Miles to Madison 07.22: Ricky Garard, Redemption & the Return of CrossFit Semifinals

[@DWHGWIHW]

Not gonna lie, i teared up pretty heavy when J Cotler was talking about why he wanted to coach Ricky. I've made some bad mistakes in my life between drug addiction and prison and when he spoke about how nobody wanted to talk to Ricky and how under his watch that wouldn't happen...I felt that, because I've been pushed outside and a few people took me in and now I am married with a beautiful 3 year old daughter, great career and we just bought a brand new home. I def believe in second chances. People make mistakes, and may repeat them, but they CAN change.

[@KeithGreenshields]

sounds like me then i lost it all, hope you do not

[@DWHGWIHW]

@@KeithGreenshields you can get it back man, I've been to prison 2 times and in and out of jail since i was 20 until 30. You don't have to be a statistic. It takes letting go and surrounding yourself with like minded people. You got this.

[@KeithGreenshields]

@@DWHGWIHW thanks

[@fitnessbyconnie]

Wow thanks for sharing this! Wish you all the best

[@DWHGWIHW]

@@fitnessbyconnie hey! I was chatting with you in the live comments during the CrossFit semi finals lol! Hope you are doing great!

[@CrossFitGamesTV]

Chapters 0:00-1:27 - A look back at Ricky Garard in 2017 1:27 - 2:03 - What are Semifinals? 2:03-2:33 - Behind the scenes at the Syndicate Crown 2:33-3:55 - Justin Medeiros competes at the Syndicate Crown 3:55-7:12 - James Sprague’s Semifinal performance 7:12-12:18 - CrossFit Mayhem vs. CrossFit Reykjavik 12:18-15:27 - Ricky Garard and Justin Cotler become athlete and coach 15:27-16:54 - Garard competes for the first time since 2017 16:54-18:04 - Garard goes too hard in Event 1 of the Torian Pro 18:04-18:41 - Garard wins the legless-rope-climb event 18:41-19:50 - Kara Saunders and Tia-Clair Toomey feature 19:50-21:13 - Who is Ellie Turner? 21:13-24:00 - Ellie Turner joins forces with Adam Neiffer 24:00-25:08 - A deeper look into the Torian Pro women’s podium 25:08-26:48 - Torian Pro men’s podium and Garard’s second-place finish 26:48-27:16 - Sneak peek of Episode 8

[@emmachallands1358]

Pretty crazy that Jay Crouch won Torian and got zero air time…

[@anderss7277]

CrossFit HC: -Who??

[@michaelquigley9030]

It feels like Mayhem vs Reykjavík has featured on so many HQ videos? There's so many cool stories they could dig in on - 232 athletes going to Wisconsin (plus age divisons + masters)

[@alexanderhitch5786]

Crouch gets less time on air than his COACH, Crossfit Legend Rob Forte.... but he gonna show up at the Games!!!

[@pmorse3653]

@@michaelquigley9030 CF (now and before) couldn't worship Mayhem and froning any harder. Enough already. I'm happy others feel the same way.

[@jacobdoubleu7061]

Some other athletes need some airtime 👍🏼

[@jackshipley1605]

Oceana needs 5 spots, Royce dunne and Maddy Sturt shouldn’t have missed out

[@MattyV001]

100% believe in learning from your mistakes and getting a second chance. But… you gotta own your mistake and show some remorse. Kid still denying and doubling down. If he would just say I cheated and I’m sorry, the dude would have my full support.

[@Nathaniel_Scott]

People are talking as if Ricky killed someone, he took a shady supplement that was banned at age 22. Get over it, he's served the time. Welcome back mate.

[@mariahslittlelamb8049]

Frankly, it is ridiculous how they continue to bring this up, even in the video today. Let it die. We know that it is very unlikely that many of the athletes at the games are not using some type of banned supplement. CrossFit HQ decided to make an example of him to the community so they could present that the sport is a natural sport. It is bullshit and I cannot believe Ricky forgave them for this. I hope he wins the games this year and that Tia and Mal O'Tren pop for the banned supplements that they use because THEY ARE ON SOMETHING!

