Justin Medeiros is just the sixth CrossFit Games athlete to win back-to-back CrossFit Games titles. Medeiros now joins the likes of Rich Froning, Annie Thorisdottir, Katrin Davidsdottir, Mat Fraser and Tia-Clair Toomey to win the CrossFit Games twice.
Medeiros’ victory, however, did not come easy. Throughout the week, Medeiros battled Roman Khrennikov and Ricky Garard for the top spot. It wasn’t until Saturday afternoon that Medeiros would finally be able to don the white leader’s jersey. Until that point, Garard had held the top spot throughout the week.
But after Garard took 12th in the Hat Trick event Saturday afternoon, Medeiros capitalized with a 3rd place event finish. It was his 6th top 5 event finish through ten scored events. Medeiros would finish each of the final four workouts in the top 5.
Medeiros, however, failed to earn an event win throughout the week, a first in CrossFit Games history. Medeiros has earned a reputation of consistency while not claiming an event victory. Last year, Medeiros only won one event, the final workout, on his way to the 2021 Fittest Man on Earth title. So as of right now, Medeiros has more CrossFit Games titles, 2, than event victories, 1.
Joining Medeiros on the podium was Khrennikov and Garard.
For Khrennikov, it was the culmination of a five-year battle to compete at the CrossFit Games. Khrennikov, a Russian athlete, has been unable to obtain a visa to travel to the United States since 2018.
Finally this year, Khrennikov was able to secure his visa and he has been in Madison, Wisconsin, training for the Games since March. And get ready to see Khrennikov back on the Games floor next year and beyond. Khrennikov received a 5-year visa to remain in the United States and compete.
The final spot on the podium was Ricky Garard. In his first year competing since he failed a drug test while competing at the 2017 CrossFit Games. Garard started this year off with a bang finishing in 1st place during the opening event, Bike to Work. He held the leader’s jersey until Saturday.
Medeiros’ victory secured him the $310,000 first place prize. Khrennikov earned $120,000 and Garard will take home $80,000.
