Road to the Games Ep. 18.06: The Champs

Tia-Clair Toomey is the reigning Fittest Woman on Earth. Katrin Davidsdottir has two CrossFit Games championships under her belt. Both women are fierce, determined and fitter than ever.
In this episode of “Road to the Games,” we follow Toomey and Davidsdottir as they prepare to take on the 2018 Reebok CrossFit Games, which are less than a week away. Both women have been training at the very edge of capacity in hopes of being crowned the Fittest on Earth on Sunday, Aug. 5.
“I want to be as fit as I can, and I want to be as strong as I can,” Toomey says. “In order to do that, I need to test my boundaries.”
Toomey is doing just that while training in Cookeville, Tennessee, under the watchful eye of husband and coach Shane Orr.
Meanwhile, in Boston, Massachusetts, Davidsdottir is tackling the famous Blue Hills with coach Ben Bergeron and a handful of Games athletes including Camille Leblanc-Bazinet and Brooke Wells.
“Whenever something is really, really, really, really hard, in like a lactic, sprint kinda way, that’s when I’m like, ‘Ooo, that was almost like Blue Hills,’” Davidsdottir says of the workout.
Toomey and Davidsdottir will battle each other and the rest of the field Aug. 1-5 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Video by Heber Cannon, Mariah Moore, and Marston Sawyers.
The CrossFit Games -- (games.crossfit.com)
The CrossFit Games® - The Sport of Fitness™
The Fittest On Earth™

[@kelseydiastra487]

It's clear that a major thing last year's champs, Mat and Tia, have in common is a partner who effectively takes care of everything else in life so they can focus on training. Having supportive family and friends is great and useful but I'm not sure it can compare to a partner who literally does everything else in your life. The mental impact of not having any added concern, no matter how seemingly trivial, is gigantic.

[@thatsBeaStuff]

Kelsey DiAstra great point.

[@markstulzer]

Very well said.

[@charlescannon6535]

I want Tia to win, but I also want Sara to win, and then I really want Kara to win, but Annie would make a good champion, and so would Katrin. Man.

[@charlescannon6535]

HAHA good catch my bad lol

[@krisjc7537]

Sort of the same boat with you. I them all to win

[@trojanmagnumpi3841]

I feel the same way.

[@LMAAAAYOOO]

Its going to be a dog fight for that podium

[@brookelarsh1963]

Annie wouldn't ''make a good champion''; she's BEEN a good champion, two years in a row.

[@brcage]

I think they're all outstanding, incredible, but i really would love to see Sara win.

[@hittman1412]

Sara isn't quite there in the head yet.

[@tidefanyankee2428]

@r2d23678 She always seems to find herself in one event where she implodes. She does great, and then something happens and if I remember correctly, it might be something that's she's done well in, in the past. To me, that says it's a mental thing, not physical, or lack of preparation. Once Sara gets that under control she could be dangerous. But what do I know.....I just watch to see Brooke Wells....LOL

[@bpraise517]

@@tidefanyankee2428 I agree 100%

[@paradox5391]

Shane is such a good dude.

[@luisvazquez4309]

How many of you are more excited to watch the ladies battle over the men!? Way more competitive on the ladies side!!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@maxkemper1598]

That's just because Fraser isn't human.

[@ikilledmyroommate]

The women are more fun to watch for sure. But I can't wait to see who comes second to Fraser!

[@isabellawright4080]

Meeeeeee🤗

[@tidefanyankee2428]

@@maxkemper1598 And because Froning isn't doing the individual competition any longer to concentrate more on family. As far as the women go, I watch just to see Brooke Wells.....sigh......

[@marcushamner5994]

I like women's Crossfit more too 😍😘💍

[@yasmini.alamin6031]

The level of bad ass in this video is electric and motivational af

[@jordanplourde7170]

I love how your Media team is able to make running on a track so much more epic than it really is! I think the track n field industry needs to take some lessons from you guys!

[@iGo0ch]

Epic outro. Tia has changed a lot, grown much more mentally tough and confident in herself. Awesome to see that kind of change!!

[@kristofujvari7694]

The last 3 minutes was the ABSOLUTE BEST shots and cuts I've ever seen in my life. Mars, Mariah, Heber you guys are awesome! Thank you for the content!

[@Merco81]

I think Katrin has gotten back into the right headspace, but I still hope Sara Sigmundsdottir can get a good shot at it.

[@andymo5425]

Brian East Sara Is becoming a machine with those new coaches, i have so much faith in her this year🙏

[@ManatedMan]

Brian East I just want Sara to win the games once! She's just too damn adorable.