[@jamesanderson6130]

Easy to forget he was only 22 at the time, barely even an adult. I’m glad no one is holding me to my mistakes at 22.

[@patrickhayes606]

@@jamesanderson6130 sarcasm? 22 is a grown ass man

[@jamesanderson6130]

@@patrickhayes606 no, it’s not sarcasm, 22 is an adult technically but it’s a young adult. You know how many of my soldiers are 18-24 and made some big mistake? I’m not throwing the book at them all people make mistakes especially while young. I’m not going to crucify someone for that.

[@patrickhayes606]

@@jamesanderson6130 I'm not saying that he shouldn't be given a second chance but to try to lessen the seriousness behind his cheating by saying he's only 22 is wrong. He knowingly cheated. He knowingly lied about cheating. He knew what the consequences were if he was caught. He made the decision to cheat as he felt the reward outweighed the risk and he is not of a high moral character. His age is irrelevant. I wish him well in the future

[@Bakazmann74]

I’m ready to see if Team Reykjavík can give Mayhem a run for the money! Rich is the Man , but Annie and Lauren are my Favs💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽❤️💯

[@robertwiesner6538]

Second chances and redemption...everyone deserves a second shot at their dreams. We all screw up. I know I wouldn't want to be remembered for the rest of my life for my mistakes or bad judgement. Hope Ricky does well and shows the CrossFit world what a second chance can do... Reykjavik will be a lot of fun to watch! Go Vellner!

[@EnoughRhetoric]

While I’m not rooting for him, as there are so many other athletes I like way more, I agree. He served his time and I respect him for sticking with it long enough to return and show what he legitimately can do. I suspect 15-25 for him. But he’s shown a lot of fortitude just putting himself into this position to compete and very likely, deal with some boos.

[@traveler142]

doping is an addiction... a very hard drug to kick when competing. the insecurity of not doping is too much for some to handle... my guess is he is still using

[@ruibraga1705]

@@traveler142 absolutely, but so is the rest of the field, the difference is that the top guys know how to dope and not get caught

[@traveler142]

@@ruibraga1705 exactly... uneven playing field, some truths are not meant to be spoken... CrossFit will not suspend them all... the show must go on

[@GSPfan10]

Did he admit he cheated?

[@qwertybroad]

Anyone else know that his brother got caught for PEDs a year or two later?

[@Kmthickness]

I didn’t know that ???

[@jeisongarciazapata2089]

Yeah, actually I just did a research about it and he was banded too.

[@passaway13]

Yeah, thought it was interesting that Cotler said he trusted Benny given that he’s currently serving a ban for PEDs…

[@g.m.8828]

OMG... That is bad... And that brother is his coach

[@emilygercke4628]

"to give him any motivation beyond his own motivation to win is a dangerous thing" what a great Ingraham quote.

[@Gerschwin83]

Reykjavik looks like their having fun, ,while Mayhem is all about the business ..... good luck to them both

[@playthebar]

I believe that will be the difference between who wins. Can't wait to see the battle.

[@monofame]

@@playthebar looking forward, too. But I think mayhem will stay champions. Reykjavik is lacking experience as a team, sadly!

[@bodhi821345]

Kara’s kid is ADORABLE 🥰

[@B1gDave2010]

Did Garard get tested during his 4 year ban or could he have juiced up in that time then come off it before returning to live comps?

[@KojoAM]

You tell me🙃

[@ZidaneSteiner]

Dude, they’re ALL juicing

[@davidmckercher892]

@@ZidaneSteiner literally all of them.

[@zagato77904]

Rhetorical question.

[@FootballWiseGuy]

Ya they don't test unless there's an event... he could have been cheating for 4 yrs then tapered off for the games

[@jaclynrobertson6727]

Instead of focusing on him, show the other athletes. Ricky has done nothing to deserve attention except cheat. He was dirty and got on the podium, which means he actually didn't make it. So he's done nothing clean of note. So instead of acting like he's making a come back, he needs to be treated like an untested athlete that made it. And well see. And unfortunately, there will always be a shadow of doubt over his accomplishments until he proves himself without supplements and doping. I just think it's unfair he's being touted given airtime in a sport that has small windows for athletes to capitalize on exposure and were spending all the coverage on a guy who's done nothing exceptional except cheat.

