The CrossFit Games will only involve 30 male and 30 female athletes, CrossFit Headquarters have announced.
Restrictions around the world due to the coronavirus pandemic have prompted organisers to cancel the team competition and revoke invites to all national champions.
Now, only the top 20 athletes from The Open and the champions from the 10 Sanctionals that have already taken place in person (rather than virtually or online) will keep their places.
If any athlete declines, their spot will be passed down to the next competitor.
That means that Emma McQuaid of Ireland and Samantha Briggs of the UK have retained their places at Madison, but British champions Zack George and Megan Lovegrove have had their invites revoked.
Built for Athletes ambassador Zack posted on Instagram: “Obviously, I am hugely disappointed to have worked as hard as I have to get to the Games and not be able to attend. I wanted to compete and thrive off the amazing support I have received from everyone who has been on this long journey with me.
“Don't worry, I am going to use this experience to #fuelthefire, work harder and get to the games in 2021 in even better shape so I can put in the performance of a lifetime for myself and for everyone who has supported me!”
Zack finished 26th in The Open, so while he could still technically attend the Games this summer if enough athletes decline their invites, it looks unlikely.
Lovegrove, meanwhile, posted: “Ooft receiving that email stung.
“Yes I am gutted but I wouldn’t have lasted long in this sport if I didn’t love the fight. I train for me, to feel I’m progressing and to make myself and those who support me damn proud. Nothing worth having has ever come without its obstacles.
“This season has had some stumbling blocks and I see the following months as an opportunity to chip away at my building blocks and work my weaknesses. Using that focus has always resulted in my most enjoyable moments in CrossFit. Hopefully I will get to represent my country again and show this girl from the Lake District can hold her own.”
There are still many questions up in the air about how the Games will go ahead and exactly which athletes will be able to attend. In their statement, the organisers admitted the field could still be changed further as guidelines from governments across the world evolve.
