Jessica Wilson has won the 2024 Tahoe Pro Bikini division show. The contest was held in Stateline, NV, on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, and included 19 IFBB Pro League competitors. Wilson was deemed the best of the group by the judges and is now eligible to compete in the 2024 Bikini Olympia, a part of the Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024.
2024 Tahoe Pro Results
Cinthia Beltran finished in second, and Sarah Neuheisel took third place. The final order of finish is below.
This was Wilson’s second show of the season. She also took third place in the 2024 Chicago Pro. The 2023 Masters Olympia champion can now compete in the Olympia for the fourth straight year. She has yet to break into the top 15 on that stage.
Second Place — Cinthia Beltran
Cinthia Beltran was impressive in her IFBB Pro League debut, with only one point separating her and Wilson on the scorecards. Beltran won the Masters Over 35 division in this show, but that does not offer an Olympia qualification. She has until Sept. 15 to win an Open pro show to enter the 2024 Olympia.
Third Place — Sarah Neuheisel
This is Sarah Neuheisel’s best placing in her three-year pro career. She was significantly better here than when she placed 11th in the 2024 Tampa Pro. She showed the potential for a pro win later on in the season if she chooses to compete again.
Other Notes
This same weekend, a second Bikini division show at the 2024 Texas Pro in Irving, TX, was won by 2019 Olympia champion Elisa Pecini.
The next Bikini division contest on the 2024 schedule is the Nashville Fit Show, which will be held in Nashville, TN, on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. This is also an Olympia qualifier.
The 2024 CrossFit Games have come and gone, but the hurt and anger over the death of Lazar Đukić is just beginning.
Members of the community have started to speak out and are seeking accountability for the death of one of the best and most beloved athletes in the sport.
It is likely that most individuals, especially those who competed, chose to hold off on making statements or taking a stance on the tragic matter until the close of the competition.
However, several voices in the community have started to come forward and are calling on CrossFit HQ to act in the wake of Đukić’s death.
They are also denouncing HQ for leaving the decision to compete up to the athletes.
Athletes and More Make Their Voices Heard
Pat Vellner, a veteran of the sport and leader in the community, spoke out during an interview with the Buttery Bros about his dissatisfaction with HQ’s lack of concern over safety.
“We’ve been shouting for years about safety concerns only to be patted on the head and told we’re just being hysterical and complaining,” Vellner said.
Vellner, holding back tears, added that an accident of this magnitude was only a matter of time.
“We’ve been pushing athletes in the wrong way. This isn’t war, this is sport, and I feel like we’ve been trying to, for some reason, find the athletes’ breaking point for too long and we found it,” he said.
Finally, Vellner made it clearthat he and others plan to keep the problem “front and center and very visible, and we’ll keep doing that for the next while.”
Another important voice in the sport, Annie Thorisdottir, issued a statement on Instagram regarding Đukić’s death, admitting she’s “tried to write this for 3 days now and it’s been with a broken heart.”
“The sport we all love failed Lazar and his family. I am so sorry Lazar,” Thorisdottir wrote.
One of the more poignant calls to action from the community came from Games veteran Cassidy Lance-McWherter.
She put a statement out on Instagram titled “A Call for Accountability in the Wake of Lazar’s Tragic Death,” where she laid out her reasoning for the demand.
“Athletes should not be placed in a position where they must choose between their safety and their passion for the sport,” Lance-McWherter wrote. “It would be incredibly difficult for an athlete to step down, especially when they are at their peak.”
She continued by urging CrossFit HQ to “prioritize athlete safety above all else. It is time to ensure that such negligence is not tolerated and that the well-being of every competitor is paramount.”
In a separate perspective on the incident, Gui Malheiros’ wife, Luciana Dal Agno, shared a video on Instagram where she detailed the behind-the-scenes discussions leading up to the decision by HQ to continue the Games competition.
Dal Agno recorded the video in Portuguese and was translated by Google Translate. In her video, she covered a lot of ground, including a glimpse into Thursday afternoon when athletes were brought into a briefing to discuss how to move forward.
She said the first thing HQ told the athletes was that the competition would move forward, and several of the athletes, including Malheiros, immediately left. He ended up pulling out of the competition later due to these circumstances and the overall emotional toll the death took on him.
What Is CrossFit HQ Saying?
In a video on YouTube and Instagram, CrossFit CEO Don Faul said the company has launched an “independent third-party investigation to thoroughly understand the circumstances surrounding the event.”
“The safety of our athletes is our most important responsibility and this tragedy happened on our watch,” Faul said.
A visibly exhausted and distraught Faul continued taking accountability for the accident and reassured the community that “Our goal is to enhance our protocols to protect our athletes so that they can safely and confidently compete in the sport that we all love.”
He continued by acknowledging that putting the decision to compete on the shoulders of the athletes put them in a “very difficult position and we recognize and respect the incredibly personal choices they had to make regarding whether to continue to compete.”
Mitchel Hooper, the 2023 World’s Strongest Man winner, has been vocal about the tragedy and called on HQ to take better care of its athletes.
“Hopefully this is a turning point for CrossFit, but there’s just a lot of embarrassing things that happened,” Hooper said in a YouTube video.
