Jelle Hoste has joined a growing list of names that have announce they are out of the 2025 CrossFit Games season. In the last few days Chandler Smith and Pat Vellner have joined Elisa Fuliano and Annie Thorisdottir in confirming their non-participation this season. Now Hoste’s name can be added to the list.
Hoste sits on the PFAA’s athlete board and noted that accountability and transparency in the wake of Lazar Dukic’s death have been sorely missing. Rather than compete in CrossFit he will focus his energy on the World Fitness Project and the Rogue Invitational.
You can see Jelle Hoste’s statement in full here:
“Silence doesn’t drive change – action does. That’s why I won’t be competing in the 2025 CrossFit Games season.
For years, my goal was simple: become a CrossFit Games athlete. I was inspired by those who came before me, pushed my limits to stand among them, and ultimately achieved once seemed impossible.
Today, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the athletes I admire so much, I feel a personal responsibility and obligation to lead by example.
For me, that means that while competing is important, so too is speaking up in difficult moments.
As athletes, we push our bodies to the limit at competitions – something that is completely our choice. At the same time, we trust that those in charge will prioritize our safety, uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure fair competition with clear standards and protocols.
That has not been the case. I learned that when a tragedy that was completely avoidable took place, in the loss of our friend Lazar.
When accountability is blatantly avoided and transparency outright dismissed, trust is broken. This year, I’m standing by my principles and choosing a different path.
I believe in a future where athletes have a voice and where that voice truly matters. For that reason, this year, I will be putting my energy into other major competitions (World Fitness Project, Rogue,…)
I love this community and I respect every athlete’s journey, no matter which direction they choose.
Hard things is what we do, and right now, this is the hard thing I need to do.
To those who continue to push, compete and evolve this sport: I’ll be cheering you on. But for me, at this time, it won’t be at The Games.”
With so many big names not participating in this CrossFit season it seems likely that new organisations like the World Fitness Project are set to benefit in a big way. We could also be set for a more open CrossFit season with more room for new names to break through.
Read More: Peter Attia on Balancing Lifting and Cardio on the same day
