As the 2025 CrossFit Games descend on Albany, New York, all eyes are on the reigning queen, Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr, as she chases a record-breaking eighth title as the Fittest Woman on Earth. But beyond the seemingly inevitable dominance of Toomey-Orr, the women’s field presents one of the most open and exciting podium races in recent memory.
With perennial contenders like Laura Horvath, Emma Lawson, Gabi Migala, and Alex Gazan absent from this year’s roster, the door is wide open for a new generation of elite female athletes to make their mark.
Here’s a closer look at the women to watch as the fittest on earth converge on Albany.
Arielle Loewen – The Podium Veteran
Arielle Loewen is the only woman in the 2025 field besides Toomey-Orr with previous podium experience, finishing third in 2023. Known for her quiet consistency and mental fortitude, the mother and former collegiate gymnast bounced back from an early withdrawal at last year’s Games to take third at the Rogue Invitational.
Loewen continued to impress in 2025 with a third-place finish at the In-Affiliate Semifinals and a strong fifth at the World Fitness Project’s (WFP) Tour Stop I. Her familiarity with the pressures of the podium battle gives her an intangible edge few can claim.
Danielle Brandon – The Seasoned Powerhouse
Danielle Brandon is entering her seventh CrossFit Games appearance with four top-10 finishes already under her belt, including a career-best fourth in 2022. This year, she appears fitter and more focused than ever.
Brandon secured her 2025 Games ticket with a fifth-place finish at the In-Affiliate Semifinals and followed it up with an impressive runner-up placement to Alex Gazan at the WFP’s Tour Stop I. With growing consistency to match her explosiveness, Brandon is a serious podium threat.
Lucy Campbell – The Comeback Story
After a breakout 16th-place finish at the 2022 Games, UK athlete Lucy Campbell was sidelined for two years due to a serious wrist injury that nearly ended her career. But Campbell’s comeback has been nothing short of inspirational.
In 2025, she claimed victory at the TYR Wodapalooza in Miami, defeating top athletes including 2023 champ Laura Horvath. She followed that up by winning Wodland Fest in Málaga, Spain, and finishing fourth at WFP Tour Stop I. If momentum counts, Campbell is in podium position.
Alexis Raptis – The Quiet Climber
Alexis Raptis has quietly carved out one of the most consistent resumes in recent Games history, finishing 10th as a rookie in 2022, and sixth in both 2023 and 2024.
This season, she secured second at the In-Affiliate Semifinals and seventh at Tour Stop I. Known for her balance and lack of weaknesses, Raptis could be poised to take the next step in Albany and crack the top three.
Haley Adams – The Resurgent Star
After taking a mental health break in 2023, Haley Adams returned to competition with a vengeance in 2024, securing a fifth-place finish at the Games.
A former teen division champion, Adams boasts a resume that includes top-10 finishes every year since her debut in 2019. With placements of sixth, fourth, fifth, and ninth across her career, the 23-year-old is overdue for a podium breakthrough—and 2025 might be the year.
Aimee Cringle – Rising Force
Aimee Cringle made waves in her rookie season last year, finishing 13th overall. The Isle of Man native has continued her ascent in 2025, taking third at WFP Tour Stop I and qualifying for the Games through a ninth-place finish at the In-Affiliate Semifinals.
Her rapid improvement and rising confidence make Cringle a fascinating dark horse in this year’s competition.
Siria Meha – The Surprise Semifinal Standout
Albania’s Siria Meha delivered a breakout performance at this year’s In-Affiliate Semifinals, finishing first in a loaded women’s field. While she lacks Games experience, Meha’s meteoric rise evokes memories of podium debuts by CrossFit legends like Toomey-Orr (2015) and Horvath (2018).
In a season of surprises, Meha could be the wildcard who shakes up the leaderboard.
The Big Picture in Albany
Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr’s return may dominate headlines, but the real drama lies just behind her. With podium-tested athletes like Loewen and Raptis, seasoned competitors like Brandon and Adams, rising contenders like Campbell and Cringle, and explosive rookies such as Meha, the 2025 CrossFit Games women’s division promises fierce competition and unforgettable moments.
In a field where anything can happen, and no result is guaranteed, fans can expect a thrilling battle as a new generation of female athletes challenges for CrossFit glory.
image sources
- danielle brandon sprint: Courtesy of CrossFit Inc.