[@BuiltonGODSrock]

Not to mention the lead up to dubai was the same way. Ricky. Ricky. Ricky

[@anderss7277]

So formerly banned Ricky Garard has been coached most of his 4 years as banned by Ben Garard, you know, the older brother that got popped for PED's 2 years after Ricky and that are still serving his 4 year ban. That most be some kind of a record, right? And also, can banned Ben be the coach of Ricky during the 2022 games?

[@derekbrinkmann2282]

And he popped for the same banned substance. I’d imagine Cotler gets his coaches pass as he doesn’t have another male athlete to focus on. But also, Benny is just banned from competition so I wouldn’t see an issue with him coaching Ricky.

[@mikaj9884]

Ben is bad influence, neanderthal mentality..

[@neversaw]

Ricky is coached by underdogs athletics. The UA dude mentioned it several times when interviewed about his athletes. He's also competing unaffiliated.

[@reesethestone412]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥AMAZING INSPIRING AND POWERFUL TO WATCH ALL THESE ATHLETES🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@musicforever571]

Crossfit makes it seem like there are only two teams fighting for the podium, Mayhem and Reykjavik. I'm sick of listening to it. Yes, they're great teams, but so are many others. I hope the other forgotten teams by crossfit are using this as motivation to do better at the games.

[@dannimcleod1364]

I’ve noticed that too. There’s so much hype and pressure on both teams going into the games.

[@MrMichaelEsser]

And? One of them will win. All in for Mayhem

[@georgeaylard1580]

Hey HQ, you are aware that there were people competing at the Lowlands Throwdown that wasn't Reykjavik right? BKG, Laura Horvath, Gabby Migala?

[@bbbt8090]

Yea but at least Laura was featured in The Next Gen

[@salmu22233]

And last week they covered Reykjavik as well

[@1MariaMe]

I feel like Reykjavik has been in every one of these episodes.. Sure it's a cool story, but there are soooo many more athletes that deserve to be featured

[@pmorse3653]

@@1MariaMe Maybe they figure they flew all the way over there to Iceland so they gotta milk that content as much as possible (too much) 🤣

[@1MariaMe]

@@pmorse3653 probably 😂

[@robertstuart6593]

has he been testest throughout the 4 years? unnotified, just knock knock, here we are, lets go ...?

[@jakeh7236]

Apparently crossfit controls all of the testing, including what results are made public.

[@LaurenandtheCrew]

I'm still not sure how I feel about Ricky coming back to competition. He knew what we was doing was wrong and the thing that really upset me about that year was that he got to stand on the podium and take away the glory Vellner should have enjoyed. I do believe in 2nd chances I just hope they test him very strictly now that he's back to make sure he's doing it legit this time and I selfishly hope he just places behind Vellner this year too 😅

[@jamesdrury2387]

Even though he isnt using PEDs anymore. The muscle cells developed while using still provide an unfair advantage.

[@blinny88]

Absolutely, the added myonuclei gained from taking peds has been proven to last for at least 15 years and could still be proved to be a permanent addition to a former drug cheats arsenal. Muscles with a higher number of myonuclei grow faster and stronger than muscles with lower myonuclei. Giving the cheat a lasting advantage over a clean athlete. Same goes for men transitioning to women in later life and competing in women's sports with a higher density of myonuclei gained through male pubity. It's absolute bullshit. They should be banned for life.

[@jennym744]

Fully agree. Once you’ve used assistance, you’re assisted

[@harrye.512]

He would still be on them.

[@dmtudder]

They should implement random drug testing like ufc. The fact is that he is one who got caught but there are many more who have a better sense of what they can get away with. Let him come back and start meaningful testing. Test him twice as often. If he’s clean, he won’t mind.

[@mrlaforgephysics]

They do random testing

[@dmtudder]

@@mrlaforgephysics that’s good. I haven’t kept up on the inner working of Xfit. I thought there is a window right before games that they could be tested but if year round, that’ll deter most.

