At 35 years old, Rich Froning Jr. has done it all in the sport of CrossFit, having remained very successful for over a decade. He began his career as an Individual and paved the way for many generations that followed. However, after winning his fourth Individual CrossFit Games, Rich felt accomplished and decided that a move to the Teams division would be fitting. He couldn’t have been more correct, as Rich claimed his sixth Teams CrossFit Games victory just a few months ago. Once again, Rich feels that now is the time to move on, as he recently announced his retirement from the Teams division.
Rich Froning Jr. was featured as a guest on ‘The Sevan Podcast‘, which is where he officially revealed that he would not compete in the Teams division anymore. In a conversation which lasted for over one hour, Rich talked about how he wants to spend more time with his family and how he has accomplished enough in the Teams division.
“I’ve exhausted that point in my career doing teams. I enjoyed it, loved every minute of it.”
Moreover, Rich Froning Jr. always had to train with three other individuals, so they had to find a middle ground regarding his training schedule. This kept him away from his family at times, so retirement should help him move at his own pace.
“I feel that I can work on my own schedule… If I get in here a little bit earlier because I’m dropping off the kids at school, I can hop right into something instead of waiting for 3 or 4 people.”
Rich Froning Jr.’s Move To Masters
As he will now train Individually, Rich Froning is likely to continue competing, but obviously, as an Individual once again. However, if this does happen, Rich won’t compete in the open age class, but the Masters Division Instead.
“If I can get that back to doing good and compete at a level I want to I’ll definitely do the Open, do the age group online qualifiers and then Semifinals for Masters.”
As Rich Froning has a nagging shoulder injury, he plans to let it heal for some time before fully committing himself to the Masters division. Upon completing this assessment, Rich will determine how he wishes to proceed with the 2023 CrossFit Season.
“From now on whether I compete will be decided on a year-to-year basis depending on what season of life we’re in and how this old body feels.”
Watch the full video here:
Related: Top Endurance Coach Chris Hinshaw Discusses Mat Fraser vs Rich Froning
The upcoming few months will be crucial in what Rich Froning Jr. decides to do, but it is now certain that we won’t see him compete in the Teams division. Mayhem Freedom now has a massive hole to fill out, as their most important member won’t be there to assist them.
Seeing that Rich has won four Individual CrossFit Games (2011-2014) and six Teams CrossFit Games (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022), if he moves to the Masters’ division some more titles will definitely be added to his resume.
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