Jordan Cook made it to the CrossFit Games in 2014 and 2015, but failed to qualify in 2016 after finishing 8th in the South Regional. During the offseason, Cook moved from Houston to Portland, Maine, to travel with Misfit Athletics.
Cook finished 21st in the North East region during the 2017 CrossFit Open and was invited to Regionals after several athletes ahead of him elected to go team.
We caught up with Jordan to talk about the move to Maine, competing in the toughest region and which Misfit Athletics athlete has the best shot at qualifying for the Games this year.
The Barbell Spin: You moved to Maine before the start of the 2017 season. What prompted you to make the move?
Jordan Cook: There were several reasons I moved to Maine but mostly I wanted a different experience with new training partners and a new environment.
What has been the best part of training with the Misfit crew everyday?
Jordan Cook: The fact that there is always someone pushing you in workouts.
How has the move improved you as an athlete?
Jordan Cook: I believe it’s forced me to be able to adapt better to workouts.
Looking at the Open leaderboard, you narrowly qualified for Regionals out of the North East region. You scores would have easily qualified you in the South Central. Did you have any regrets during the Open about moving to one of the toughest (if not the toughest) regions in the world?
Jordan Cook: I knew what I was in for before the CrossFit Open and that this was was by far the toughest region (North East) but I didn’t take into account that I would not have a good performance. After Week 2 I came down with bronchitis which took a while to recover from and then I let the stress of not being in the top 20 get to me. So I wouldn’t say I regret moving to this region but I do regret the way I performed during the Open.
Now that you’re in for the East Regional, how has training been going?
Jordan Cook: Regionals prep started off rough do to a nasty flu but I am very happy with how training has been these past few weeks. The most important thing for me when it comes to training is that I don’t let my brain get in the way of doing the work that needs to be done and lately that hasn’t been an issue.
Of all the Misfit athletes that are competing at Regionals, who do you think has the best shot (other than yourself) at qualifying for the Games? And why?
Jordan Cook: I would say Cody Mooney. He is definitely on the list to take a top five spot. Cody is a natural athlete and has very few holes in his game.
