David Hippensteel Responds To CrossFit AGOQ Event 2

NoRep Shirt
www.vndk8.com/...
I"'m not sure if you're going to use all this information to just be even more critical but I thought I'd give it a try...."
Well Daivd. I can tell that you have not seen any of my videos.
If you had, you would know that I am incorruptible. THAT IS THE POINT.
It doesn't matter what ou tell me. If it is clear as day that something is going wrong, I have a duty to bring it up to the public if I know about it.
David Hippensteel responded to his performance on the CrossFit AGOQ Event 2.
In the video I will read and show his response, and give my take on these things.
As always, the purpose is to GET BETTER!!!.
Let me know your thoughts.
Coach Andy

[@hillerfit]

How do you feel about David's response to my initial video?

[@Milliardo5]

Well, there are standards, and those who compete must measure to those standards. If they don't, then that's too bad, but the rules are rules. As said in law: dura lex sed lex in Latin, meaning the law may be harsh, but that's the law.

[@thomasblay]

You are absolutely bang on. That’s why he won’t respond. He thinks his clout and past successes will make everyone turn a blind eye to his movements that don’t hit the standards. We need people to understand that this isn’t bullying. It’s calling out the people who think they can get away with not hitting the standard. The victim shield is being used a lot with all this.

[@colmmccoy8664]

I’m a 60 year old and subject to video review I’m through to the semis. I sympathise with DH problems but that’s just bad luck. Standards are standards. I think they should apply to everyone equally. I don’t want a pass because I’m old. Otherwise what would be the incentive to work on mobility.

[@kathiestan4379]

His response is horseshit. I can't believe he's actually happy with the way he did that workout. Unfortunately when you get older, things change and maybe you can't do what you once could. That's just bad luck. Maybe it's time to hang up the competition boots. The way you do anything, is the way you do everything.

[@lostson5216]

The fact that you yourself can't compete because of the elbow got me. That totally dismantles his "woe is me I'm injured" argument. You have the integrity to say "hey there's next year and I'm going to work my butt off to make my injury work" and his only solution is to do poor reps. You did the opposite of play the victim. He's hoping no one call him on his BS and yet there you are 🦇🦇🦇

[@Zoet50]

Great video . I am 65 and hate when older people play the victim . Especially someone claiming to be one of the fittest. Mobility is part of fitness., anyway this is a great video for older athletes to realize it’s not about ego and excuses, it’s about standards .

[@liz9147]

Oh man I really feel for David. It’s hard getting old . He’s clearly a proud man, he’s worked incredibly hard and understandably feels humiliated. But it’s a competition and competitions have rules. As successful as he has been, he has no right to go to the Games, and If he cannot meet the standard he should not go to the Games in place of athletes in his age group who are meeting the standard.

[@stephenangove6157]

I competed against David in 2016, 2017 and 2018. I finished second behind him in 2016 and fourth in 2017. He was a good competitor, but I was shocked to see his video. Lowering the standards, is a slap in the face to all the guys that try to do everything the right way. I’m going to be 68 years old and I want the challenge of being able to do all the movements correctly.

[@johnb9109]

You nailed this one. I can't believe he actually sent you a "you don't need to worry about my integrity" message. That is some straight up BS. All it shows is that his ego is way too big and he doesn't have the grace and humility to come out and say he won't be competing this year due to (insert any excuse). I trained a lot of older people when I had a gym. None of them were ever going to make the games, but they worked their asses off to do everything right because they knew my standards, and everyone is better for it.

[@mattdowns358]

Sevan is incredibly sarcastic. You are incredibly direct and literal. That episode is going to be interesting...

[@Beer_Man]

I'm in my 50's. My mobility has definitely decreased over the years. I feel for David as well, but at some point you have to look in the mirror and drop the ego. If you are hurt or can't meet the standard, don't compete. Work on it and come back next year. Be the example through actions.

[@ralphalvarez5465]

I saw your name mentioned on the Morning Chalk Up about Hippensteel pulling out of the Games qualification. Love your videos and your dedication to CrossFit. Dave Castro would be proud!!

[@tommypayne6821]

I'm 57, been training for 42 yrs. I know exactly what David is talking about, and it really doesn't hit home until you are old. HOWEVER, I wouldn't think about going to the games because my body isn't up to it. I just try to be my best. Maybe David should too.

[@yeetspageets]

It's great you stood your ground. Keep this movement going!!

