Mat Fraser Withdraws from CrossFit Invitational, Rich Froning Steps In

Earlier this week, Mat Fraser announced via Instagram that he would not be able to participate in the CrossFit Invitational this year. Fraser cited that he is dealing with an injury and is not 100%. Fraser ended his Instagram post saying that “Lucky for Team USA we have the best back up in the market!”

Yep, that’s right, Rich Froning will once again be stepping in to replace an injured athlete for the CrossFit Invitational. Froning was slated to be the coach of Team USA, but will now act as a Coach-Athlete. Last year, Froning filled in for Ben Smith.

The CrossFit Invitational takes place November 20 in Canada. The four teams from USA, Canada, Australia and Europe will again battle in the CrossFit exhibition event.

I was bummed to have to tell @thedavecastro that I won’t be able to compete at the @crossfitgames Invitational this year, due to a nagging injury. I just wouldn’t be able to compete at a 100%. Although that might be ok when I am competing as an individual, it isn’t fair to my teammates. Lucky for Team USA we have the best back up in the market! I will be yelling at the TV on the 20th of November….U-S-A! 🇺🇸 #crossfitinvitational #crossfitgames #crossfit #teamusa

A photo posted by Mathew Fraser (@mathewfras) on Oct 12, 2016 at 7:30pm PDT

Mat Fraser is pulling out of the Invitational in Toronto next month because he is not 100%. @richfroning is going to step up and take double duty now. As coach. And as competitor for Team USA. (Not sure what’s happening in this photo.) @crossfitgames #CrossFitGames @crossfit #crossfit

A photo posted by @thedavecastro on Oct 12, 2016 at 6:12pm PDT