Separately, in a comment on Faul’s statement, Hooper added: “I’d be more interested to hear what WAS done to try to keep the athletes safe than what wasn’t done. I struggle to find anything that considered athlete safety.”
One Last Thing
More calls to action and statements regarding the way HQ handled the tragedy will likely come out for weeks and maybe even months to come.
One thing that is constant is the CrossFit community and its love and dedication to Đukić and his family.
Their loyalty to the brand, however, is still undetermined.
Rafael Oliveira won the 2024 Pacific USA XXX Pro. The IFBB Pro League Men’s Physique show was held on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in San Diego, CA, and it included 20 competitors. This victory qualifies Oliveira for the 2024 Men’s Physique Olympia, a part of the Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024.
2024 Pacific USA XXX Pro Results
Jayson Montes and Charles Carter took second and third places, respectively. The final placings are below, per the IFBB Pro League:
This was Montes’ first pro contest since 2021. He looked impressive in his return. To qualify for the 2024 Olympia, he must win a pro show before the cutoff date of Sept. 15, 2024. Only pro show winners advance to the Olympia.
Third Place — Charles Carter
This was Carter’s third show of the 2024 season. He ranked fourth at the 2024 Republic of Texas Pro and second at the 2024 Phoenix Pro. He was two points ahead of fourth-place finisher Puwanat Putoya on the scorecards.
Other Notes
There were two other Men’s Physique shows this weekend: Jeremiah Maxey won at the Texas Pro in Irving, TX, and Gantulga Altankhuyag won the 2024 China DMS Ningjin Pro in Ningjin, China. They are qualified for the 2024 Olympia.
The 2024 Texas Pro bodybuilding show was held on Aug. 9-10, 2024, in Irving, TX. It featured eight IFBB Pro League divisions. Promoter Freddy Naitu hosted four men’s and four women’s contests, each of which awarded a 2024 Olympia qualification to the winner if they had not already qualified.
The main event of the weekend was the Men’s Open division, which saw Andrew Jacked win his third consecutive Texas Pro title. He is now a contender for the 60th Mr. Olympia.
2024 Texas Pro Results
The final order of finish for all eight divisions is below:
Before the contest, Jacked stepped on a scale onstage and weighed 299 pounds with clothes on. He was the biggest he had ever been when he entered pre-judging and had the conditioning and definition to match. He received a perfect score from the judges.
212 Bodybuilding Winner — Francisco Barrios Vlk
This is Francisco Barrios Vlk’s first professional win and Olympia qualification. He and 2024 Tampa Pro winner Jordan Janowitz put on a show for the fans, but Janowitz settled for the runner-up spot.
Classic Physique Winner — Gabriel Zancanelli
Gabriel Zancanelli was within one spot of winning the Tampa Pro in Classic Physique. He improved enough to take the victory in Irving. He can now make his third straight Classic Physique Olympia appearance. Zancanelli ranked 13th in the 2023 Olympia, won by Chris Bumstead.
Men’s Physique Winner — Jeremiah Maxey
Jeremiah Maxey made the most out of his 2024 season debut by taking the victory and Men’s Physique Olympia qualification over runner-up Ricardo Cenat and bronze finisher Ahmed Shokry. This is Maxey’s second straight Texas Pro win and second victory in the pro ranks.
Figure Winner — Jessica Reyes Padilla
The only athlete in the Figure division who has come close to beating seven-time Olympia winner Cydney Gillon is 2023 Masters Olympia champion Jessica Reyes Padilla. Padilla has already qualified for the 2024 Olympia, thanks to finishing second to Gillon at the 2023 Olympia. Reyes Padilla’s win kept the rest of the field from qualifying as only pro show winners advance to the 2024 Olympia.
Bikini Winner — Elisa Pecini
2019 Olympia champion Elisa Pecini has won her second straight Bikini division show. She also won the 2024 Tampa Pro.
Women’s Physique Winner — Zama Benta
Zama Benta also pulled off the Tampa/Texas combo by winning both Women’s Physique titles.
Wellness Winner — Lisa Meiswinkel
This is the second straight time Lisa Meinweikel has defeated Kassandra Gillis in the Wellness division. They faced off in Tampa, where Meinweikel also won. Gillis finished second overall in Irving and has until Sept. 15, 2024, to win a pro show to qualify for the 2024 Olympia.
OK, we were kidding about putting down the pre-workout (just make it one of the best pre-workouts). Take your jolt juice, but also consider pairing it with a pre-workout snack, or even a full meal if you’re eating an hour or more before you start the session.
Whether you’re exercising to build muscle, lose weight, improve athletic performance, or anything in between, exercise requires fuel — and fuel means calories. We know how easy it can be to skip breakfast before an early morning workout (or any workout for that matter — we’re all busy, aren’t we?!) but you can optimize performance and get the most out of your workout with the best pre-workout breakfast foods. (1) To bring you the best of the best pre-workout breakfast foods to add to your repertoire, I chatted with a couple of registered dietitians and also give my own input as a certified nutrition coach. Get your taste buds ready.