[@estornel]

Yup. 100%. As a 48 yr old and L2 coach I don't lower my standards because I'm double the age of my clients. I hold myself to the same standards and often have to demonstrate the movements. Perhaps the best thing David could do is go through the L1 and L2 and the judges course, and have his judge hold him to the same standards. Would've been easier and more honorable for him to watch his video and realise there were things that disqualified his workout and just repeat the workout better.

[@lgraff2301]

I'm a masters athlete going into the 55+ next year. I can do the movements!! I want fair judging. I also want HQ to let the advanced movements stay in the upper age groups. But we must judge to a standard. Keep up the good work Andrew.

[@davidgantz9378]

You won't get MU in the Open but you'll get advanced stuff in quarters and in games if you make it. Everyone in 50+ thinks the Open events are going to be too easy in 55+, trust me they are going to burn 🔥 more because you're gonna have to move faster & get more reps w the lighter weights. I have several examples but 16 3 comes to mind > for 55+ it was 7min of 10x snatch 65lbs & 5x c2b instead of 3x bmu. Looks too easy right ? Too light ? I started too fast just sprinting that super light 10x snatches, suddenly my lungs and heart rate exploding and I'm gasping exhausted with 4min left. You're gonna get burned bad in the lighter 55+ Open

[@HashimAlmadani84]

If you cant do the movement, you cant do the movement, If you can do the movement, but you need to go slower, you go slower If going slower means that you are going to risk the possibility of going to the games. well.. sorry, but that means that another athlete who CAN do the workout will go, It's not an obligation that a games athlete should be on top of the leaderboard all the times and every year

[@ErikDoesStuff1711]

His response is almost as bad as his submissions. Boohoo. CrossFit is hard. Mobility is hard. Real life is getting in the way. Getting old is hard. The same thing applies to every damned person you’re competing against David!! If you can’t meet the standard, you don’t deserve to be there. That’s the very point of competition!

[@vanillaghetto]

Dude sounds like textbook narcissist...self pity, entitlement, rules only for the little people, straw man arguments, it's not what I did it's how you're "criticizing" me...etc.

[@timclark8685]

I truly feel for David, it isn't easy dealing with pain and mobility issues. With that being said, I couldn't agree more with what you are saying, there are standards for a reason. If we can't meet the standards then we shouldn't be able to continue to the next stage. That goes for aaaallllllllll the divisions. How can that be fair on the 60 - 65 + people that can meet the standards and work hard to do so.......

[@jmanbad]

If you want to compete, you have to play by the rules. Someone who’s been on the earth as long as David should know that by now. Don’t take down any of your vids, this is a gold mine.

[@HomeGymDad]

Exactly, if they can’t hit the standards, don’t enter the competition - period. I’d love to compete but I’m shite at some movements so I don’t enter high skilled competitions. I love doing CrossFit for health and fitness, and some of my movements don’t hit standards in general workouts due to pain, restricted ROM or fatigue, but I still get the stimulus I want out of the sport / training, I just don’t expect a pass to reach the next stages of competition because I signed up and have a following (which I don’t). It’s hard to accept but that’s life. Take other sports, you don’t let someone through to a final of a soccer tournament because they turned up but lost 0-3.

[@belmontdwl]

Perfectly written

[@belmontdwl]

Dedicated follower and many time commenter here… I never like qualifying a comment but I must in this case. I am a Crossfitter who has been doing this since being 51 and am now 57 years old. With that being written, I know first hand the frustration and ego bruising that goes with losing mobility as I have aged and seeing my lifting capacity decrease, along with my ability to grow muscle. So, my message to David Hippensteel is you just don’t get it. (I was going to write “Go “F” yourself” but that wouldn’t be the right approach). Andrew, You have never been more right than you are in this post. Your text response was dead on. You, actually, represented Masters Athletes better with your words than Hippensteel did. We don’t want to make excuses and don’t need anyone’s pity or latitude in judging (ie WDZ). I am really bothered by this guy’s attitude. Go kill it on Sevan today! Good luck!

[@mallen1846]

We have a similar background it seems, I started CrossFit at age 55 and am now 59. I have done weight training all my life but never any Olympic lifts, pistols, rope climbs, gymnastics etc. until CrossFit and needless to say my mobility is less than ideal but I work on it. I don't cheat myself I work to be the best I can be and I work on doing full movements for everything. Sure I am sore or in pain everyday but I learn to live with it and choose my workouts according to how I am feeling that day. For Dave to use the "I am old" card to essentially validate his workout is out of line and speaks volumes of his character and ego. If he is having so many issues he should either skip this year or retire from the sport and allow someone who actually puts in the work a shot at the games. Looking forward to the Sevan podcast to day 😁🦇

[@_Oscar326]

Thanks for saying what I was thinking. 57 too and I empathize with your comments 100%. 💪🏽👴🏼

[@robdenker5805]

It would be in David‘s best interest to withdraw from this year‘s competition.