[@victoriar7855]

Wondering if this is why Danielle Brandon left Underdogs....

[@BuiltonGODSrock]

Nope. It was just not enough attn overall. She wanted to be the spotlight and Justin had too many other female athletes

[@Alexandra-mj9ch]

Can’t wait!! This year’s games is going to be 🔥 more than EVER!

[@simonreilly213]

Once a cheater always a cheater. When someone shows you who they are, believe them. If he wins it will be a disaster for the sport.

[@jakeh7236]

The naivety/ignorance shown by you and a lot of the other commenters here is pretty astounding. You realise crossfit controls the testing and what results are made public? The athletes also know when they are going to be tested. There is no random drug testing by an independent third party and athletes aren't required to be in a testing pool for a predetermined amount of time in order to compete in future events. Most, if not all of the pro crossfiters are on peds. I mean look at the woman's division, you really think they're natural?

[@bbbt8090]

Who's the blonde in red shirt when Khan was talking haha

[@robertstuart6593]

talking about "second chances " (tommy m.) - after doping, using PED, your body/muscle changes and its not the native body anymore. so you dont get the second chance if you change your body composition permanently..

[@CrossFitGamesTV]

Enjoy a 14-day free trial with GOWOD, the app used by the best athletes in the Sport of Fitness. cf.games/22_gowod

[@jacobdoubleu7061]

Love this!! Ready for the games

[@nicholasfonti8139]

Minus the fact that he did the Canadian boys, CrossFit, and all the fans dirty years ago, I am stoked to watch this kid compete at the Games this year!

[@CMP98]

Totally agree! Everyone makes mistakes & deserves a second chance. He’s definitely a great athlete! Rooting for you 💪🏼 Ricky

[@flaviaaraujo379]

Usaron la pista de REDIMI2?! loco

[@mrdrains1312]

Standard bias CrossFit video. Jay Crouch won 🥇 Torian and doesn’t get a mention. WTF.

[@neversaw]

These videos are made to try to garner views, its not worth getting upset over really

[@razparedes4647]

No one talking about European top 5 women.. they’re strong tho

[@manueljn1094]

Let's go Ricky!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@briankeller5602]

Welcome back, lesson learned

[@victorh8863]

Ricky "The Snake" Garard

[@bryanm9880]

I think this proves Ricky feels he can do it without the help of PEDs. Apparently the others that were banned can't do it without the PEDs. Props to Ricky

[@harrye.512]

I think Ricky might be still on PEDs

[@marcushamner5994]

My crushes are Tia Claire Toomey and Kara Webb. I have a huge crush on Ellie Turner too 19:59🤩🥰😘👊🏾💍🌹

[@anthonyclark834]

Nice to see Ricky looking even more yolked than when he was popped

[@stiritup4663]

A lifetime ban might discourage a lot of people.

[@leonelorozco2514]

Ricky is an absolute beast. Salute. Good luck in the games mate.

[@randolphgovinden9283]

Let's go Ricky..he's always been a beast.A few months of using a weak Sarms did not turn him from zero to a superhero.He was always a genetic freak,hes going to prove that he never needed the sarms.He served his time,he's elligible to compete.What a resilient and patient athlete,he persevered waiting for 4 years when most would have quit already.

[@FeWH]

At this point, Gerard was ahead of the PED game. He KNEW what he was doing, he is not stupid. He just got caught. Not good drug management by his “Doctor”. So many Athletes are getting caught now that CrossFit HQ should make it legal or have drug categories. “Role Model” from Coach Underdog, no wonder Danielle Brandon is gone. Can’t they make Shows on anyone new instead of the same old people?

[@neversaw]

I think the DB leave was something irrelevant to Ricky and much more personal

[@vanillaghetto]

@@neversaw Interesting that it happened right after a roadtrip with him to Mat's camp.

[@y7a7s7hua]

I'm glad that Ricky is back. He screwed up but we all do in one way or another. I think that he has a lot of potential and I hope the best for him!