According to sports dietitian and Victorem Performance Nutrition founder Jena Brown, RD, healthy eating before a workout means carbs (now is that good news, or what?). Eating plenty of carbohydrates before a training session can help you nail every part of your workout routine and finish feeling strong, instead of drained. This is largely because eating carbohydrates keeps sugar circulating throughout your body and helps spare your body’s glycogen, a stored form of carbohydrate in the muscles and liver. (2)(3)
“The best pre-workout foods include more simple carbohydrates with a small to moderate amount of fat, fiber, and protein — such as fresh fruit or a granola bar — because they digest quickly as a ready source of energy,” Brown explains.
She adds that athletes should try to “avoid foods high in fat, fiber, and protein when you have little time before your workout because digestion takes longer and may lead to gastrointestinal distress.” (This doesn’t mean you should consume no fat, fiber, or protein — just prioritize carbohydrate intake.)
Registered dietitian and director of coaching at Working Against Gravity, Brittany Werner, MS, RDN, says: “Carbohydrates are the main fuel source for quick energy. I often tell clients carbs are like putting paper on a campfire: They are going to burn hot and fast!”
Credit: Happy_food_photo / Shutterstock
Aim for simple carbohydrates and avoid high amounts of fats and protein, Werner suggests, as they have a slower digestion rate and could cause an upset stomach.
Banana
Pure carby goodness, bananas are a star snack for quick pre-workout fuel. They digest quickly and provide energy in a matter of minutes, thanks to the low fat and protein content. (4)
Carbs: 26.9 g
Protein:1.29 g
Fat: 0.389 g
Calories:105
Energy Gel
The best energy gels (also called running gels) are often used for running fuel during the run itself. However, they can also be helpful for people who tend to eat just a few minutes before their workouts or runs. Packed with quick-digesting carbohydrates, they provide fast energy. In one GU Original Energy Gel, for example, you’ll get:
Carbs: 21 g
Protein: 0 g
Fat: 1.5 g
Calories: 100
Honey
If you’d prefer something more natural than an energy gel, consider a tablespoon or so of honey. This all-natural source of carbohydrates provides the following nutrients (5):
Carbs: 17 g
Protein: 0 g
Fat: 0 g
Calories: 60
Toast
Bread, depending on the type, can be digested very quickly or moderately quickly. Whether you choose a whole-grain version or fluffy white bread, it’s a winner for pre-workout energy. In one slice of generic whole wheat toast, you’ll get (6):
This time window gives you a bit more flexibility when fueling for your training session, says registered dietitian Brittany Werner. “You still want to focus primarily on carbohydrates, as they are the preferred fuel source for our body, but we can also add a small amount of protein and fats to this meal, as we’ll have more time to digest your food before starting your workout,” she explains.
Greek Yogurt
Bagel
Bagels are denser than bread and typically contain more fats; some contain higher amounts of fiber and protein, too. This makes them ideal for eating a half-hour to an hour before working out, since the fats and fiber provide sustained energy — but there isn’t so much present that you risk digestive upset.
Nutrition for one Dave’s Killer Bread Plain Awesome Bagel:
Carbs: 48 g
Protein: 11 g
Fat: 3 g
Calories: 260
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein and carbohydrates. Depending on your preferences, it can be a good source of fats, too (with low-fat or non-fat options typically available). A type lower in fat will digest quicker and might be a better choice for a pre-workout meal. Here’s an example of generic nutrition information for plain non-fat Greek yogurt (7):
Carbs: 6 g
Protein: 16 g
Fat: 0.5 g
Calories: 95
Oatmeal
Oatmeal can be eaten hot or cold and topped with various items, like fruit, chopped nuts, cocoa, and honey, so it can suit many tastes. Keep in mind that the following nutrition information is for plain quick oats (half a cup) with no toppings or mix-ins. (8)
One to two hours before training is an ideal time to have a meal, registered dietitian Brittany Werner says. “With ample digestion time, we can incorporate a balanced meal, with carbohydrates, fats, and protein without risking an upset stomach.” Because of the increased digestion time, you can opt for some more fibrous foods, like sweet potatoes or starchy veggies, if you’d like.
Credit: sweet marshmallow / Shutterstock
Eggs
A great source of protein and healthy fats, eggs are also quick to make and serve alongside toast and/or fruit, making them an excellent option when you have an hour or two before your workout. A serving of two large grade A eggs contains (9):
Carbs: 1 g
Protein: 12.5 g
Fat: 10 g
Calories: 148
Deli Meat
Sandwiches can make great pre-workout meals, too, thanks to carbohydrates from bread and fat and protein from deli meat. Here’s a look at the nutrition info for deli turkey (10):
Carbs: 0 g
Protein: 10 g
Fat: 6 g
Calories: 90
Granola
High in carbs and moderately high in fats, most brands and types of granola can help provide sustained energy for workouts if you’re eating one to two hours before you exercise. Nutrition specifics vary from brand to brand and product to product, but here’s an example of what you can expect in a ¾-cup serving of granola (11):
Carbs:40 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 8 g
Calories: 250
How to Improve Your Pre-Workout Meal
These tips from registered dietitians Jena Brown and Brittany Werner can help you make the most of your pre-workout meal.