[@ralphalvarez5465]

He just did! He didn't retest.. he knew that he was called out and can't deal with the truth. Unfortunately now people will examine his Games championships with a skewed eye. He brought upon himself with his sorry excuses. He's like a guy in your box who always finishes the WOD before you but you can see that he is cutting corners. You try to stay within your lane but it irritates you when the same guy brags about his performance.

[@jakeritch4739]

I couldn’t agree anymore with what you said love what your doing CrossFit needs to be held accountable 🤙🏼

[@jeanniekim3759]

David can retire from competition and continue to do your CrossFit to your abilities. Andrew, thank you for keeping everyone honest and aware. Keep up the 🦇🦇calls!!

[@markbellefleur]

If he can’t do the movements anymore, step aside and let those who can in his age group go by. This is how sports die, if CF lets things like this pass, it won’t take long that qualifier registrations will become dismal.

[@FitnessSheriff]

From a trainers eye - David doesn't meet ANY of the mobility parameters to even be cleared for overhead squatting!!...I would NEVER let him overhead squat until he could pass the proficiencies tests....mainly wall arm slide test...Pain free movement and longevity is the ultimate fitness goal. People can recover from a car crash and bring their body fully back to normal...maybe stop working on your overhead squat and work on your mobility. Good gosh. #allhillernofiller

[@Alex.Jones.914]

Good point here too, completely agree. Also a coach here as well. I wouldn’t let any of my athletes get away with the movements he did, ESPECIALLY if they cause pain.

[@aaronschlott]

Best one yet as it's not a video of Hippensteel and standards but more of a lesson in honesty, integrity and humility.

[@maretteboyle2549]

This just reminds me of a saying I always tell myself when I’m feeling disappointed in my abilities… “Weaknesses are opportunities in disguise.” True at all ages. This is an opportunity for David to address his weaknesses.

[@alyssa9452]

Love this!

[@magicrhymesx]

Agree with you 100%. Keep up the great work. 99.9% of the community (those who truly care about CrossFit) stand with you 🦇🦇

[@rafiton8553]

David's video and response are really bad. I'm 53 and I've been doing CrossFit for 4 years now and one of the major things I like about it is standards and objectivity. You either get a rep or not. I've been given quite a few no-reps in the open by my judges and had to give no reps to my friends as a judge - that's life and sticking to a standard makes us better. Keep up the good work!

[@juanfelipelopezvilla1394]

He didn’t really take the right approach here. If you can’t perform the movement correctly, you shouldn’t compete at the highest level. It’s as simple as that.

[@vanillaghetto]

But you don't understand. He's special. The rules should be changed for him, and only him. He's entitled to swag, but we're not.

[@alyssa9452]

Excellent points made here and they are spot on. I am so curious to see what CrossFit will do. That will be immensely telling as to how the upcoming seasons are going to go..... Also, can't wait for the Sevan Podcast tonight! 🙌

[@yohanwolfhause8268]

Can't lift elite weights for multiple movements, can't compete at elite levels. Can't hit certain positions, can't compete at elite levels. Period. Suck it up and get better Dave.

[@centralpath]

I am a masters athlete. 100 percent agree. You nailed it in this video. Love the content keep it coming

[@hillerfit]

You bet brendan!

[@almapurcell7425]

Well said! So much here- I am an "older athlete". I do not think the judging standard should be easier for Masters athletes. The whole "take it easy" on them - is NOT what I think CrossFit is about. There are standards to meet and everybody WHO ELECTS TO COMPETE should meet them.

[@Tom-um4df]

55+ masters athlete. I’ve worked really hard on mobility and skill movements and don’t think we should budge an inch on standards. If you can’t do it to the standard you can scale - isn’t that why we have that category. One of my biggest criticisms of CrossFit right now is that they castrate the workouts for 55+ athletes and don’t allow those of us who have worked hard to master rmus and HSW the ability to be rewarded for that work by substituting out movements. I would hate for CrossFit to think Dave’s limitations is a reason to water down workouts further.

[@mark_scott_04]

I’m 55, pride myself on quality of movement, never been no repped in competition. It sucks getting older but let’s make no excuses. The standard is the standard. Keep doing what you are doing Andrew.