[@ВадимРусаков-д6ч]

вылета Мама 🥇

[@bascal133]

Do they ask the peds question to everyone I’m just so shocked they knew to ask that. I feel like hq must have tipped him off

[@Al3x4nd3er]

they did, they set him up for content.

[@jaclynrobertson6727]

@@Al3x4nd3er 🤔 they asked him, and he lied. He put himself in that situation by lying and cheating. It's not their fault they caught him in his lie?

[@EduardoA-P]

Now I know why DB left underdogs.

[@ruthco8789]

Looks like it, yep, I thought the same!

[@CoffeePodsAndWods]

Couldn’t be further from the truth, she speaks highly of Ricky in multiple interviews.

[@ruthco8789]

@@CoffeePodsAndWods I see, thanks for the info!

[@BuiltonGODSrock]

Its come out in several interviews that it had more to do with the other females than Ricky

[@ruthco8789]

@@BuiltonGODSrock Hi! Could you attach the link of some of those interviews? I'd like to watch them. Thank you very much in advance!

[@alvawinslow]

Subtitules in spanish please

[@jordanandkimbothepugs]

I’m watching this midnight and saw it as miles had a son

[@CrossFitGamesTV]

Maybe he did?

[@David.M1989]

Second chances are good but not if they ask you and you answer with a No… and blah blah. You said no and that is a lie to all of us.

[@myopinion7716]

Cheaters should be banned for life! You're taking up space that you haven't earned, and you're taking it from people who were willing to do it the right way. You don't accidentally cheat. You're hurting the crossfit brand, and you're making people behind you believe that nobody is doing it the right way. Ban them for life!

[@furezj]

Garard was done dirty. You are crazy if you think that a majority of the top athletes aren't getting pinned in the locker room by their coach. Pure politics.

[@FootballWiseGuy]

My only problem is the fact that the drugmade him able to get bigger faster. After he stopped, he's still got the benefits of larger muscles. So the base of cheating is still helping him

[@rnbham39]

I wholeheartedly believe in second chances...ABSO-FREAKIN-LUTLY!!!! Best of luck to Ricky!!! #extendgrace

[@thinbluelinemustang372]

The heavy's never win the games. The long grueling workouts separate winners from losers and chemistry is everything to shave time in those events.

[@johan7262]

That mullet…whyyy WHYYY!?

[@DIFFICULTENLIGHT]

CFHW Media team should be replaced with un biased, original creative minds

[@victoriastephen264]

lied straight to the camera. His brother caught for doping too. He doesn't deserve the airtime.

[@shanebmf2330]

🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺💯💪🏽

[@techy6312]

These girls have bigger muscle then me. 😆

[@LucilleMilo]

garard looks like the midget from pirates of the caribbean

[@amazyboy]

لعبه فلوس وسياسه

[@girderzombie]

Ricky's eyes scare me.

[@shawnr6852]

"Roidin' Ricky" Garard Ricky * Garard

[@Cyclops1983]

Seriously, let's drop the drug crack. Ppl are taking things.

[@benital165]

👍

[@girderzombie]

Those NOBULL shirts are doing nothing for those otherwise fit dudes.

[@ronsutton7614]

Please find someone else to commentate these Tommy puts people to sleep.

[@vanillaghetto]

Tommy is full of himself...and thinks he's smarter than he is.

[@KB-cw3dw]

People are so disillusioned from reality if they really think not all these cf athletes aren’t on gear. In any sport where money and fame is involved, the majority of athletes will utilize any advantage they can. CF games don’t use USADA and most likely protect the athletes that generate the most cash for the sport.

[@CallMeGarrek]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@MrRohitchowdhary]

🤣Game of Natties...all jacked up ..i lost trust man in crossfit

[@freakied0550]

Lifetime bans or let them compete "untested". No in between.

[@mrlaforgephysics]

Are there any sports that do lifetime bans for PEDs?

[@DavidWied]

Mayhem gunna mop the floor with team Annie @CrossFitGames we dont believe the hype!!!

[@airplane3359]

Nup... you're gonna mop the floor