Prep Your Meal the Night Before
If you work out early in the morning, it’s natural to want to snooze as long as you can before slipping into your gym clothes. You can save a few minutes in the morning by preparing your meal the night before. This won’t work for all meals (it’s trickier with hot meals), but it can work for a lot of options.
For instance, if you like oats, prepare overnight oats in the evening so they’re ready to eat first thing in the morning. If you prefer a yogurt bowl, chop your fruit before bed so you can simply sprinkle it on in the AM. You can also prepare wraps and sandwiches the night before your session.
Consider the Type, Length, and Intensity of the Session
Broadly, pre-workout fueling recommendations can be applied across various workout types based on timing and body weight, explains Jena Brown, RD. However, the planned intensity and duration of the session factor into your nutritional needs, too.
For instance, you don’t need to consume the same amount of fuel for a 30-minute run at an easy, low heart rate pace as you do for a threshold run with multiple high-intensity intervals or a two-hour long run.
A Factor meal
The same is true for strength training and combined workouts. You’ll need more fuel for a 90-minute weightlifting session, for example, than a 10-minute HIIT workout. In general, the longer or more intense your planned session, the more fuel you will need, either beforehand or during the session.
Know Your Body — Experiment!
You always want to go with foods that you know work well on your stomach, says Brittany Werner, RD. However, it can take some experimentation to get there. Start with what you know, and if you want more variety, try new things and see how they sit with you — but know when to do it.
“A long run or race is not the time to try something new,” Werner cautions. “Leave the experimenting to smaller sessions.”
Registered dietitian Jena Brown notes that fluid fueling options may be better tolerated before high-intensity workouts for athletes who have sensitive stomachs or who are not used to eating before a workout. Fueling with fluid can be considered a double bonus, she says, as you can hydrate and get an energy boost at the same time. For instance, try swapping a fresh orange for a glass of orange juice.
“Experiment with different food combinations to figure out what works best for you, or meet with a registered dietitian to create an individualized nutrition plan for your morning routine,” Brown advises.
“Macronutrient ratios depend on your body weight, age, activity level and intensity, and health and performance goals,” explains registered dietitian Jena Brown, adding that it’s best to work with a registered dietitian to determine the right macronutrient targets for you.
That said, science has gifted us some excellent guidelines to abide by when planning pre-workout nutrition. According to Brown, you can plan a successful pre-workout meal or snack by using the following guidelines to choose appropriate foods:
Less than 30 minutes before: 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrate
30 to 60 minutes before: 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrate
1 to 2 hours before: 0.45 to 0.9 gram of carbohydrate per pound of body weight (e.g., a 140-pound individual should aim for 63 to 126 grams of carbohydrate)
If you want a solid estimate of your macros count, check out BarBend’s macros calculator.*
Macronutrient Calculator
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*Because the overwhelming majority of current nutrition research focuses on cisgender women and cisgender men, those are the only two options available on our calculator. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be used by athletes across the gender spectrum.
According to certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial team member Alex Polish, trans and nonbinary athletes — depending on their hormone replacement therapy (HRT) status — may choose to use their actual gender, their gender assigned at birth, or average the numbers together. “If you’re not on HRT or have been on HRT for less than a year,” they explain, “you might want to use numbers for your gender assigned at birth. If you’ve been on HRT for longer than a year, you can go with your actual gender. For nonbinary athletes, you might also lean on your HRT status. Listening to your body is key, as is finding a trans-affirming nutritionist if you can.”
Avoid High Fats and High Fiber Content
Registered dietitian Brittany Werner says you’ll want to avoid high-fat foods just before your workout, as they take a longer time to digest and have more potential to cause stomach distress. It’s also wise to avoid fermentable fibers close to training, she says. “While fiber is an important part of a balanced diet, too much fiber close to your workouts can lead to excessive bloating and gas.”
Some foods to avoid, according to Werner, include broccoli and cauliflower, beans and lentils, and high-fiber cereals.
You’ll also want to avoid spicy foods, foods with a large amount of added sugar and alcohol, she adds. All of these run the risk of causing gastrointestinal (GI) distress. “Added sugars and alcohol can cause your blood sugar to drop mid-training leaving you feeling run down and out of gas mid-workout.”
Sample Pre-Workout Meals
Using the food ideas from earlier, here are some complete sample meals for a bit of pre-workout inspiration.
Note: All the nutritional information that follows is from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central database.
Best Pre-Workout Meal for Less Than Half Hour Before Workout
1 piece of whole-grain toast with banana slices and honey
This plant-based meal is a classic pre-workout breakfast for a reason: It’s simple, easy to make, and includes all of the top nutrients for a quick-digesting pre-workout meal with little risk of digestive upset. Bananas are a great source of potassium, too, which is an electrolyte with an important role in muscle contraction. (12)
Nutrition for one medium banana, one slice of wheat bread, and one tablespoon of raw honey:
Carbs: 58 g
Protein: 4.3 g
Fat: 1.7 g
Calories: 245
Best Pre-Workout Meal for 30-60 Minutes Before Workout
Classic turkey sandwich with an apple
Recommended by registered dietitian Jena Brown for a pre-workout meal with 30 to 60 minutes to spare, a classic turkey sandwich picnic-style lunch checks every box for pre-training fuel.
