Noah Ohlsen joined Jake Dearden on the YouTube podcast to discuss his 15-year CrossFit career, his transition toward HYROX, and what he has learned about competing at the highest level. The conversation also explored training, longevity, family life and whether success in sport is ultimately about winning.
Ohlsen, now a father as well as an athlete, reflected on how his perspective has changed throughout his career.
CrossFit Rewards Skill and Adaptability
One of the biggest differences Ohlsen highlighted is the unpredictability of CrossFit. Athletes must prepare for a wide range of movements and physical qualities, sometimes without knowing exactly what will appear at competition.
CrossFit can involve strength, endurance, gymnastics and mixed-modal workouts, meaning athletes need to be prepared for almost anything.
Ohlsen explained that this constant learning is part of what makes CrossFit so appealing.
“CrossFit to me like you’re always learning something.”
He contrasted that with HYROX, which allows athletes to prepare much more specifically for the demands they will face.
HYROX Offers More Specific Training
According to Ohlsen, HYROX is more suited to athletes who enjoy repetitive, demanding work rather than constantly learning new technical movements.
“It gives you a lot of purpose and structure to your training.”
The trade-off is less variety. CrossFit can force athletes to prepare across many disciplines, while HYROX provides a clearer structure and allows competitors to target specific weaknesses and race demands.
That specificity can make training easier to organize, although Ohlsen acknowledged that some athletes may eventually find the narrower focus repetitive.
Why CrossFit Athletes Can Transition to HYROX
The pair also discussed which sport may be harder and whether athletes can successfully move between disciplines.
Ohlsen believes CrossFit athletes can transition into HYROX relatively well, while athletes without CrossFit experience may struggle with the technical requirements of the sport. HYROX movements, by comparison, can be more accessible to newcomers.
He also pointed to HYROX’s accessibility as one reason for its growing appeal.
“The dream is there and it is possible.”
Preparing for Longevity
Beyond the CrossFit versus HYROX debate, the interview explored the broader realities of a long athletic career. Ohlsen’s comments emphasized that elite competition is not simply about accumulating wins, but also about finding a sustainable approach to training and life.
His journey from entering a CrossFit gym in 2010 to reaching the Games four years later also demonstrated how quickly an athlete’s ambitions can develop when they find a sport that motivates them.
For Ohlsen, the conversation ultimately showed that both CrossFit and HYROX can develop exceptional athletes, but they reward different combinations of skills, preparation and physical qualities.
About the Author
Jeremiah Oliva
Jeremiah Oliva is a writer passionate about fitness, sports, and active living. He has experience in songwriting and managing content and social media for online radio and magazine platforms.
He covers HYROX, CrossFit®, and competitive fitness, with a focus on performance, mindset, and athlete development.
Outside of writing, Jeremiah trains in boxing, cycles, explores the outdoors with his kids, and plays the guitar.