[@esthermolester69]

I want sara to win so badly!!!

[@michaelraycampos9246]

The I Want vs. The I CAN mentality... What you speak with conviction shows itself when the time comes. 2018 games proved that with Tia on top again.

[@anthonyhennegan3676]

Tia is going to take it again for sure.

[@xaviermcquiston1604]

This is going to be a hell of a year for the women. There are 6 or 7 strong contenders, not that you can count any of the 40 out necessarily, but there are 6 or so names that it wouldn't surprise me if they were standing on top of the podium at the end of the weekend.

[@jaradbrennan8249]

Katrin and her spirit animals are doing my head in and im glad she went an episode without crying about something. GO TIA and SARA !

[@laurenbacon6428]

Tia I said it to you last year in person and I'll say it again this year... You are going to win the crossfit games!

[@debadev2179]

Lauren Bacon Tia is a true champion Olympian, Commonwealth Gold and will be once again Fittest in the World

[@jonahpunnoose3290]

This is a treat 2 videos in one day

[@romeocasido5723]

This is as close to a title fight as it gets. Women's open division is insanely competitive and exciting to watch

[@heyiamtito]

It is so beautiful that the two fittest humans on earth have such supportive partners that take care of their lives and leave them to focus on training.

[@aleorma]

Props to the producers of this video. Just magnific! Those last 4 minutes are precious. So exciting!

[@philipsparks7550]

17:44 - Never change, Camille.

[@shaunsm01]

yeah they could have just edited her out... so over her... they should have include a piece of Sara :)

[@LMAAAAYOOO]

I love the women's competition. I wish there was a tie for the win between Tia, Katrin, Annie, Kara and Sara because I want them all to win equally.

[@ScottLRoyal]

I agree with you. I'm not sure they will though.

[@LMAAAAYOOO]

Scott L. Royal if I have to pick one then I'll say Sara because she hasn't won yet

[@JanKenk]

add Camille and make it a six way tie :D

[@neversaw]

100% how I feel. I wanted tia to win so bad last year, bias being australian haha but now I’m cheering so hard for those 5 that I know no matter what I’ll be happy and sad haha

[@ManatedMan]

I just want Sara to win so bad. She's just so damn cute. Her accent, love of pizza and ice cream just make her so loveable.

[@326nnorth]

The last 3 minutes were AWESOME. Well done.

[@ctdtran]

I love these bc I get to watch people exercise to become the fittest versions of themselves. Healthy mentally and physically. So much respect 🥺, not just an insta influencer wearing booty enhancing shorts

[@ifbit3117]

God this video is so hype, great cinematography, music, etc. Man I can't freaking wait for the games!!

[@matthewgribble744]

Tia, training at my old high school! I ran a lot of laps around that track during football practice for messing up!!!😂😂

[@ssideris]

Honestly, I think both Katrin and Tia are amazing, they have to be considering they were 1st and 3rd respectively but I think the slight difference is just mindset. As some commenters pointed out, Katrin wants to win whereas Tia knows she can win. Those two mindset can make such a difference for your overall performance. When you know you can win, you just have to understand what you have to do but not torturing yourself mentally. When you want to win and every mistake you do is emphasized individually, that will never get you to where you want to be. You're just so dead set on your flaws, you forgot where you can shine. I mean, TCT got 14th on an event and yet she still won the '18 games. Yes, winning a game means a lot but if you know you're not that good at it, don't stress about your flaws or your mistakes. Think about what can you do next to resolve that and improve your placing on the board

[@Blackcrownsuniversity]

This!!!

[@andiecann8789]

I've actually been on binge watching all these videos. What inspirations :O Their strength and fitness is outside of this world!

[@mavstt5822]

Shane cracks me up. Such a good sense of humour.

[@mortenpoulsen8688]

The squirrel behind Katryn at 30:12, MADE MY DAY😂😂😂

[@ashleea2498]

Tia with those tiny socks was adorable/hilarious

[@rayecarter3635]

Is........is no one going to mention the apples and eggs thing? Dear Lordt. How does she eat it.

[@Ze5sniper]

Raye Carter im about to try it out.

[@selinarocha1173]

🤣

[@AFA111]

That's why she's the 2x Crossfit games winner.

[@nakyongkim]

So motivating... love these girls!!!

[@jagerfromgsg945]

First 3 minutes. *BREATHING INTENSIFIES*

[@83osbel]

Anyone watching these in 2020 for home workout motivation

[@alejandrinahs]

The new workout for the games released today is almost ALL upper body strength... Interesting insight from the video! Team TOOMEY!

[@Maria-ed3jo]

I love them so much!! My biggest inspirations!

