Sean Woodland’s first foray into CrossFit Games commentary began in 2012. Following that, Woodland has called the play-by-play of the CrossFit Games every year since, but that run is coming to an end. In an Instagram post today, Woodland shared that he will not be in the broadcast booth to call the 2024 CrossFit Games.
“I have been informed that I will not be calling the CrossFit Games this year. To say that I am disappointed would be a major understatement,” Woodland shared in the caption. He added, “As of this writing, I have not been told why the decision was made or who ultimately made the call.”
The 2024 CrossFit Games will be in Ft. Worth, Texas, for the first time after leaving Madison, Wisconsin. In addition to the change in venue, so will the broadcast booth. Taking the place of Woodland is Chase Ingraham. Ingraham will take over the play-by-play commentary. No official word on who will join Ingraham to provide the color commentary.
Following Woodland’s announcement, his post has racked up over 670 comments from some of the biggest names in the sport.
@rorymckernan: “The best to ever do it. Iconic. Game Changer. I could go on.”
@fee.saghafi: “Tuning in to @crossfitgames events won’t ever be the same😠You’ve set the standard on being the voice and energy of this sport. Hope to see you in a much deserving new future position, wherever the next step takes you!”
@pvellner: “It’s been a privilege to have you call my name for so long.
All the best.”
@trexpaulson: “@crossfitgames we have questions…absolute legend and great dude @swoodland53”
@justincotler: “Smh. You know how I feel about this. No one does it better my friend. Period.”
@okeefmr: “Legend. Your legacy is cemented as the voice of the games man! You will be missed for sure.”
Woodland’s full statement on Instagram:
“I knew a day would come for this post, but I was hoping that it would be at a time of my choosing. Unfortunately, in this business, people rarely get to go out on their terms.
“I have been informed that I will not be calling the CrossFit Games this year. To say that I am disappointed would be a major understatement. I was far from ready to give up a role that has meant more to me in my career than any other I have had. As of this writing, I have not been told why the decision was made or who ultimately made the call. I also do not know if this is a temporary thing, but 25 years in broadcasting has taught me that once you’re out, you rarely get asked back. I hope that’s not the case in this instance.
“As disappointed as I am right now, I am equally excited for @chase_ingraham. He has the opportunity to call the Games in his home state. He has more than earned this chance and I cannot wait to hear him on the mic. Chase has been an incredible broadcast partner and friend over these past few years, and I wish him all the best. He is going to do a fantastic job.
“There are so many people I want to thank for these last 12 years, and I plan on reaching out to all of them directly in the coming weeks.
“I do, however, want to take this opportunity to thank all the fans and the athletes Without your passion and dedication to this sport, I would not have been able to realize my dream of doing play-by-play on national television. It has been the honor of a lifetime to be able to describe the incredible efforts at the CrossFit Games. I hope I did them justice.
“I will miss seeing people who have become like family to me over these past 12 years. I will miss all the late-night meetings and early morning call times. I will miss all the laughs I’ve shared with my best friends. I’ll miss seeing @rookiecfgc get excited about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I’ll miss the week-ending hug from @rothy99. I’ll miss giving @mikegarsenault crap for being Canadian. But most of all, I will miss the açai bowls.
“This isn’t goodbye. It’s see you later. I’m still planning on being part of this sport and this community.
Take care of each other, be better and I’ll see you all soon.”
Sean Woodland is also the co-host of Talking Elite Fitness with Tommy Marquez and Lauren Kalil.