[@drumzforbumz]

You're spot on, but just to expand a little. You use the case of the athlete in 31st place who is just out of qualifying and yes for that person its heartbreaking BUT theres also guys and girls like me, the 23K and change athlete. I KNOW im not going to the games. I KNOW im not hitting the quarter finals. I also KNOW that I'm ok with those things. What I am NOT ok with, is people like Dave who are making excuses to justify their actions. Know WHY? Because that to me makes me wonder how many people between the 1st place finisher and my 23K finish are upholding the standards and who are justifying their excuses to climb the leaderboard.As you've been saying "Do Better". Its what I go into the gym everyday and do. I strive to uphold the standard. I NO REP the ish outta myself because I want to BE BETTER. Unfortunately, CF shows their lack of care and probably the reason I'll go back to not doing the open again, because until they're ready to even the playing field I'm not really getting a level opportunity. Keep it coming Andrew. Thanks for taking the time to continue to do this for the community. Maybe one day they'll fix the problems.

[@Piluski7]

It must be tough to age and feel that you're losing your fitness even when your nutrition and training are on point. However, a competition must follow CLEAR standards, that should be judged with a cold heart, or it's just not fair. If you can't do the movements, you can't compete. David's talking like it's his right to compete at the games. No, it's not. You must EARN your spot like everybody else. Even if you are a 3x games champion.

[@adamtoussaint9155]

Tired of everyone's shitty reps to get a fast time on the board. It will eventually come out in the wash. Quality over quantity. Thanks Andrew

[@alexgalant2922]

David Hippensteel's response is an insult and embarassment to CrossFit, to CrossFit masters lifters who do their best to meet the standards, and to masters athletes in other sports who do their best to meet their sports standards. True champions give it their all and try to be the best they can be- win or lose. And, before someone asks how I'd know: Im a 7 time International Powerlifting Federation masters world champion and a 3 time Pan American Powerlifting champion. The IPF, since you mentioined testing the other day, is a WADA affiliated federation and national federations are affiliated with WADAs national offices. When I've been injured, and couldn't meet the lift standards, I skipped competition until I was ready to meet them. Also, at 70, I thought about switching to CrossFit because I'd started cas an Oly lifter and done track and gymnastics in highschool. Unfortunately, advanced arthrities in my hands, wrists, and shoulders made some events very painful, and/or made me unable to meet the standard, so I decided not to move over. Imagine my surprise seeing Hippensteel ndoing reverse curls instead to cleans- I can do that, not reaching deoth on squats (something I can do), etc. I was shocked and angry. As I got older, I started doing yoga, mobility exercises, area/standard specific stretches, and even reduced training (which hurt my limit strength, but kept me in the game) to stary healthy, strong, and be able to meet the standards in my sport. Hippensteel is a cry baby and not a good example of a CrossFit champion. Yes, this is harsh. But, his whining really set me off. Keep up the good work.

[@franckbarath1676]

totally agree. I'm 49 and I have had 2 shoulder surgeries over the last year. I'm starting again crossfit and my goal is to qualify for wodapalooza or an other big stage competition. But I know that if I can't recover my strength or my shoulder mobility I'll have to stop competitive crossfit or to keep on working on it until I'm able to take on the qualification. It's hard but that's the way the competition is. I wouldn't want a judge or a friend be compliant with the quality of my reps. That's not the spirit of any sport

[@dalepeters5010]

There is so much to say here! I am in my 60s and have trained consistently for 45 years, do I have limitations, yes. Do I work mobility daily, yes! This seems to be more about ego, and a $15 trophy, then actual competition. My favorite meme“ A husband telling his wife “ honey I squatted four plates today, her response, I bet you quarter squatted like the little b!tch you are!” 1. It’s easy to be in first when you are doing half reps, the easy part of the rep. What about all the other competitors, not only the time it takes to do four reps but the energy load. 2. Don’t play the victim card here! Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing people in the late ages of their life trying to improve their health by training. I could really go on a rant here, but Andrew brought it to life, Thank You

[@niallrichardcurran2466]

I think its great though that he is possibly willing to speak to you so at least that is a positive.

[@blairdudley8755]

Andrew, I’m a 55 year old and did the quarterfinals. I placed unofficially 21st and was just informed by CrossFit workout 2 had significant penalties on the burpees. However I have had numerous parties look at the video and see what I saw. I hopped over the bar and was doing everything correct or so I thought. Now I am out of the running for the semi’s apparently (now 38th) and have disputed their decision. However I feel it will fall upon deaf ears. I even reached out to CrossFit after doing that workout for clarity on the wording of “may” do box step ups (yes i did pistols). Only to find out from one of my games athlete friends that we were supposed to do weighted step ups. Regardless, never heard back from CrossFit about the standard. Super frustrated that I’ve worked this hard to get a crack at the semis only to find out my score has been “modified” and now don’t stand a chance. I’m not getting any younger and this may be my only chance at my age. But this really stinks. I’d be happy to submit my video for review and if I’m wrong then so be it. But please, I just want to compete!

