We are two weeks into the 2019 CrossFit Open in which we have been through a 15-minute AMRAP and a heavy clean ladder. At the top of the men’s leaderboard are some familiar faces…Jason Carroll, Alex Vigneault, Travis Mayer, Bjorgvin Gudmundsson to name just a few. But at the very top of the leaderboard is someone you have likely not heard of, Zachery Buntin.
Buntin has not been to the CrossFit Games, but he is not a stranger to elite competition. Buntin has competed at Regionals the past two years. In 2017, Buntin was on CrossFit T-Town’s 9th place team at the Central Regional. Last year Buntin went individual after finishing 59th in the world in the Open. Buntin would take 27th at the Regional.
This year Buntin has continued his steady improvement and is now atop the worldwide leaderboard after two weeks. We caught up with Buntin to ask him a few questions about his background, training and his impressions of the 2019 Open so far.
The Barbell Spin: You may not have been on people’s radar entering this season, but you are not new to CrossFit as you were 59th in the world last year in the Open. What was your background prior to finding CrossFit?
Zachery Buntin: Prior to CrossFit I played football and wrestled in high school. I really picked up CrossFit as a way to fill that competitive hole that school sports left behind.
TBBS: You have been steadily climbing up the leaderboard the past three (now four) Opens. What do you attribute your improvement to during this span?
ZB: Consistency. Consistency. Consistency. After my first Regionals last year I knew where I was strong and where I needed work. So I made the decision to concentrate on filling those holes. More cross training to improve my flexibility, better nutrition, more recovery, etc. I love competing but it is the day-to-day grind of showing up that is really going to build you as an athlete. Hard work and no excuses.
TBBS: When Regionals were eliminated and the Games qualification format changed, what was your initial reaction? Has that changed as the season has progressed?
ZB: I mean, I think everyone was bummed about the elimination of the Regionals. They were always a lot of fun to watch and I feel like you really got the chance to learn about yourself as an athlete when competing in them. However, as the season has progressed I do think the new format has potential to really work! It’s pretty cool to see week to week how you stack up against not only your country but the world! As time progresses but I do think more people will come around to it.
TBBS: Who is your coach? Do you have any regular training partners?
ZB: Chad Smith with CrossFit T-Town is my coach. And I am lucky enough to have a great circle of guys/training partners that push me every day.
TBBS: When 19.1 and 19.2 were announced, did you know they would be in your wheelhouse?
ZB: 19.1 for sure. At 6 ft tall there are not many movements that favor us tall guys. Rows and wall balls are 2 of the few that do! 19.2 I was a little more uncertain on. My first time out in 2016 I wasn’t even able to finish it so I feel like I went in with something to prove on this one.
TBBS: Have you re-done any of the workouts so far?
ZB: I have re-done both workouts once. I used my first score in 19.1 and my second In 19.2. It was a brutal one to have to re-do but I felt confident I could improve on my time.
TBBS: Now that you are sitting in 1st place in the world, will you change your strategy going forward?
ZB: I feel like the strategy changes with every workout announced! I have a tendency to come out to quick so for me it’s about slowing down and not burning myself out to early.
TBBS: Which movements are you really looking forward to seeing these next few weeks?
ZB: I am really hoping for some heavy thrusters!
TBBS: Are you planning on competing in any Sanctional competitions between now and the Games?
ZB: It’s not sanctioned (but I think it should be ha!). But at this time the only major event I have schedule is the Fittest Games in May. If I fail to punch my games ticket in the open I’m not ruling out a Granite Games appearance!
There are still three weeks left in the Open, but don’t be surprised if Buntin is in the hunt the rest of the way. Stay tuned to The Barbell Spin as we continue to watch the leaderboard each week and make sure to follow Buntin on Instagram to follow his journey.
