.

When it comes to Rich Froning in the CrossFit world, he is all of these things. The comparisons with Mat Fraser are endless. Whether or not he decides to retire after this season, or head to the masters division, the truth is that no one wants to see him off the track, and we all hope he can continue competing forever.