[@peterodonnell3399]

I want to see his strict press and back squat

[@Zansaldo1]

No tissues in competition. Sorry but age and profession are irrelevant. Meet the standards and READ THE RULES or don’t compete.

[@benz0325]

62 here, started CF at 53. I do everything I can to move correctly and I move better now than when I started. Yes, it’s harder for us as we get older, but standards are standards.

[@hillerfit]

Dave needs to be better

[@ronder2511]

@@hillerfit By the way I had part of my upper pectoral removed (with some reconstruction) along with a cancerous tumor 10 months ago which severely hampered my overhead position. I only got my OHS back about 3 months ago. I got through the 50 OHS at full depth for workout 2. Took a fuckload of work to get it back.

[@alanjansen971]

Great work Batman. I'm the same age as Hippensteel and I didn't get as far as him in the Open as my coach held me accountable to the movement standards and there was no compromise. He needs to watch his video and have a good look at himself and say fuck me that's bad and my score is invalid. Age and injury is nit and excuse. Keep up the great work.

[@renatanovotna5311]

Thank you Andrew! You are right! I can only imagine how hard is to loose mobility with age. And work so hard to improve it but won’t go as you wish. But that is not an excuse to bend the rules in competition. If he is not able to do it he should not complete and let others try to reach the top. I do hope to be so fit as he is in his age one day. Hope he silenced his ego and do the right thing for CF community. The podcast with Sevan will be epic . Can not wait 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💯💯

[@1936rivercityfitness]

This video gets me more fired up to workout than Metallic! Constant vengeance!🦇🦇🦇

[@jimclesas6471]

I am 53. Every year after I scale the first workout of the open, I realize that I am not going to the CrossFit games and I am good with that. Mr Hippensteel needs to look at himself in the mirror and ask how much integrity he has.

[@Saiyanmx89]

I had no idea cheating in the sport was so rampant at a high level until I started watching your videos. I’ve been doing CrossFit for fun for over 10 years. I was so focused on holding myself to the highest standards and called myself on every no rep even if the judge didn’t. This is not a good look for CrossFit. People are clearly not getting the underlying message in all of your videos. I used to look up to Sevan until I noticed how little he listens to others outside of his sphere of influence. Yes I get that every athlete will push the limits of what is allowed in competition but this is past that now. From Mal O’Brien failing to do a single MU to others cheating the shuttle runs… I can’t anymore.. (At least the chisme in the sport is good though! Translation: gossip 😂)

[@jethrocardona9063]

Damn Andrew. This video is a 10-8 round on the judges score cards.

[@paulclinton4881]

I am 67 and also have had trouble with overhead squats. For the last six months I have worked diligently to get to and maintain proper depth. I am now able to do it. I do not want Crossfit or Wodapaloza or Legends or anyone else to "take it easy on us". Hold us to standard and we will work to achieve it.

[@nynganchina2675]

Spot on Andrew

[@hillerfit]

Thanks 🦇

[@davidjones5869]

I can't overhead squat, I can't do handstand push-ups, I can't do muscle ups, I'm 53. This does not bother me, in fact I don't give a fuck about those movements and can live without them. The open just brings out the worst in people as it just encourages everyone to skimp on quality and ethics just to get that extra few places. David Hippensteel struggled in last year's games, age gets to everyone, he doesn't have to give up crossfit, he should just acknowledge he's not competitive anymore.

[@mohdwageih5136]

agree some times people don’t know and the most valuable those people take action but for him not fair invalid score should be great episode 🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@lizhall8250]

Where is the video in question?

[@hillerfit]

What Question

[@awracing17]

You don't need to win the workout or compete at the top level of your category to inspire people to improve their lives through better movement, increased activity and cleaner eating habits, id accept all this excuses if he wasn't competing, the people who are competing and are able to meet standards have been cheated.

[@warius33]

When ego trumps the standards.

[@crossfitsherwoodpark]

Can’t wait to watch you tonight!!

[@fuenti99]

I was a judge for the age groups divisions at the CF Games last year. Not once were we told to give guys a break in movement standards because they're over 65 and their joint hurt. What a crybaby.

[@katie7674]

You are 100% correct. You even make disclaimers that you are not picking on the athlete as a person, simply you are concerned about the integrity of the sport and methodology.

