The 2024 Teenage CrossFit Games, to be held over Labor Day weekend in Three Rivers, MI, serves as a beacon of family and community when many of us need it most. Hosted by the Pit Fitness Ranch, The Teenage CrossFit Games will welcome 120 athletes this year, ages 14-17, in four different divisions: Girls 14-15, Boys 14-15, Girls 16-17, and Boys 16-17.

By the end of a challenging three-day weekend, four athletes will be crowned the Fittest Teens on Earth. 

The details: This year, the Pit Fitness Ranch will host three separate events for young athletes. 

Besides the Teenage CrossFit Games, the original Pit Teen Throwdown will also take place, as well as the Pit Collegiate Throwdown. 

In total, 220 athletes from 29 countries will compete throughout the three events. 

In addition to completing workouts at the Ranch, teens will also compete a short drive away at Wings Event Center, home to a 17,000-square-foot arena with ample space for the athletes to not only compete but also relax and recover.

At the Wings Center, athletes can access a VIP lounge, vendor and media space, a large field of play, and a livestream. 

Who to Watch

Boys Divisions

Leonardo Cruz — As a 14-year-old last year, Cruz took fifth in his first Games appearance. 

This year, he returns to the same division a year older and wiser.

The boys who finished ahead of him last year have either aged up into the 16-17 division or are not competing. 

We’ll watch to see if Cruz can reach the top of the podium. 

Subiono brothers — In 2023, Kūlani Subiono took fourth in the 14-15 division, while his brother Ka’eo took ninth in the 16-17 division. 

This year, both compete in the 16-17 division. With another year of experience and a reshuffling of last year’s leaderboard, the Subionos are definitely two to watch. 

RJ Mestre — Mestre took third place in 2023 to champion Ty Jenkins and second-place finisher Hugo Jansson. 

Both Jenkins and Jansson have aged out of the teen category, and Mestre looks to take his place at the top of the podium. 

This is Mestre’s fourth trip to the Games. He has never placed lower than fifth. In 2022, he won the 14-15 division. 

Girls Division

Maria Granizo — The 14-15 girls’ champion in 2023, Ganizo has aged up and is now competing against 16- and 17-year-olds. 

She took third place in the 16-17 Semifinals and will be a fierce competitor in her new age group. 

Bergos Bjornsdottir — Another Icelandic phenom, Bjornsdottir took third place last year in the 16-17 division as a 16-year-old. 

She competed as an individual at this year’s Europe Semifinal and took first place in the Age Group Semifinals. 

Reese Littlewood — Littlewood also competed as an Individual in the Semifinals this year at the North America East by Syndicate Crown. 

She took fourth place in 2023 at the CrossFit Games in the 16-17 division behind Bjornsdottir, Lucy McGonigle, and Trista Smith, who has aged out of the division. 

Lucy McGonigle — McGonigle is coming off two CrossFit Games wins, first in the 14-15 division, then last year in the 16-17 division. 

Additionally, she has competed for the last two years as an individual at the Europe Semifinal, taking 19th place in 2024. 

McGonigle is the favorite to top the podium for her third time. 

What’s Different this Year?

Besides the addition of the Pit Collegiate Throwdown, there’s another new component this year: Pit Teen Throwdown’s partnership with the PFAA in the form of a mentorship program.

Games athletes like Pat Vellner, Arielle Loewen, Alex Gazan, Griffin Roelle, Tim Paulson, and more have volunteered their time to participate.

Over the last few months, the elites have communicated with their young counterparts, sharing tips and advice, calming nerves, and answering questions. 

There have been scheduled Google meet-ups and group workouts. 

The mentors are encouraged to attend the Teenage CrossFit Games to support the young athletes.

The Bottom Line

The competition in the Teen divisions is fierce. We expect to see some shuffling on the podium compared to last year. 

With athletes changing divisions and some moving on from age group competition entirely, we are guaranteed to be cheering on some fresh faces throughout Labor Day weekend.

Featured image credit: Pit Teen Throwdown

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