One of these women may ascend the throne in Toomey’s absence.
History books say that anytime a dynasty ends, there is a struggle to fill a tremendous power vacuum. After a strong reign as the six-time Fittest Woman on Earth, Tia-Claire Toomey will not be defending her title at August’s 2023 CrossFit Games. The athlete is not retired and may return to prominence fairly quickly after pregnancy, but for at least one edition of the Games, her throne will be empty. It brings to mind the question of who can climb a mountain.
As of the 2023 Games, here are five potential contenders for the women’s individual title. Toomey leaves a lot of shoes to fill, but one of these athletes could prove quite capable soon.
Potential 2023 CrossFit Games Women’s Individual Competitors
Just because Toomey won’t be a fixture in the latest iteration of CrossFit’s premier competition doesn’t mean there aren’t worthy competitors waiting in the wings. Here’s a short profile and summary to consider.
Laura Horvath (Hungary)
- Best finish: Runner Up (2018, 2021)
- First Matches: 2018
Horvath has held a relatively stable place among CrossFit’s elite since the moment she began competing in Madison, WI. Now entering their seventh edition of the Games, some may consider the 2022 podium finisher the overall women’s favorite with the absence of Toomey and Mal O’Brien. After a third-place result in the 2023 Europe semifinals and a second-overall finish in the quarterfinals, Horvath looks primed to finally break through after three podium finishes (2018, 2021-2022).
Anne Thorisdottir (Iceland)
- Best finish: Champion (2011-2012)
- Debut: 2009
A living CrossFit legend, Thorisdottir has been at the top of the sport for a long time. A former two-time women’s individual champion (2011-2012), injuries and pregnancies halted much of Thorisdóttir’s progress in the sport in the middle of the last decade. However, in recent years, “Iceland Annie” has begun to regain her form. After missing the cut in 2019 and 2020, Thorisdóttir finished third in 2021 and entered the teams competition in 2022, where he finished fourth as captain of Team CrossFit Reykjavík. These days, the 33-year-old can be considered more of a dark horse when she returns to individual competition.
However, many “dark horses” already have two championship titles and two runner-up positions to their name.
Emma Lawson (Canada)
- Best finish: Sixth Place (2022)
- Debut: 2022
At just 18 years old, Lawson approaches CrossFit competition like a seasoned veteran. The 2022 CrossFit Rookie of the Year and 2021 Games champion in the girls (16-17) division, Lawson climbed to sixth in her women’s division debut. Usually, potential Games champions have a little more experience before finally breaking through on the big stage. However, much of the women’s division is in clear flux, which could play to Lawson’s advantage as the exceptionally young and bright potential first-time winner.
Ariel Lowen (United States)
- Best finish: 11th position (2022)
- Debut: 2021
Loewen is another major contender who certainly qualifies more naturally under the dark horse or “surprise” label. Unlike other expected winners, Loewen lacks big-name trophy distinction and arguably has a less high-profile resume overall, having never broken into the top-10. A third place finish in the North America West semifinals and third place overall worldwide in the quarterfinals paint a picture of an athlete poised to soar. Their third Games appearance in 2023 is that momentous opportunity.
Gabriela Migala (Poland)
- Best finish: Sixth Place (2021)
- Debut: 2019
A seasoned Games veteran, Migala has only seemingly improved since entering the women’s category late last decade after reaching the podium in the girls’ (16-17) category in 2016. For someone who has never achieved a podium finish in a women’s competition, Migala’s reputation precedes her. He trains with the World’s Strongest Man, Hafthor Björnsson, and appears to be an athlete waiting for that one final springboard. Notably, Migala or Horvath will be the first pre-European individual champions in the history of the entire competition.
There is a lot to decide for the individual female competitors at the 2023 CrossFit Games. When all is said and done, one of these women could be the next queen of CrossFit.
Featured Image: @laurahorvaht on Instagram
