The 2020 UK’s Fittest Man Zack George has withdrawn from the 2021 CrossFit Games season due to an ongoing hip injury. The 31-year-old said in an Instagram post that it was the burpee box-jumps in the 2021 CrossFit Open Workout 21.2 that injured him as far as his hip is concerned. He also said he’s been getting treatment “almost daily” for the hip injury. Now, he’s had to withdraw.
Zack George’s 2021 Instagram Announcement
The announcement came today on April 9 on Zack George’s Instagram. He said his team had advised him to withdraw, to spare him the possible agony of dealing with injuring his hip permanently.
Check the post:
Today my CrossFit Games 2021 Season came to an end. I started to develop a hip issue couple weeks ago which I have been getting treatment for almost daily ever since. The injury has been affecting my squatting movement and after Test 4 (4RM front squat) this morning, I am following the advice of the team around me and pulling out of the competition to avoid causing myself further damage.
He also said that he was “meant to go to CrossFit Games in 2020” but that it didn’t happen “due to COVID.” He called his withdrawal an “abrupt end” and gave his supporters some inspiring words upon his notice,
“Challenges are never easy to accept, especially when you spend each and everyday training to accomplish a single goal, but I have come to accept that some things in life are simply out of my control and, unfortunately, this is one of those things. For now, I will use this setback to motivate the people who follow me to never give up on a goal, whatever obstacle they may be facing.”
Zack made a point to thank his supporters from “over the last few years” and called his sponsors “amazing” and thanked the CrossFit community. His pain is palpable as he feels he’s disappointed all of them, but he’s focusing on getting healthy for the next season.”
“It’s hard not to feel like I have let everyone down, so I have to focus on getting healthy for next season and delivering for each and every one of you.”
George’s 2021 Performance
Injury aside, George’s 2021 performance was commendable.
Zack George injured his hip in the CrossFit Open Workout 21.2, and yet he still finished all four workouts of the Open. His overall finish was a very respectable 189th place. These are his results:
• CrossFit Open 21.1: 1,999th place, 519 reps
• CrossFit Open 21.2: 414th place, 10:47
• CrossFit Open 21.3: 138th place, 8:53
• CrossFit Open 21.4: 431st place, 132.0 kg/293lb
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In Europe, Zack George placed 59th overall and was well on his way to the 2021 CrossFit Quarterfinals. His intention now is to recover from his hip injury and participate in the 2022 CrossFit season.