Nutrition for a turkey sandwich with 2 slices of wheat bread, 2 ounces of turkey deli meat, 1 tablespoon of light mayonnaise, and 1 small green apple:
Carbs: 49 g
Protein: 17 g
Fat: 12 g
Calories: 368
Best Pre-Workout Meal for 1-2 Hours Before Workout
Greek yogurt bowl with fruit and honey
With plenty of time to spare for digestion, Brown recommends a hearty yogurt bowl with a nice serving of protein and fiber, along with plenty of carbohydrates for energy. To increase the protein content of this meal, you can drink a protein shake alongside it or mix a scoop of whey protein into the yogurt.
Nutrition for plain, nonfat Greek yogurt, 1 sliced medium banana, 1 cup of frozen mixed berries, and ¾ cup of granola:
Carbs: 90 g
Protein: 22 g
Fat: 9 g
Calories: 520
FAQs: Best Pre-Workout Breakfast Foods
What is the best thing to eat for breakfast before a workout?
The best foods to eat before a workout are high in carbohydrates and, if you have at least 30 minutes before working out, moderately high protein. If you have several hours, moderate amounts of fats can help provide sustained energy. Consuming carbs before exercise, whether cardio or lifting, helps spare your body’s glycogen stores (carbs stored in the muscle and liver). (2)
What is the best pre-workout on an empty stomach?
Taking a pre-workout supplement on an empty stomach could cause indigestion or an upset stomach. It’s generally best to take a pre-workout supplement with food to avoid such symptoms. However, if you find it difficult to eat before a workout, non-stim pre-workouts may sit better with no food. Caffeine can sometimes cause tummy troubles on an empty stomach even in individuals who regularly consume it.
Are eggs a good pre-workout breakfast?
Yes. Whether you like hard-boiled eggs, scrambled, or poached, eggs can be a healthy part of a pre-workout morning meal. They contain 6 to 7 grams of protein per egg, plus several grams of fats, so they’re best for when you have an hour or so to digest before your workout. Consider pairing eggs with a carb source, like an English muffin, rice cake, applesauce, or fruit smoothie.
What if I eat 30 minutes before a workout?
You can absolutely eat 30 minutes before a workout; the important thing is to choose the right foods. You’ll want to prioritize carbohydrates, ideally sugars like glucose and/or fructose, which are quick to digest and provide energy (think: a banana). You could add a moderate amount of protein from something like cottage cheese, a protein bar, or half a scoop of protein powder, to help keep you full. With just 30 minutes before a workout, it’s best to avoid high-fat foods like nut butter, such as peanut butter and almond butter, high-fat cheeses, full-fat yogurt, or red meat.
References
Rothschild JA, Kilding AE, Plews DJ. What Should I Eat before Exercise? Pre-Exercise Nutrition and the Response to Endurance Exercise: Current Prospective and Future Directions. Nutrients. 2020 Nov 12;12(11):3473. doi: 10.3390/nu12113473. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7696145/
Ramonas A, Laursen PB, Williden M, Chang WL, Kilding AE. Carbohydrate intake before and during high intensity exercise with reduced muscle glycogen availability affects the speed of muscle reoxygenation and performance. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2023;123(7):1479-1494. doi:10.1007/s00421-023-05162-y. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36897400/
King, A., Helms, E., Zinn, C. et al. The Ergogenic Effects of Acute Carbohydrate Feeding on Resistance Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Med 52, 2691–2712 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01716-w
Kowey, P.R. (2002). The Role of Potassium. In: Lobo, R.A., Crosignani, P.G., Paoletti, R., Bruschi, F. (eds) Women’s Health and Menopause. Medical Science Symposia Series, vol 17. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1061-1_18
If you’re only a casual fan of weightlifting — or the 2024 Olympics was your first exposure to the sport — you probably have no idea what happened to Loredana Toma in Paris.
But those who know, know. Romanian Toma, who is among the world’s most popular women’s weightlifters, “bombed out” during the Women’s 71KG weightlifting event in Paris on Aug. 9.
Failing to post a Total, the sum of an athlete’s heaviest snatch and clean & jerk is a mark of shame for any weightlifter, Olympian or otherwise. The 2024 Olympics were meant to be a triumph. Instead, Toma went out with a whimper.
Let’s get you up to speed. Toma, 29, is a six-time European Champion (plus two additional silver medals), two-time World Champion, and former world record holder.
She also has a doping sanction to her name from 2014 — par for the course for many ultra-successful weightlifters who came up pre-McLaren report.
These accolades, plus a penchant for ferocity on the competition stage and her rather odd technique, rapidly established Toma as a fan-favorite weightlifter in the mid-to-late 2010s. Fans have dubbed her “the Tomanator” for her no-smiles, all-business attitude at weightlifting meets.
Those who know her personally regard Toma as warm-hearted and kind.