[@jamesdimarzio3181]

Spot on like everyone else i feel for him but I also feel for the other athletes that are being held to standards. Like you said when on a career path and can't do certain things anymore you need to rethink or go another path. I wonder why high level competitors retire early or move down levels of intensity? But What do I know though just the outside looking in. Great video Andrew keep it up.

[@sckrmom]

If you can’t do the work to the standard step aside and let those who can move forward. I have been in that 3 away from the games position and I would be very annoyed if the competitors ahead of me didn’t meet the work requirements/standards

[@peterodonnell3399]

What Bullshit. I have two hip replacements, multiple shoulder surgeries etc. My box owner ,judge no reps the shit out of me if I don't hit the standard. II finished # 50 this year in the quarterfinal. f I skirt the standard I finish inside the top 30. So what should I do cheat? That way I go to the next level everybody loves me? WTF? That's why CF gets zero more $ from me.

[@kcarnett713]

Absolutely nailed this one.. as someone who could not overhead squat an empty barbell when I started.. & took me a year to snatch (to full depth) 135# 5-6 years later and now I can snatch 235. So to hear other atheletes (espcially those in the spotlight) talking about their problems/injuries in the sport.. like sorry, its a part of this game we choose to play. If someone cannot abide to the standards given, then step aside for someone else.. maybe he should consider taking a year off to let his body heal, or if he's truly in pain everyday he should consider retiring from competitive sports to do something more benefical to his health. Crossfit is for everyone, but the Crossfit sport is certainly not.

[@jasonestle3280]

How funny would it be if he makes it to the Games and Hiller is his judge for some or all of events!! 😂

[@hillerfit]

This needs to happen

[@mattpeters6224]

I believe Sevan was being sarcastic about communicating through Brian or Matt. As a CrossFit Judge that takes my job extremely serious, I am being considered as a judge for the Rogue Invitational this year, I can confidently say that 99.9% of the problem is the judges!! If they were doing there job you would not have any videos to make about this subject. Also, David put the video up not you. I don't understand the whining on his part. We all have to walk away from competition at some point. Know when your time is.

[@vanillaghetto]

David is a legend in his own mind, and extremely entitled. I don't know him, but this strikes of narcissism to me.

[@danie1pere2]

Awesome work Andrew!

[@hillerfit]

Thank you!

[@toddekramer]

He is embarrassed, hurt, and feels attacked by some unknown entity. 🦇. I am empathetic, but the if you remove the face and the name, a person remains at the top of the leaderboard…above so many who, assumedly, can perform to the prescribed standard. That’s the point - and the bottomline. Dave is a perennial Masters athlete and Champion. He continues to push himself within his limitations. It isn’t about his desire, drive, and passion for his sport of choice…but of CrossFit, LLC’s lack if quality control when it comes to the enforcement of policy and procedure when it comes to ensuring the Fittest On Earth make it to the Games…fairly.

[@monofame]

i really see it this way: if you can not squat below parallel is the same as in a 100 yard dash if you can only run 90 yards: you simply can not do it.

[@rodm49]

Everything 💯 you have said is valid! Hills steel was better off taking the L, admitting to the poor video and movements and left the “victim mentality” at home.

[@johngeorge9423]

I don’t care how old your are! You can either do it or can’t. I’m 55 and move to full range of motion. If I’d cheated the movement I’d have higher scores. He’s not the “fittest”. Stop asking for special treatment. His “excuses” are ridiculous!! He wants us to give him a “pass”? NO dude!! David keep doing CrossFit. But stop competing!! And for FUCK sake wodapalooza, do give any masters any breaks! We don’t fucking want it. We want you to hold every athlete to the standards. If they can’t do it, it’s a fuxking “NOREP”!! Get’em Andrew! We got your back!

[@ssssdls]

Agree with you - if one chooses to be in a competition, then you must follow the standards. If you're not able to fulfill the standards, it's ok, you will not be scored in the competition.

[@MikeHalpin]

To take it away from David and bring it back to CrossFit this is why there need to be changes to judging, submissions and reviews. - the judge should lose their ability to judge an online submission. - the video ( everyone’s videos from Tia all the way down to me) should be online for every submission from Open through last chance for any online competition - anyone who has taken the judges course should be able 👍 or 👎 a video submission (this used to be there) - similar to the open announcement tutorial videos there should be judging tutorials for each workout (open, Qtr, last chance) that go over what a judge should be looking for in standards. Then… everything is in the light, everyone can see it, the judge isn’t just a cheerleader but playing an actual important role and importantly what we see here if someone calls out bad standards there is process to go through for officially reviewing and flagging so a review isnt seen as an attack on the athlete.