[@clementsell2818]

Katrin "I want to win" Tia "I will win"

[@luhole]

Tia said "can win" actually

[@elakxo]

Strong

[@mrkk2167]

Ladies are awesome, but I wanted to compliment the editor. He/she absolutely killed it. The transitions are beyond amazing towards the end. Hella good job.

[@archangel9524]

I took 3 minute pause at 10:54, and I am not even ashamed.

[@karinnavas5368]

This one and the Mathew one ... great job CrossFit video people

[@yolimarparra5660]

I don't expect that ending!!! That was awesomeeee

[@jacobverdin8161]

I really want tia to win because she seems so genuine and humble, there’s something abt katrin, idk what it is but I would rather see tia up on top

[@andymo5425]

Jacob Verdin I've always tought that Katrin Is Fake.... I have never like her tbh... Sara or tía for the win

[@CdnEqChick]

it"s her giant brow ridge, how is no one talking about that?! no respect

[@Randall2023]

My favourites love ❤️ Respect ✊ warriors

[@cameronwood6031]

this channel has some amazing editors!

[@MageBlackstone]

Not channel...

[@lusthateenvy]

Shoutout Sevan and Brooke’s husband

[@susanahurtado2140]

I want to see Katrin take back her title! Can’t wait to see her perform 🤗

[@Spikey12311]

The ending of the video just pumped it up even more!

[@samlea9954]

Man this’s years Games are gonna be exciting

[@jennatulls0420]

Awwwwww! Stoked for the games! Gooooo girls, going to be a great race!

[@ringtoolDRIVER]

"Heber, what are we?" - the anxious "I don't know" is one of my favourite parts :D As always, great work! I adore the way you cut and use sounds and music!!! (e.g. from 0:23 the cuts with the sirene)

[@armandoarmas6876]

I love tia !!

[@LinetteArroyo]

Yes! I love these! ☺️

[@1990estrella]

Tía and Sara are my favorite since I started to watch the CrossFit games which was three years ago. Edit: Tia and Sara are my top favorite but I also like Kara and Sam Briggs.. and maybe even Annie lol

[@Cmd1111]

Such a great production you guys!!!!! Awesome!!! :)

[@LaidbackLayton]

this is going to be insane. All the ladies deserve the top spot, i guess in a weeks time we will know who wants it more.

[@rpsloss]

These videos are so well done!

[@chrajesh2k]

Awe inspiring video and kickass girls, amazing edit 😍

[@BernhardKohli]

Battle of the TITANS!!!! Awesome video - Can't wait to see the Dottirs and the "Aussies" competing head-to-head!!!!

[@jamesbrandwood1456]

Quality performance from Newbury in this year's games!!

[@jzb111]

Tia is the better weightlifter the better swimmer. The better runner. The Icelandic girls have more size and can take more punishment. Frankly I dont see how Tia loses

[@ericaacrie491]

EPIC!!! I'm so excited for the games!

[@pgmorse]

Thanks (for all of these). This one was awesome!

[@yasmini.alamin6031]

I love tia and Shane they are such a positive team

[@YasselAlvarez33157]

This is fun to watch/do, and an admirable body image; but the training will take a toll in the long run.

[@easternsamurai]

This is a great series!

[@samblustein9773]

They're focusing on Tia and Katrin and I am just over here like.... ya'll think Annie is done don't you?

[@Nate-bw7jq]

sam blustein nobody is saying that at all lol....its titled The Champs. When's the last time annie took 1st?

[@samblustein9773]

Nathan Campbell I know what the video is called. I’m not blind. And if you watched the whole thing they included Annie in the end as well as Sara and Kara. I was joking that Annie has been surging. She took 3rd last year and took the top spot at the meridian, something she hasn’t done convincingly in years. Just because she hasn’t taken first again doesn’t mean she can’t. The women’s race is tight and it will be a fight. Just a joke so calm down.

[@Nate-bw7jq]

sam blustein I just commented on what you said...I'm calm so dont get butthurt. Women's field is a complete toss up is an understatement. Personally im not rooting for annie but im aware she's no pushover

[@samblustein9773]

Nathan Campbell not butt hurt. You’d know. There’d probably be a lot of cursing if I was 😂 I wouldn’t mind seeing Annie win, but I want Sara too even though she won’t. She just isn’t mentally capable at this point which is disappointing because she is physically a better athlete than Katrin and Annie in my opinion

[@Nate-bw7jq]

sam blustein same lol....I've always wanted to see sara get some training with Bergeron...dude is the king of teaching mental toughness in my opinion. Hoping to see wells regain her 2016 form too

[@jacklynnbowling2608]

2 Road to the Games in 2 days??? CrossFit's treating us before the Games

[@SCRAPTURES]

Another "Competitive Experience".. great phrase, Champ!