The 2024 Olympics in Paris were a long time coming for Toma, who, despite competing internationally since 2009 at the age of 14, hadn’t made it to the Games before.
Toma missed out on Rio 2016, likely due to her aforementioned ban for the popular anabolic steroid stanozolol.
Of the four Romanian weightlifters sent to Rio, three failed to rank. Two men bombed out, while bronze medalist Gabriel Sîncrăian had his medal stripped for doping. The fourth athlete finished a modest eighth.
The Romanian weightlifting federation, along with all its athletes, was suspended at the last minute from Tokyo 2020 for multiple PED-related infractions among its athletes.
Romania has historically struggled to adhere to clean sport guidance set forth by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) and International Testing Association (ITA). In 2015, Reuters reported that the IWF had axed one of Romania’s five athlete slots for Rio as a consequence of their laxity.
Toma was not named in the announcement, but she suffered the consequences regardless and did not compete in the Women’s 64KG event in Tokyo. In the months leading up to the 2020 Olympics, Toma was considered a favorite for the podium in the 64s.
The 64-kilogram Olympic Champion, Maude Charron of Canada, won the thing with a 236-kilogram Total. At the 2021 European Championships three months prior to Tokyo, Toma Totaled 244. Before that, at the World Cup, 249.
By any reasonable measure, Toma would have won the 2020 Olympics.
Charron showed up in Paris and bagged a silver in the Women’s 59KG event, even briefly setting a new Olympic record in the snatch (as in, for like three minutes until it was surpassed).
Toma was openly resentful of having missed out on a second Olympics, this time through no direct fault of her own. During and after the Women’s 64KG event in Tokyo, Toma posted several massive training lifts on social media as if to say, “You’re lucky I’m not there.“
In Context: In the video above, Toma snatched 115 kilograms, or 253.5 pounds. The heaviest snatch lifted during the Women’s 64s in Tokyo was 105 by Charron.
After Tokyo, Toma would not be seen internationally for a year and a half until she emerged, bulked-up and ballistic, at the 2022 World Weightlifting Championships — the first qualification event for the 2024 Olympics.
Back With a Vengeance
Toma would come out swinging and win Worlds in ’22, setting a 119-kilogram snatch world record in the process. A few days prior, she even snatched 121 in the venue’s training hall.
Her 121 was unofficial, but almost two years later, the official 71-kilogram snatch world record stands at 121 by Angie Palacios-Dajomes, whom Toma bulldozed at Worlds that year.
2022 Worlds marked a career-high for Toma. She won with a 256-kilogram Total which rocketed her toward the top of the 71-kilogram leaderboard and guaranteed her a ticket to Paris.
But in the 18-ish months that followed, Toma’s performances started sliding backward:
For the most part, Toma held on to her prowess in the snatch, though she never approached a world record again. Her idiosyncratic habit of delayed foot movement in the clean & jerk — once affectionately dubbed the “Toma shuffle” — started working against her. You can see it below from 2019:
As Paris crept closer, Toma’s prospect of reclaiming her old strength slipped further away. She could clean any weight she called for but began to make a habit of missing split jerks.
Toma finally made it to the Olympic stage a decade after her stanozolol debacle. She hadn’t been implicated in any PED infractions since. Halfway through the Women’s 71s, Toma was in third place by way of a 115-kilogram snatch. She seemed to have returned to form at the last second.
Then she missed her first clean & jerk at 131 kilograms. At Worlds in ’22, she jerked 137 with room to spare.
She missed it again on her second attempt, then bumped up to 134. Toma just couldn’t stick the split jerk and would end her Olympic journey with a “Did Not Finish” next to her name.
As of this article’s publication, Toma has received an outpouring of support on social media but hasn’t made a peep about how she feels. Drug suspension aside — most people’s favorite weightlifters have served a ban at some point — Toma’s journey to the Olympic stage is heart-wrenching.
Should she contend for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, Toma will be well into her early 30s. The Paris 71KG gold medalist, Olivia Reeves, is 21. If she decides to retire after all this, Toma will be sent off with thunderous applause from her many, many fans.
And then she’ll have a whole new problem: Finding a cabinet big enough to display all her medals.
Editor’s Note: This article is an op-ed. The views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of BarBend or Pillar4 Media. Claims, assertions, opinions, and quotes have been sourced exclusively by the author.
In the latest episode of Constantly Varied Conversations, John Wooley dives into a topic that’s been on the minds of many within the CrossFit community: Is CrossFit dying?
Known for his insightful takes and deep understanding of the sport, Wooley explores the challenges and inconsistencies that have plagued CrossFit in recent years.
From ownership changes and leadership shifts to the evolving nature of the CrossFit Games, he offers a candid analysis of where the sport stands today and what needs to be done to secure its future.
As always, Wooley’s conversation is both thought-provoking and timely, making this episode a must-listen for anyone invested in the world of CrossFit.
Inconsistencies and Challenges: A Tumultuous Era
CrossFit has experienced significant upheaval in the last few years. The transition of ownership from founder Greg Glassman to private equity firm Berkshire Partners marked the beginning of a new era—one that has been anything but smooth. The pandemic further complicated matters, forcing the Games to relocate from Madison, Wisconsin, to the more intimate setting of The Ranch in California, before returning to Madison and now planning a move to Fort Worth, Texas.
