2008 CrossFit Games Champion!!
Khalipa during the final heat. Notice all the spectators looking at action of the favorites while Khalipa motored by everyone.
A big thank you to the 2 that started this whole fitness movement!
WOW! First I want to give major props to all the HQ staff and volunteers who ran a seemingly flawless event. Not one heat started late. It was truly amazing. Next, great job to all of our competitors: Juan, J-Luk, Armando, Smita, Carmen, Sonja, Jenna, and Khalipa. You all pushed hard to your own max intensity level through 4 grueling workouts in two days. As a coach, peer athlete, and spectator it was an inspirational experience. Also, thanks to our group of family and friends who were out there yelling and willing our athletes to stronger performances. I had many times when I thought I needed a rest and heard, "PICK IT UP!, KEEP PUSHIN!". I listened to all of you(not myself) and didn't "need" a rest, just wanted one. The local affiliates rooting on Unlimted were awesome: CF One World(our base camp partners), CF Oakland(Affliate cup winners), Diablo CF, Peninsula CF, CF Silicon Valley, CF Vallejo.
Laslty, a huge Congats to our very own Jason Khalipa who is the 2008 CrossFit Games Men's Overall Champion. "The Fittest Man on Earth". Khalipa was in 8th place going into the final heat of ten with some superstar crossfitters such as Speal, Dutch, OPT, Josh Everett, Pat Barber, and AFT. The workout was 30 Clean(full squat) & Jerks @ 155#. He was about 1:30 behind Speal for first place. The start was staggered, meaning he would start the workout 8th, a full minute and half after Speal started. The format was set this way to deliver an instant champ and it did, it was just that no one saw. When Khalipa finished first with a time of 2:46, all the attention was still on other favorites. I jumped out, hugged Jason and congratulated him on winning. He headed straight to the water cooler and hunched himself over in disbelief while trying to recover. All of our family and friends went wild and about 30 seconds later the staff realized it was over and announced Khalipa as the 2008 CrossFit Champion. You worked hard brother and deserve it. We all know you are approved for affiliation and will be leaving Unlimited to start your own box soon, but I'm claiming you for life. No seriously, good luck with your venture. I have a small hunch things are going to workout just fine for you.
A few other shots:
WOD 07/07/08
"Karen"
150 wall ball shots for time(m20#/w12#)

