Albany Awaits — The Final Games Spots Are Up for Grabs

June 6th, 2025

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Good morning and welcome to the Morning Chalk Up.

In today’s edition:

  • Just three spots left — 27 men and 27 women are in, who will grab the final invites to Albany?

  • A simple strategy to enjoy indulgent meals without losing progress.

  • Brooke Wells delivered a statement win and became one of just six women to qualify for the 10 CrossFit Games.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
❝

On the topic of believing in myself, I’m banking on trusting the work. There’s no reason I shouldn’t get a spot in NorCal.”

Alex Gazan on her mindset this season and her chances this weekend.
CROSSFIT GAMES

Only 3 Tickets Left, Who Will Go to The CrossFit Games

Credit: Carlos Fleury, carlitosfleury / Instagram

We’re down to the wire — 27 men and 27 women have qualified for the 2025 CrossFit Games. There are only three spots left for both sides, and two chances to fill them. 

  • A total of four tickets will be distributed this weekend at the NorCal Classic, the last IPQE of the season (two each for men and women). 

  • The final opportunity for athletes will be an online Last Chance Qualifier, scheduled for June 12-16, where one final man and one final woman will earn invitations.  

So, who still needs to shoot their shot? 

The NorCal Classic 

Women

Emily Rolfe

The 2024 bronze medal winner at the Games, Emily Rolfe, skipped the In-Affiliate Semifinals, like Gazan. 

She competed at the World Fitness Project Tour Event I but withdrew before the final day of competition.

She shared on social media that the last few weeks had been a struggle for her and that she was headed home to heal and “be back stronger for the next one.”

  • “Don’t worry,” she added. “I’m no stranger to a comeback.”

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SPEED READS

🐂 💪 Red Bull Rancher Strong: A one-of-a-kind fitness competition is taking place at Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, TX, this weekend. It features a ranch-inspired obstacle course with a functional fitness twist. Competitors race the clock, with Red Bull athlete Noah Ohlsen and Texas-proud fan fave, Arielle Loewen.

👟🏋️ New Nano Zero: Lift heavy, move freely. The Reebok Nano Zero keeps you grounded, stable, and locked in for every squat, pull, and rep. Check them out and order yours now.

🇺🇸🏃‍♀️ 3 CrossFit Conditioning Mistakes Holding You Back: In this recent episode of the Mayhem Performance Podcast, the team breaks down the three biggest limiters in CrossFit conditioning — respiratory, cardiovascular, and muscular — and how to train each one.

🏋️💪 Master the Push Press: Watch this L-1 seminar clip to learn the key coaching cues that turn a sloppy push press into a strong, efficient lift.

🌎🏆 WFP REC League: Registration opens soon (June 15) for the WFP REC League. The pilot season kicks off in July. Learn more about the new recreational fitness league here.

ICYMI: Dave Castro put Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr on the clock.

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

The Sandwich Method: An Easy Way to Help You Maintain a Balanced Approach to Your Food Choices

Credit: Brett Hofacker / Shutterstock

Whether you’re training hard, working towards a physique goal, or simply trying to eat healthier, navigating meals that stray from your usual plan, such as takeout with friends or a spontaneous brunch, can feel challenging. 

These situations often lead to guilt, overcorrection, or a slippery slope of all-or-nothing thinking.

But what if one flexible meal didn’t have to derail your entire day…or week?

  • Enter the “Sandwich Method”: a simple, sustainable strategy that enables you to enjoy those “off-plan” meals without losing progress or falling into the common cycle of overeating and regret. 

Think of it as a smart structure that helps you embrace more freedom with your food choices, without sacrificing your goals.

THINGS TO…

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Your Sandbag and D-Ball Clean Technique

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CROSSFIT GAMES

Brooke Wells Earns 10th Games Berth — One of Just Six Women to Do It

Credit: @_zeus.photography_ / Instagram

Possessed yet poised, with all the confidence in the world: That's how Brooke Wells looked all weekend at the Syndicate Crown in Knoxville, TN, where she cruised to victory and secured her 10th invite to the CrossFit Games.

  • Only five other women can claim the same: Annie Thorisdottir (12), Kara Saunders (10), Rebecca Voigt Miller (10), Katrin Davidsdottir (10), and Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr (9 appearances and now 10 qualifications).

Consistency was key for Wells. She put together top 10 performances in all six events, including two second-place finishes, earning 522 points—54 points ahead of the second-place finisher, Lexi Neely.

Ultimately, the Syndicate Crown showcased Wells from start to finish, with the main theme being that she had something to prove.

And who can blame her?

Remind Me

When the recent In-Affiliate Semifinals scores were first submitted, Wells found herself in seventh place. This year, the top 11 finishers qualified for the Games.

  • However, as the video review process unfolded, there was considerable chatter online about Wells’ burpees, specifically regarding whether she was truly making contact with her chest on the ground.

HIGHLIGHTS

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