Leadership instability has also played a role in the sport’s turbulence. The firing of Dave Castro, a pivotal figure in CrossFit, only to see him return later, added to the sense of uncertainty. These changes have left the community feeling unsettled, and this inconsistency has fueled the narrative that CrossFit might be losing its way.
The Importance of Storytelling: Engaging the Community
One of the most significant issues facing CrossFit today is the lack of effective storytelling. For years, fans have complained that the Games focus too narrowly on the top athletes, neglecting those who don’t contend for podium spots. While the quest to find the “Fittest on Earth” is essential, it has overshadowed the human stories that could make the sport more relatable and engaging to a broader audience.
Recently, Dave Castro attempted to address this by conducting interviews with individual athletes. However, these efforts fell short due to poor preparation and a lack of focus on the athletes themselves. Instead of using these interviews to build the athletes’ brands, the spotlight shifted back to Castro, missing a crucial opportunity to deepen fan engagement.
In contrast, sports like the Olympics excel at introducing lesser-known athletes to a global audience through compelling narratives. CrossFit needs to adopt a similar approach, making sure that every athlete’s story is told, not just those at the top. This will help build a more inclusive and connected community, which is essential for the sport’s growth.
Enhancing the Athlete and Fan Experience: A Two-Way Street
Improving the experience for both athletes and fans is another critical area where CrossFit needs to focus. While athletes often express gratitude for the opportunity to compete, the support they receive from the Games’ organizers often feels superficial. Providing swag is nice, but it’s not enough. Athletes deserve a world-class experience that goes beyond material gifts.
This includes top-notch facilities, personalized concierge services, and more opportunities for athletes to engage with fans. For instance, press conferences, meet-and-greets, and in-depth interviews can help athletes build their brands while also enhancing the fan experience. By fostering these connections, CrossFit can cultivate a more loyal and passionate fan base.
Leveraging CrossFit Legends: Bridging the Old and New
Another missed opportunity for CrossFit lies in its underutilization of retired legends. Figures like Mat Fraser, Rich Froning, and Julie Foucher remain incredibly popular within the community, yet CrossFit has done little to involve them in current events. By ignoring these athletes, CrossFit misses out on a valuable chance to connect the sport’s storied past with its present.
The Rogue Invitational has demonstrated how successfully integrating legends into events can enhance the overall experience for both fans and athletes. CrossFit should follow this model, incorporating these figures into the Games to honor the sport’s history and appeal to long-time fans who yearn for the “good old days.”
Strengthening Partnerships and Collaborations: A Strategic Approach
CrossFit’s approach to partnerships has been inconsistent, and this has hurt the sport’s growth. Over the years, the Games have cycled through sponsors like Fitaid, Monster Energy, and others, but these partnerships often feel transactional rather than collaborative. To truly grow the sport, CrossFit needs to establish long-term, community-driven partnerships that resonate with its audience.
One way to do this is by engaging the community in choosing sponsors. Asking fans what brands they want to see associated with CrossFit can help avoid missteps like the controversial Monster deal. Additionally, CrossFit should consider partnering with fitness brands that might be seen as competitors, such as HWPO or Proven. By doing so, CrossFit can expand its reach and attract new fans, ultimately benefiting the entire community.
Communication and Narrative Control: Telling CrossFit’s Story
Finally, CrossFit needs to take control of its narrative. The organization has done a poor job of highlighting its successes, such as affiliate growth and community outreach efforts. Instead of letting others dictate the conversation, CrossFit should actively promote its positive contributions to the sport and the broader fitness community.
This can be achieved by incorporating commercials, social media campaigns, and in-event promotions that showcase the good work being done. Whether it’s growing affiliates, offering scholarships, or launching new initiatives, CrossFit needs to share these stories with its community. By doing so, they can build trust and show that they care as much about the sport as the fans do.
Conclusion: Can CrossFit Thrive Again?
CrossFit is at a critical juncture. While the sport has faced significant challenges, there are clear steps that can be taken to ensure its survival and growth. By improving storytelling, enhancing the athlete and fan experience, leveraging the legends of the sport, solidifying strategic partnerships, and taking control of its narrative, CrossFit can not only survive but thrive.
The community wants to believe in the future of CrossFit. Now, it’s up to CrossFit to give them a reason to do so.
CrossFit CEO Don Faul has issued a statement in response to the devastating loss of athlete Lazar during the 2024 CrossFit Games.
This tragedy has sent shockwaves through the CrossFit community, leaving athletes, fans, and organizers in mourning.
In his heartfelt address, Faul acknowledged the gravity of the situation, expressing profound sorrow for the loss.
He emphasized that the safety of athletes is the organization’s highest priority and admitted that this tragic event occurred under their watch.
To ensure that such an incident never happens again, Faul announced that CrossFit has initiated an independent, third-party investigation.
This investigation aims to thoroughly examine the circumstances leading up to the tragedy and identify any potential areas for improvement in their safety protocols.
