8 – Scott Panchik’s Emotional Retirement
In the last decade, Scott Panchik has become a legend in the sport of CrossFit. The American athlete has competed in the CrossFit Games nine times, qualifying every year since 2012 (he planned to compete with Rich Froning in team Mayhem for the 2020 season, but the division got cancelled).
He is one of the most consistent athletes in the sport, having finished inside the top 6 in seven out of his nine CrossFit Games appearances.
“10 years and I’ve saved the best for last,” Panchik wrote on Instagram one day before the competition’s start, announcing his retirement. “This will be my FINAL ride.”
Competing with an injured knee, Panchik finished in 11th place overall and secured two event victories, one in Event 4, wall walks and thrusters, and a second in Event 8, the handstand walk course.
The end of his last workout had CrossFit Games commentators Sean Woodland and Chase Ingraham in tears, and fans from the community ran alongside him in support during Event 10.
He might have never stepped on the CrossFit Games podium, but Scott Panchik will sure be remembered as one of the sport’s greatest athletes.