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
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