Determination of a CrossFit^® Benchmark Performance Profile

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• CrossFit® is a global sport with the CrossFit® Games as its premier competition.
• American athletes often dominate international CrossFit® competitions.
• Factors influencing performance differences between nations require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the benchmark performance profiles of American and German CrossFit® athletes.
• To identify performance variables that differentiate athletes between these two nations.
• To explore the relationship between different performance metrics in CrossFit®.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted with 162 CrossFit® athletes (66 male, 96 female) from the USA and Germany.
• Participants reported benchmark performance data via questionnaire.
• Statistical analyses included comparisons of individual performance variables and regression analysis.

Main Results:

• No significant performance differences were found between American and German athletes in Olympic lifts, running, or benchmark "Girl" WODs (Fran, Grace, Helen).
• A significant difference was observed in total power lift performance among male athletes (p = 0.034).
• Strong positive correlations (r = 0.79–0.99, p < 0.01) exist between power lift and Olympic lift variables.
• Back squat performance strongly predicted snatch (R² = 0.76) and clean and jerk (R² = 0.84) success.

Conclusions:

• Back squat performance plays a dominant role in assessing the physical fitness of CrossFit® athletes.
• Nationality appears to have minimal impact on most benchmark performance metrics in CrossFit®.
• Strength in foundational lifts like the back squat is crucial for success in Olympic lifts within CrossFit®.