Jelle Hoste is the latest athlete to go public and announce that he will not be competing in the 2025 CrossFit Games season. Days after Chandler Smith and Pat Vellner shared their intentions, the two-time Games veteran from Belgium followed suit.
In similar fashion, Hoste said he will not register for the CrossFit Open and will instead place his focus on competing in the World Fitness Project and the Rogue Invitational.
In his statement on Instagram, Hoste, who is on the PFAA’s Athlete Board, said “I believe in a future where athletes have a voice and where that voice that voice truly matters.”
Other notable athletes who have said they are out include: Elisa Fuliano, Luka Đukić, Chandler Smith and Pat Vellner. Emma Tall has indicated that she probably will not compete.
Read Hoste’s full statement:
“Silence doesn’t drive change – action does. That’s why I won’t be competing in the 2025 CrossFit Games season.
For years, my goal was simple: become a CrossFit Games athlete. I was inspired by those who came before me, pushed my limits to stand among them, and ultimately achieved once seemed impossible.
Today, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the athletes I admire so much, I feel a personal responsibility and obligation to lead by example.
For me, that means that while competing is important, so too is speaking up in difficult moments.
As athletes, we push our bodies to the limit at competitions – something that is completely our choice. At the same time, we trust that those in charge will prioritize our safety, uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure fair competition with clear standards and protocols.
That has not been the case. I learned that when a tragedy that was completely avoidable took place, in the loss of our friend Lazar.
When accountability is blatantly avoided and transparency outright dismissed, trust is broken. This year, I’m standing by my principles and choosing a different path.
I believe in a future where athletes have a voice and where that voice truly matters. For that reason, this year, I will be putting my energy into other major competitions (World Fitness Project, Rogue,…)
I love this community and I respect every athlete’s journey, no matter which direction they choose.
Hard things is what we do, and right now, this is the hard thing I need to do.
To those who continue to push, compete and evolve this sport: I’ll be cheering you on. But for me, at this time, it won’t be at The Games.”
The 2025 CrossFit Open begins on Thursday, February 27 with the live announcement from CrossFit Mayhem.