[@Beer_Man]

Great idea on the judging tutorials for each workout. As a judge, there should be points of performance that should be called out to be scrutinized during each workout.

[@MikeHalpin]

@@Beer_Man agreed Tom, that would also allow Athletes and Coaches to know that CrossFit is going to key in on that portion of the movement which is ideal because it helps everyone and doesn’t turn into “it appears CrossFit has decided to only look at pistol depth because that’s the penalty they are giving out unless it’s blatant”

[@dogdadbabycrossfit5251]

“You don’t get a ribbon” at 8:10 is my favorite part of this video lol. I hate people that play the victim too.

[@hillerfit]

Makes me so mad 🤬

[@dogdadbabycrossfit5251]

@@hillerfit Good luck on Sevan''s show tonight.

[@mikeg5372]

Totally agree with you on this one. As an aging dude myself, I really understand David. I admire that at his age he can do muscle-ups, truly a 1 in a million. BUT!!! He will be going to the semis and possibly the games. At that level the movements should be held to a much higher standard. He along with all other athletes at that level are ambassadors to the sport. If Crossfit allows this, is it sending the right message out to the world? Isn't it opening itself up to criticism from everyone including a bunch of internet trolls (that' not a pull up... in goofy voice)?

[@shabblabbat]

ah, geez, c'mon Hipp. Bad response. Dave has been a role model for me as a masters athlete (a masters athlete closer to the bottom of the Open than the middle) and his response really stinks. He should suck it up, admit the obvious, step back for a year. This cannot pass and he does not deserve to move to semis with this. He should apologize and own up to it, get his respect back and be the 3x champion he is.

[@martybassoff5475]

Hi Andrew, what are your thoughts on the Florida Grid League ?

[@isabelabobic9469]

🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️ if he posted the video public on youtube, he feels entitled to get away with this, because he allways did ....than the 🦇

[@vanillaghetto]

Dude sounds like textbook narcissist...self pity, entitlement, rules only for the little people, straw man arguments, it's not what I did it's how you're "criticizing" me...etc.

[@thatbrickpotguy3548]

Lol its called the standard because its what everyone is expected to do if it was called the reccomendation then it would be open for interpretation

[@steveharms9540]

Andrew...you are correct in your stance on this. Obviously, David has a high work capacity. And he's a great athlete. BUT he is not accomplishing the movement standards for this competition. END OF STORY. David...I'm sorry, but you're OUT! I'm 56 and have been CrossFitting for almost 10 years. I have always struggled with mobility, but I work my ass off to improve it. I can now squat "decently" and my OHS's in the AGQF #2 felt (and looked) as good as OHS's have ever felt. It's not fun rehabbing and working on improving mobility. It hurts, it's frustrating, it's boring....but if you are diligent and keep the long-term goal in mind you do improve and you continue to advance towards moving better and more efficiently (although it's a long and slow and winding road). At advanced age you can't just go to the gym and work on your metabolic conditioning. If you don't spend more of your time working on mobility and full range of motion it's going to go away. It looks like David's is going away. Andrew is right...David is taking a spot away from a deserved athlete who can meet all the movement standards.

[@karendillehay7778]

It's wild that this video has over 8k views and only 500 likes 👀👀👀

[@Ziterberg]

Would be interesting to see the % of 65+ athletes that can hit all the movements to 100%. I get the integrity of the sport and all but you'd think they'd have to make some allowance for that age group. Or if they are going to hold 65 year old's to the same movement standards of a 30 year old or 25 year old maybe just scrap the masters crossfit competition all together. Most likely if you checked all the masters athletes at the Crossfit games they are going to show some sort of mobility issue and not hitting the movement standard to a varying degree.

[@catteel6448]

Not true.

[@thehopelesscrossfitter]

Here is the thing for me. With his response to you and the way he expressed himself in that conversation he seems to be trying to get away with how bad he is. At this point with the video that is out there (once on the web always on the web) crossfit can't allow this. If they allow this and makes it to the games he should drop out and let someone backfill his spot. At this point there needs to be more people at crossfit that are holding things accountable. There are so many issues going on with this year and how things are a shit show since Dave was let go and other people were put in "charge".

[@IanDaviesRules]

If his focus is to promote fitness to others in his age group, he should be demonstrating that it can be done safely IF you have good movement patterns. As it stands, all he is showing is that he is reckless, trying to do movements that his body can't handle at the moment. If he can't squat to depth with the weight safely, then he shouldn't be RXing the workout. And if he can't RX the workouts, he shouldn't be on the RX leaderboard, period. I wonder why he has had so many injuries, I really can't imagine why.