Faul assured the community that transparency would be maintained throughout the investigation, though he also emphasized the importance of respecting the privacy of those directly affected by the loss.
Decision to Continue the Games Amid Tragedy
One of the most challenging decisions faced by the CrossFit leadership team was whether to proceed with the 2024 Games after the tragedy.
Faul revealed that, after extensive discussions on Thursday night, they made the difficult choice to continue with the event. He acknowledged that this decision was met with mixed reactions and placed the athletes in an incredibly tough position.
Faul expressed understanding and respect for the deeply personal choices athletes had to make regarding their participation in the Games.
He highlighted that many athletes were profoundly affected by Lazar’s passing and chose to honor his memory in their own ways.
Faul called on the CrossFit community to support these athletes and to respect the decisions they made in the wake of the tragedy.
Looking Forward: Enhancing Athlete Safety
Looking ahead, Faul reaffirmed CrossFit’s commitment to implementing any necessary changes based on the findings of the investigation.
He stated that the goal is to strengthen safety protocols, ensuring that athletes can compete with confidence, knowing that their well-being is being prioritized.
The CrossFit community can expect to receive updates as the investigation progresses. Faul concluded his statement by expressing gratitude for the support and patience shown by the community during this difficult time.
The path forward, he emphasized, will be guided by the lessons learned from this tragic event, with the aim of preventing any future occurrences.
This incident has left a lasting impact on the CrossFit community, and as Faul noted, the focus now is on healing, understanding, and taking meaningful steps to protect athletes in the future.
Competitive bodybuilding, especially at the elite level, demands years of sacrifice, unwavering dedication, and an unyielding commitment to pushing the body to its limits. Yet, for many athletes, the rewards are fleeting, the financial gains are minimal, and the physical toll is often devastating.
On July 29, 2024, Dr. Mike Israetel, Ph.D. in Sport Physiology, announced his decision to step away from competitive bodybuilding to focus on other business ventures.
A former Exercise and Sport Science professor at Lehman College, Israetel co-founded Renaissance Periodization (RP Strength). RP Strength offers science-based training, diet coaching, and comprehensive educational content. Israetel is the face of the company’s YouTube channel, which has amassed over 2.25 million subscribers.
Competing in bodybuilding costs me money and makes me no extra money; I literally pay to do it.
Israetel believes that the opportunity cost associated with competing in bodybuilding shows is considerably higher as contest preps limit his ability to travel and collaborate with other content creators, hindering potential exposure for his businesses.
Israetel believes prepping for bodybuilding shows detracts from his primary work and no longer aligns with his priorities. Instead, he wants to dedicate time to creating valuable content that assists others and adds to his business’s bottom line.
Prepping for bodybuilding shows also necessitates reducing Israetel’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, a practice he finds deeply therapeutic and beneficial for his mental well-being.
If I’m on a ton of gear and I don’t have Jiu-Jitsu, I become unpleasant to be around.
Israetel acknowledges the detrimental side effects associated with long-term steroid use and plans to reduce his reliance on them. He cites a personal experience during his final show, the 2024 NPC Masters Universe, where he had to discontinue Halotestin, which blocks the activity of estrogen, abruptly five days into peak week due to alarming cortisol levels and the infamous ‘roid rage.’
Mike Israetel Bodybuilding Career
Here are Israetel contest standings as per NPC News Online:
2013 NPC Steve Stone New York Metropolitans — Fourth Place
2020 NPC Diamond Classic — First Place
2021 NPC Masters USA Championships — Second Place
2023 NPC Teen Collegiate & Masters National Championships — Fifth Place
2024 NPC Masters Universe — Seventh Place
Israetel did not rule out a future return to competition in a couple of years.
On August 10, Georgia’s Lasha Talakhadze cemented his legacy as perhaps the greatest living weightlifter when he won a third consecutive gold medal in the Men’s +102KG weightlifting event at the 2024 Olympics.
Talakhadze, 30, has maintained an undefeated record in weightlifting for the last 11 years and set the all-time world records in both competition movements plus the Total.
Ahead of Paris 2024 and having long battled a slew of health issues, it was widely speculated that Talakhadze would retire should he win another gold. However, it seems Talakhadze isn’t ready to hang up his lifting belt just yet.
“I want to enjoy this moment and feel the happiness from this medal,” Talakhadze said. “If my physical condition gives me the chance, I will stay in this sport.”
Talakhadze upheld his unblemished competitive record yet again in Paris where he won with a 470-kilogram Total. But per the IWF, Talakhadze’s margins of victory at the Olympic Games are beginning to shrink:
The Georgian posted his all-time heaviest Total shortly after Tokyo during the 2021 World Weightlifting Championships; 492 kilograms, just eight off of breaking the “mythical” 500-kilogram mark.
In early 2022, Talakhadze suffered an injury to his thigh during a workout that derailed his seemingly-unstoppable progress. He has yet to return to the level of strength he displayed in 2021 and had taken to competing as infrequently as possible in order to preserve his health for Paris.
Should Talakhadze contend for a fourth gold in Los Angeles 2028 and win, he will become the indisputable most successful weightlifter in history and strengthen his case as the most accomplished strength athlete ever.