Why CrossFit Athlete Mal O’Brien Is NOT Competing in 2024

This is why Mal O’Brien is not competing in 2024.

In a recent heartfelt video, renowned CrossFit athlete Mal O’Brien candidly shared the profound emotions that led to her decision to step back from competitive events in the 2024 season. Known for her unwavering dedication and intense training regimens, O’Brien’s decision took many by surprise.

Although she is only 19 years old, Mal O’Brien took the CrossFit community and turned it upside down. She has been to the Games on 4 occasions – two of them in the 14-15 year-old age group. At 16 years, she competed with the elite athletes in Madison and finished 7th, taking home the title of Rookie of the Year.

In 2022, she went above and beyond and finished 2nd overall behind Tia-Clair Toomey.

Mal O’Brien was touted as the next in line to win the title of Fittest Woman on Earth. Late in 2022, the most dominant athlete of all time, Tia-Clair Toomey, announced her pregnancy which opened the way for O’Brien to win the CrossFit Open and Quarterfinals.

Mal O’Brien was also the 2nd athlete overall in the new CrossFit worldwide ranking system, behind only Laura Horvath.

Here are some of Mal O’Brien’s CrossFit numbers:

• Last CrossFit Games placement: 2^nd
• Best CrossFit Games placement: 2^nd
• CrossFit Games appearances: 4 (two times as a teenager)
• Worldwide Ranking System placement: 3^rd
• Best CrossFit Open placement: 1^st (2022, 2023)

Why Mal O’Brien Is NOT Competing in CrossFit in 2024

The CrossFit sensation revealed that she had been grappling with feelings of overwhelm, frustration, and anxiety in the preceding months. However, a change of scenery to the serene landscapes of Hawaii seemed to have worked wonders for her, as she expressed feeling a deep sense of peace and the opportunity for a fresh start.

This is not the first time the young athlete uses her social media account to announce a step back in her CrossFit career. In September, just days before Semifinals, she announced that she would not be competing, putting an end to her season in 2023.

At the time, she wrote that she was facing “personal challenges” that demanded her attention and care, and also that “it’s important to prioritize our well-being and embrace the support of loved ones.”

It seems her mental well-being was the reasons she stepped back in 2023 and why she will do it again in 2024.

O’Brien articulated that her primary focus now lies in her overall well-being as an individual, acknowledging a departure from her previous patterns of neglecting personal health. “I won’t be competing in the 2024 season. I truly feel like it’s not what I need in my life right now,” she declared, highlighting the importance of redirecting her energy towards other essential aspects of her life.

It’s crucial to note that O’Brien’s decision not to participate in the 2024 season is not a declaration of retirement from the sport she loves. Rather, it represents a conscious choice to place emphasis on personal growth and a deliberate break from the competitive arena. “I’m focused on other areas and more important things in my life than competing,” O’Brien affirmed.

The CrossFit luminary made it clear that she isn’t setting a specific timeline for her return to competitive events. Instead, she expressed a willingness to let things unfold organically, allowing her intuition and inner compass to guide her decisions regarding a potential comeback.

While taking a hiatus from formal competition, O’Brien assured her followers that she remains deeply committed to CrossFit. “I’ll forever be a part of the sport, still supporting the brands that have helped me through this and the people that follow my journey, and friends and athletes that I know,” she stated, underlining her enduring connection to the CrossFit community.

Furthermore, O’Brien highlighted her ongoing dedication to training, noting that it will always be an integral part of her life. “I’ll always train in some way. I think it’ll forever be a part of me. I love working out and I love training, pushing myself,” she shared, reinforcing her enduring passion for fitness.

Looking ahead, O’Brien disclosed her plans to venture into content creation, expressing her desire to share her journey and maintain the freedom to train in a way that aligns with her body’s needs. “If anything ever changes with that, you’ll hear it from me first,” she promised, ensuring transparency with her loyal followers.

In closing, O’Brien expressed deep gratitude towards her supportive community, acknowledging the understanding they have shown for her decision to prioritise well-being and overall health. As she embarks on this temporary break from competitive CrossFit, O’Brien remains optimistic about the future, leaving the door open for potential returns to the sport when the timing aligns with her personal growth journey.

Watch the full video below.

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