Chandler Smith, a longtime Crossfit competitor, has announced that he will not participate in the 2025 CrossFit Games season.
In a heartfelt and candid statement, Smith explained that his decision reflects growing concerns about the organization’s response to athlete feedback and ongoing issues surrounding fairness, structure, and athlete safety.
While he made it clear that his love for the sport and its community remains unchanged, Smith emphasized that it was time to take a stand for what he believes in.
“CrossFit has given me, and so many others, incredible opportunities,” he wrote. “But gratitude and blind loyalty are not the same thing.”
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A History of Competition and Advocacy
Smith’s career in CrossFit began in 2010, when he discovered the sport through online programming and started training in his basement. Over the years, he became a prominent figure in the CrossFit Games, earning the respect and admiration of fans and fellow athletes alike.
Known for his hard work, humility, and consistent advocacy for athlete welfare, Smith has often been a voice for change within the community.
He credits CrossFit with teaching him invaluable lessons and connecting him with a network of supportive friends and fellow athletes. However, recent experiences have left him questioning the organization’s priorities and its ability to address key concerns.
“If there’s one thing the Open has taught me over the last ten years, it’s that competition can bring out the best in people,” Smith wrote.
“But at this point, I’ve experienced, seen, and heard too much that makes me believe the space doesn’t value its athletes as much as we value it.”
Why He’s Stepping Away
Smith’s decision to sit out the 2025 season isn’t rooted in a lack of respect for CrossFit’s methodology or the sport itself.
Instead, it’s a reflection of his belief that meaningful change is needed within the organization. He expressed disappointment in how the brand has responded to serious concerns around athlete safety, fairness, and overall competition structure.
The tipping point for Smith appears to be his growing sense that athlete voices aren’t being heard—or worse, are being dismissed.
His decision to step back is a way of using his absence as a statement, pushing for the organization to stay true to its mission of continuous improvement and athlete-first values.
“To be clear, this is not because I don’t respect the sport, the methodology, or the community,” he explained. “It’s because I don’t think the brand has done enough to show it’s serious about making changes that athletes have been asking for.”
A Shift in Focus: New Opportunities and the World Fitness Project
Though he won’t be competing in the CrossFit Games this year, Smith won’t be stepping away from competition altogether.
He announced that he and fellow athlete Jessi Smith will focus on events within the Hyrox space and the World Fitness Project.
These alternative competitions offer new challenges and align with his evolving approach to fitness and competition.
Despite stepping away from CrossFit’s flagship event, Smith reaffirmed his commitment to supporting those who remain part of the season. “The Open is awesome. It connects gyms around the world and gets people to push themselves.
If you want to sign up and crush it, go for it,” he said. “Some of my best friends will be part of the season, and I’ll be cheering them on every step of the way.”
A Message of Hope and Challenge to the Community
Smith’s statement isn’t just about stepping back—it’s a call to action for both CrossFit and the broader fitness community.
He expressed hope that his decision, along with those of others advocating for change, will contribute to a stronger and more inclusive environment.
Ultimately, Smith’s message is one of growth, accountability, and continuous progress. His decision to step away may mark the end of this chapter in his competitive career, but his commitment to the sport’s future remains unwavering.
“What’s the point in having a voice if it gets stuck inside your throat?” Smith concluded. “Today, I’m using my voice and following it up with action. I won’t be competing in the 2025 CrossFit Games season.”
