5 Key Takeaways From Our Conversation With the PFAA

August 22nd, 2024

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Good morning, and welcome to the Morning Chalk Up.

In today’s edition:

  • Earlier this week, we spoke with the president of the Professional Fitness Athletes’ Association, Brent Fikowski, and the COO, Grace Paulus. Below are five key takeaways from our conversation.

  • Ben Bergeron discusses why and how you can get your kids involved in lifting weights safely.

  • The CrossFit community is known for coming together to support its members, and in the wake of Lazar Ðukic’s tragic death, that’s been more evident than ever as gyms around the world have taken on a workout he programmed to honor his memory. Learn more below.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“What we're doing now with these demands, this is the worst possible scenario. We've always sought to engage with [CrossFit] in a very professional manner…Having to bring this out into the public is the end result of years of this systematic behavior and an unwillingness to engage.” - Brent Fikowski in an interview with Men’s Health.

CROSSFIT GAMES

Credit: Carlos Fleury

5 Key Takeaways From Our Call With the PFAA Regarding CrossFit Safety

On Tuesday, August 20, the Professional Fitness Athletes’ Association (PFAA) contacted CrossFit LLC to demand that the Director of Sport, Dave Castro, be removed from his position on CrossFit’s “Sport Team.” 

Before that happened, we had the chance to sit down with PFAA President Brent Fikowski and Chief Operating Officer Grace Paulus for an hour to learn more about what went into making their demand and gain other insights about the direction the PFAA feels CrossFit needs to take. Here are our five takeaways.

1. Why Aim to Remove Dave Castro Only From the Sport Team?

After numerous conversations, the PFAA was very careful in its demand, asking that CrossFit remove Castro from its Sport Team rather than demanding a full resignation from the company.

  • “We’re representing athletes, right, so we’re representing athletes and their needs in the context of sport. So, we’re asking for the removal of Dave Castro from the Sport Team. If CrossFit feels it’s appropriate for him to [continue to] play a role with affiliates and training, that’s their decision,” Fikowski said.

2. Athletes’ Response: “This Isn’t it, Right?”

The PFAA hosted calls on August 19 and August 20 with members, including athletes, coaches, and agents, to inform them of the plan. 

Thirty-five people attended the first call, and 54 were on the second. While athletes were receptive, Paulus also said that a common sentiment was, “This isn’t it, right?”

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SPEED READS

Constantly Varied Conversations on PFAA Demands: Following the release of the PFAA’s public statement earlier this week, John Wooley went live to discuss his reactions and to take follower’s questions. Watch here.

B. Friendly Fitness — BCS Preview and PFAA Demands: Brian Friend and Patrick Clark previewed the upcoming BCS Classic in Bryan, TX, and discussed the PFAA’s demands. Watch here.

Talking Elite Fitness — Sunday at the Games Series: Tommy Marquez and Lauren Kalil were on the ground at the 2024 CrossFit Games and interviewed athletes, coaches, and managers on the final day of the competition. Check out the series so far to hear their thoughts on the gravity of the events in Fort Worth and how they were navigating it:

Lazar Ðukić Support Funds have been set up here and here for those who are able to give.

ICYMI: In a statement released yesterday, the Professional Fitness Athletes Association demanded Dave Castro “be removed from his position in the Sport Team.” We talked with PFAA President Brent Fikowski and COO Grace Paulus. Learn more.

ICYMI, part 2: In 2015, medical volunteer and physician Adam Schulte raised concerns about CrossFit’s emergency action plans before the Games. In the aftermath of “Murph” in Carson that year, he wrote an open letter urging HQ to make changes to protect athlete safety. His concerns were brushed aside, and he was not allowed to volunteer on the medical team again.

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

Credit: @roguefitness / Instagram

From Backpacks to Barbells: The Right Way to Get Your Kid Lifting

Recently, on the Chasing Excellence podcast, we got a great question from Ricky.

He asked, "My 10-year-old son is very active in sports like soccer and flag football. At what age should I start introducing weights to my son? I'm active in CrossFit and played college football. I want to make sure I don't introduce weights too early."

Well, Ricky, I've got good news for you and all the other parents out there who are wondering the same thing.

They're Already Lifting

Every time your kids pick up their backpacks or help you carry groceries, they're engaging in normal, functional movements that we do all the time. 

  • So, in reality, you can't start them too early. 

It's like learning to ski or swim — the earlier they begin, the better they can develop proper form and technique.

COMMUNITY

Credit: @wodproofapp, @scotty.free / Instagram

A Workout Programmed By Lazar Ðukić Is Now a Global Tribute to His Memory

The global CrossFit community is known for uniting and supporting one another, even in the most challenging times. 

Whether it's a workout in a class, a local competition, or the Games, CrossFitters are renowned for their unwavering encouragement — often cheering on the last person to cross the finish line with more enthusiasm than the first.

  • This year, however, that encouragement and support has taken on a deeper meaning. The tragic loss of one of our most beloved members, Lazar Đukić, has brought the global CrossFit family even closer together, highlighting the strength of our shared bonds. 

As a tribute, we here at Morning Chalk Up reposted a workout on Friday, August 9, celebrating Lazar’s life and honoring his memory. 

The workout, thoughtfully programmed by Lazar himself in July 2022 as part of our “Workout of the Week” series, now serves as a powerful symbol of the love and unity that define our community.

  • Since we pinned it to the top of our Instagram account, we've been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from CrossFitters worldwide. 

HIGHLIGHTS

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