Anyone who has followed the CrossFit Games closely over the last few years can tell you this about the two greatest male athletes the event has ever produced: Rich Froning and Mat Fraser hate being compared to each other. 

Tia-Clair Toomey did more than win the Games. She has become the leader of the female fitness field.

The 2018 CrossFit Games got off to a running, er, rolling, start on Wednesday in Madison, Wisconsin, as the 40 men and 40 women kicked off the individual competition with a 12,000m (7.5 mile-ish) criterium bike race. A bike race through city streets was a first in CrossFit Games history, a seemingly appropriate way to begin perhaps the most grueling Day One ever.

Mekenzie Riley is no stranger to competitions. She competed for 15 years as a swimmer before moving into the field of CrossFit. She took to that like she previously took to water. In last year’s Games she finished 23rd. While it wasn’t the result she wanted, she’s obviously among the elite in the world of fitness. In 2018, the registered dietician from North Carolina is still working to be not only her best but among the best.

Many athletes join the CrossFit community because it provides structure and an alternative to other forms of fitness that might be considered less exciting. The CrossFit Games provides a pinnacle and incentive to drive athletes to reach new goals and compete with other like-minded athletes. 

One of the amazing aspects of CrossFit is that anyone can start training and fulfill their potential. Take John Coltey, for example. 

It sure seems that Dave Castro has grown completely enamored with bikes in the build-up to this year’s 2018 CrossFit Games. 

Canadian CrossFit athlete and champion of the West Regional Emily Abbott failed a drug test and will be banned for four years, according to CrossFit.

In case you missed last week’s big news, the CrossFit Games has secured its home through 2021, agreeing to stay in Madison, Wisconsin, for the next four iterations of the epic fitness event. 

"Coming soon to a Regional near you . . . teams and individuals, you have been warned."