Both Alex Gazan and Colten Mertens have set brand new CrossFit Total records.
Alex lifted the following numbers:
- Squat – 330 lbs / 150 kg
- Shoulder Press – 170 lbs / 77 kg
- Deadlift – 420 lbs / 191 kg
Events 3, 4 and 5: The CrossFit Total
The second half of Day 1 shifted from endurance to pure strength as athletes took on The CrossFit Total, one of the most iconic tests in CrossFit history.
Athletes were challenged to establish a one rep max in the back squat, shoulder press and deadlift, with strict judging throughout.
Unlike previous appearances of the CrossFit Total, where the three lifts combined into a single score, the 2026 CrossFit Games awarded each lift as its own event. The back squat, shoulder press and deadlift were each worth 50 points, making them Events 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Athletes completed one lift every three minutes as the competition moved through the lifting order.
This marked the fourth time the CrossFit Total had been programmed at the CrossFit Games.
Event 3: Back Squat
The women’s competition was highlighted by an outstanding performance from Kyra Milligan, who claimed the event victory with a 370 pound back squat. Mirjam Von Rohr was second with 350 pounds, and Anikha Greer rounded out the podium with 335 pounds.
The men’s event featured some enormous numbers from the opening attempts. Colten Mertens, who already owned the CrossFit Games back squat record with a 570 pound lift from a previous season, opened confidently at 495 pounds. Austin Hatfield began at 485 pounds, while Jay Crouch and Justin Medeiros both opened with 465 pounds. Nick Mathew started even heavier at 520 pounds, with Bayley Martin opening at 500 pounds.
As the weights increased, the competition intensified. Gui Malheiros and Nick Mathew both successfully moved up to 550 pounds, but Mertens answered with an impressive 555 pound squat to secure another event victory. Hatfield finished with 525 pounds, while Medeiros completed a 505 pound lift.
Event 4: Shoulder Press
The shoulder press produced an impressive display of upper body strength. Alex Gazan topped the women’s field with a winning lift of 170 pounds. Paige Rogers hit 155 and in third place was Ellie Turner with 150.
On the men’s side, Ekai and Dallin Pepper both opened at 215 pounds, Roman Khrennikov started at 225 pounds, Ricky Garard successfully pressed 230 pounds, and Colten Mertens opened at 235 pounds.
The final rounds became a battle between the strongest men in the field. Mertens increased to 255 pounds on his second attempt before successfully locking out 260 pounds on his final lift to take his second event victory of the day. Garard also continued to climb, finishing with a strong 250 pound shoulder press.
Event 5: Deadlift
The final strength test was the deadlift.
Aimee Cringle steadily built towards an event win with a powerful 425 pound deadlift. Alex Gazan hit 420 pounds and Maddy Sturt lifted 410 pounds.
Before the men lifted, spectators were reminded that Sam Dancer’s 655 pound deadlift remains the CrossFit Games record.
Nick Mathew opened at 565 pounds, Justin Medeiros at 545 pounds, while Pat Vellner and Dallin Pepper both successfully lifted 575 pounds. Jayson Hopper also reached 565 pounds as the athletes continued increasing the weight.
By the final attempts, Pat Vellner stood alone at the top. The Canadian completed a massive 605 pound deadlift to win the event, earning the ninth CrossFit Games event victory of his career.
New Records Fall
The CrossFit Total lived up to its reputation as one of the premier strength tests in the sport. Alex Gazan finished the day by setting a new women’s CrossFit Total record, combining her three lifts for an incredible 920 pound total.
On the men’s side, Colten Mertens also established a new CrossFit Total record, capping an exceptional day of lifting and further cementing his reputation as one of the strongest athletes in CrossFit.
Learn how to watch The 2026 CrossFit Games or find out which athletes are competing.
