Talking Elite Fitness

The first in-person semifinal is officially behind us. The 2026 Mayhem Classic sent the first 6 individuals to the CrossFit Games, but it also showed us a potential way forward for the sport of fitness. Sean and Tommy discuss the key learnings from the event, how they think it could shape things in the coming years and what moments stood out from the competiton.

Thousands of reps were performed during Quarterfinals, but it's the one that wasn't done that is getting the most attention. Sean, Tommy and Lauren break down the penalty for Jay Crouch's missed overhead squat. Was it fair or was it over the top? Also, Semifinals start this weekend with the Mayhem Classic in Cookeville, TN. It's the system we have, but is there a better way to organize this crucial stage of the season?
This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen so you can improve how you sleep and recover.

In-person competition is one week away as Semifinals get kicked off in Cookeville, Tennessee with the Mayhem Classic. Rory McKernan joins the show to preview the competition, talk about the things most people don't know about when it comes to putting on an event like this and what the future might hold for the Mayhem Classic. Plus, Ro takes time to pay tribute to Rob Orlando.
This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery collagen and improve how you sleep and recover.

Quartefinals have come and gone and once again they were not without controversy. Our good friend and 7-time CrossFit Games athlete Tim Paulson of PRVN joins the show to recap the most recent stage of the 2026 season. He talks about how he and his athletes approached Quarterfinals, what he would like to see change with this stage of the season, what athletes in his camp stood out and whether or not he's optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the sport.
This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery collagen and improve the way you sleep and recover.

It's another year of Quarterfinals and that means another year of issues. And once again the controversy centers around the video review process, or more accurately, the lack of one. Sean, Tommy and Lauren talk about the issues and what might be done to fix things moving forward.
This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery collagen and improve how you sleep and recover.