Back in 2018, Jacob Heppner was unable to meet the new handstand push-up (HSPU) standard. Heppner, who is normally excellent at bodyweight movements, struggled to get his heels over the line.
Heppner commented about the standard in 2018, “The issue lies in the forearm length measurement. Instead of taking the whole arm length, which I admit would be difficult, only the forearm was measured. This creates the possibility that certain athletes, like myself, could be a statistical outlier in our ration of forearm length comparative to bicep/total arm length. Meaning having really long forearms when compared to overall arm length.
“I’ve watched my video many times and believe me I couldn’t get any closer to the wall or get my hands any narrower. I just happened to be one of the few athletes that had to stretch and press as much a possible to bet barely over that dreaded line.”
Heppner would go on to only complete 104 reps on 18.4, good for 22,680th in the world. His season was over.
This year, 20.3 is 18.4, along with the same standard. Many, including us, expected this to be the end of the 2020 CrossFit Open for Heppner.
But that might not be the case.
Heppner figured out a way to get his heels above the line on the handstand push-ups…doing them on his knuckes. Rather than placing his palms on the ground to push up, Heppner made a fist and placed his knuckles on the ground, giving him a few extra inches to work with.
Heppner also shared a video on his YouTube channel outlining why he used his fists and why he believes it is within the rules.
Ultimately, Heppner was able to improve on 20.3 versus the 2018 Open. Heppner submitted a time of 7:22, way better than his score on 18.4. His 7:22 time is currently the 59th fastest in the world (some scores may still be pending).
Heppner now sits in 25th overall and within a “Top 20” qualifying spot. The question now is, will CrossFit HQ agree that using his fists/knuckles on the HSPUs is a legal move.
Stay tuned to The Barbell Spin as we wait to find out the verdict. In the meantime, watch Heppner’s full 20.3 video below.
