MADISON, Wis. — Last week, organizers of the CrossFit Games announced that this will be the last year the event is held in Madison.
According to Destination Madison, the event brings in more than $12 million for the tourism economy in Dane County.
During a news conference on Wednesday night, CrossFit general manager Dave Castro spoke highly of Madison but said it was time to cut ties.
“As great as it’s been, having a new look, a new venue, a new city is the right move for the future of the sport,” Castro said. “For where we want to take this, for what we want to do, staying in one location is not the right strategy.”
For Wisconsin based athletes like Tom Fameree, having the games in Wisconsin has been life changing.
“Your heart starts to race and your mouth gets dry and three, two, one..”
Fameree has been part of the games ever since they first arrived in Wisconsin.
“I looked at the athletes that were competing in my age group and I said, you know what, I need a lot of work but I think I can compete at that level,” said Fameree.
He then went on to qualify for the 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2023 games.
This year, he competed in the Men’s 60-65 age bracket and was able to place 2nd overall.
“I just came into it, trying to really have fun, trying to take each workout that was in front of me and not worry about the rest of the week,” said Fameree.
Even though he loves having the games in his home state, he agrees it is time for them to move on in order for the sport to grow.
“I am ok with it moving, it is fun to experience a different city, I don’t know what the future holds for me with CrossFit, if I try again next year, it is too soon to make that call,” said Fameree.
The location of the 2024 CrossFit Games has not yet been announced.