[@bpeeper69]

This has been getting worse year after year. For me personally, I was finally able to do the whole open RX this year and my goal was to make it to quarterfinals for my age group. I watched a bunch of videos during the open and would just get infuriated about the lack of standards being upheld. I missed the cut by about 200 people. Shame on me for not being better...I know. But, it is extremely deflating to know you are losing out on spots because of shitty reps and nobody calling people out on it.

[@pulkpuller]

After watching my step dad push through aging as a competitor and even myself at almost 40 , more effort is required. When someone struggles to do what they did publicly as a competitor, I feel empathy but excuses make his past disappear. When you play the sympathy card you loose it all and your legacy will be 👶🏻

[@alexgoldstein958]

Sorry David, until they change standards for the old dudes, of which I am one, we have to Work according to standards placed in front of us. If you can’t do the movement to standard, regardless of your history, you should be penalized.

[@hillerfit]

100%

[@williamjames3995]

Don’t you have to control the Deadlift down to the ground in the Total?

[@catteel6448]

No

[@williamjames3995]

@@catteel6448 thanks!

[@kellyramos4140]

I did 22.1 in a walking boot. I’m in my thirties and know nothing about injuries 🙄

[@5minwatchreviews]

It would be cool if you had a recorded call, podcast style, zoom recording etc where athletes pushing back discussed why. Nothing personal just an open, normal discussion and conversation to see the mindset of someone wanting an invalid score to be validated for whatever reason they come up with

[@rachelkenney7]

Peoples egos just get in the way, and they don’t want to let go. I think that ultimately what it is coming down to for him - but that’s not how sports work or life. And there are PLENTY of resources out there (like FRC) that can help him with his mobility issues regardless of his age. He just doesn’t want to do the work or spend the time on it.

[@vanillaghetto]

With this guy's huge ego and lack of integrity, I sure as hell wouldn't want him working on my teeth!

[@byronsmith4919]

The uncomfortable truth is that these high level athletes that turn in these sketchy videos are cheating.

[@dianaflowers715]

I'm a masters athelete, and I approve this message.

[@Scott3kids]

Nothing worse than playing the victim . Using age is lame, just workout then don’t compete

[@jayjohnson1581]

I've never competed at the Games level. However, at many local competitions that I have attended, judges will ask the athlete if they have any injuries that would prevent them from hitting full ROM. I have seen athletes demonstrate that they in fact cannot hit certain standards but since they disclosed it at the event, they were held to the standard of which they could physically achieve. Is it possible that it could be a similar concept here? Appreciate the content! Hold them all accountable.

[@vanillaghetto]

There *are* 10 people in the World that CAN meet the current standards...it's the GAMES, not your neighborhood charity throwdown.

[@dc100dc100]

I feel for the guy, but his ego as a games winner may be pushing him to keep performing and not step back and rehab. He’s probably a superstar at his box and can’t face the idea that he needs to take some time or step back.

[@oldmanstrengthteam7778]

If you're beat up and injured and can't do the movements to the standards then accept it and move on. Trying to hold on to prior glory by throwing a pity party for yourself is lame and he should be embarrassed for sending you that note. David it's time to move on to something else.. Maybe try yoga it's great for mobility...

[@steveboutcher80]

Agree with you 100% Andrew. All of these issues would be solved if judges just did their job. Being strict is not being mean, it is a question of integrity. That being said, David has his competitive ego to compete with... The voice in the head saying... "If you don't make it, then you suck, you ain't good enough." I understand David's point of view, but at the end of the day, the rules are the rules. As soon as judges and/or CrossFit starts letting thing slide, the interigty of the sport gets flushed down the toilet. I hope David can one day see that you are not picking on him, being mean just for the sake of being mean, but you are trying to point out the very obvious problems in the video.

[@steveboutcher80]

Perhaps there is a better way to judge? What about payed judges that must complete a broader course than the online one? Regular testing of judges?

[@jackxerox4845]

The New Crossfit Judging Protocol : "Go easy on the Master's Athletes" means that standards and Reps will be as bendy as a rubber spoon. "Go easy on your spouse / brother / friends"

[@0BuLLeT01]

I do feel sorry for the guy, but no-reps are no-reps. If the movements for that category are too hectic, the CFHQ should tone them down. If the movements are fine, then yes, it might be time for that legend to step down from competing at Games level. What he does is still incredible, but movement standards create the equal playing field that competition is based on. If we don't strictly apply them, then what are we doing here?