In case you missed it, Josh Bridges was a polarizing figure during the 2016 Open and even felt the wrath of HQ for questionable reps on 16.4. Closely linked to that controversy was CJ Martin, head coach and owner of CrossFit Invictus.

Sean Woodland of CrossFit HQ got a chance to speak with CJ about Josh's 16.4, Maddy Myers going team, and Nuno Costa going individual. Here are some choice quotes:

On Josh's 16.4 video:

I hadn't seen it until it was released after Josh had been announced as the winner. Nonetheless, I was there live and I watched him and I thought he was right there on some of the standards. He submitted the video and it was approved by CrossFit Games so we ran with it.

On watching that video now:

We do teach a full hip extension, we don't ask for over-extension, we don't want people doing anything with their shoulders. As a judge I'm just watching Josh's hip: if I see his butt squeeze and his hip open, I'm giving him the rep. When we look at that video, we see eyes down and shoulders hunched and that can affect how a movement is viewed. And, of course, the big lesson is no fish eye lens on a GoPro if we think somebody is going to win the workout.

On judging Josh Bridges:

I've always judged Josh Bridges. One because most people don't want the responsibility of it because he often does win these and you're often in the public eye for sitting and judging. I'm always happy to take that responsibility. It's always difficult to judge somebody who moves really fast, especially someone with shorter levers. If anybody is going to get thrown into that, it should be me and not one of the guys from my staff.

On his reputation

I don't care much on reputation, I care about character. I don't really pay attention to my reputation.

On Bridges in 2016

He's motivated man. I don't think there's any bigger showing of that than 16.5. He called me 10 minutes after the workout was announced and said I'll see you in the gym in 10 minutes. He's got something to prove. He missed the Games for the first time last year other than when he was deployed or injured. He's ready to go back and not only does he want to go back, he wants to stand on top of that podium.

The guy has always had knockout power with his engine. He has won and will continue to win events in the Open, Regionals, and the Games. He's continued to build his strength over the years, but more than anything he has an unrelenting will to win and he will not be denied.

Maddy going team:

It's just a matter of priorities. She's a freshman at UCSD, she's lifting for team USA at Junior Pan Ams and Junior Worlds. It's no race. Her goal is to be CrossFit Games champion but we don't need to do that this year. At 19 years old it's more important that we build a foundation and get everything exactly where it needs to be for when she steps out onto the big stage.