[@HollyGBR]

Love Tia's Watch

[@lukeylove6963]

Shane's a good bloke

[@Caysum21345]

Rooting for you Tia! Sara and Kara are my next favorites

[@iananthony2578]

I'd rather watch all these behind the scenes show then the games. Lol

[@emilyeachus9687]

To think Tia hit a 270 clean and jerk just 2 years after this for the Rogue Competition. Cray cray.

[@TheseOpenRoads]

I'd love to see a couple Aussies on top again this year

[@SuperJbob1234]

Excited to see how Ehea performs this year!

[@Jacobupchurch]

There's the difference Tia says I can win the Crossfit games, and Katrin says I want to, two Totally different mindsets

[@TheMvpmovies]

Which one do you think is better?

[@nicolejeanne4834]

I think I can is more powerful then I want to in this setting.

[@Jacobupchurch]

Micah van Praag Tia by far

[@MichaelCronan49]

So true! I picked up on this too. Also interesting bit of trivia from sports psychology is using third person self speech ie saying in your head "you can win this". Is even more powerful than saying "I can"

[@chrischardon6621]

I kind of agree with this, but don't forget that Katrin already has two titles. She knows she *can* win; all that's left in her case is the will to do it. Of course, TCT won it again in 2018, and it's hard to argue with success. But I think that it's more a matter, as someone pointed out below, of inefficiencies that Katrin has that TCT doesn't. TCT's crisper, smoother. If I were Katrin's coach, I'd spend a lot of time polishing up her technique on a lot of lifts. That's where the real gains could come.

[@JonoEastGuitar]

Straya Represent!

[@Scoobyfckndont]

It’s 2024 and I’m on way CFG binge. Everything from behind the scenes with Sevan and road to the games. How come they don’t do this anymore?

[@connierodriguez9306]

I want Tia to win... Go Tia!!!!!

[@slackstation]

This is getting me so pumped.

[@Peachmilkers]

The audio varies greatly throughout the video, it's really annoying to watch. It goes from low, to high too many times and too quickly

[@mallen1846]

Tia looking stronger than ever, repeat incomming

[@eduardoribas7733]

The sound balance (equalizer?) in this videos is so bad... whyyyyy?

[@Jacob-fx2tb]

also the video is weirdly small, same problem with the fraser video

[@Emilyk1317]

I’ve had the same issue aaaaa think it’s because using videos form all different sources and with all sorts of audio overlays ya it’s affected me too 😂

[@werbinich]

Same thought here. I had to put in headphones so I could hear what everyone was saying.

[@spokje]

Audio leveling skills not on par ;)

[@aaronorrantia8263]

These women motivated the fuck out of me at the end of this episode. INTENSE!

[@cassandragrandy8643]

I’m so stoked

[@camerongray7767]

I would love to see Katrin win again, but since I am aussie I like tia so much, I guess if they get first and second that’s the best I can hope for

[@DannyPimienta]

It’s bad that I want Kara, Katrin and Sara all to win 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@MageBlackstone]

Well, there are three spots...

[@debadev2179]

Danny Pimienta Tia is going to Win

[@helora1039]

@@debadev2179 you got that right LMAO

[@quallepuffer5835]

10:15 Those cameramen are SO good at what they are doin! They just went with the workout and ran alongside the Champs ;)

[@HBK358]

Crossfit fans: "There are about 80 individual athletes competing at the games, sure would love to see a road to the games featuring some new athletes." Crossfit: "Here is the 37th road to the games episode that features Tia and Katrin."

[@gregoryranger3268]

Its gonna be awesome!

[@chrisconnor5986]

Shane's face at 2:47 when he's says try the mile lol

[@degreesofshining]

Days away from 2018! Woot woot!

[@doogleisfat]

Another great installment @Crossfit. One small ask - can you please compress / limit the audio a little more; the music often dominates and spikes over the interviews.

[@pheng75]

Haha...“The swinging thing” I love Camille. This isn’t about her but she was a highlight of the video!

[@war1ordman]

Beasts of a human race!!!!

[@ChristianR6]

Come on Girls!! team Dottir

[@pyjamasandtea]

Can we just have an episode all on Shane Orr? Tia and Shane together are hilarious.

[@aaronorrantia8263]

They should post the music they use because most of it is pretty great.

[@emilystonedavis3143]

best one yet.

[@gotham7964]

So pumped!!!!!!!!