Tia‑Clair Toomey vs. the Field: Can Anyone Really Challenge Her Reign?
- Hayden Wilcox
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
Albany, NY - August 1, 2025
The 2025 CrossFit Games kicked off in Albany with a familiar face firmly in the spotlight: Tia‑Clair Toomey‑Orr. With an unmatched resume, she continues to tower over the competition, but this year, the question remains: can anyone truly catch her?
The Reigning GOAT
Toomey is nothing short of legendary. With seven CrossFit Games titles under her belt, including six consecutive wins through 2024 - she holds more individual Championships than anyone in history. Her dominant victories include a 360‑point margin in the 2020 Games and consistent domination through 2022. She’s also an Olympian and Commonwealth Games weightlifting champion.
Her recent form remains impeccable: she clinched the 2025 Torian Pro title in Brisbane, triumphing in five of six events - a dominant send-off as she prepares for what may be her final competitive run.
Day 1: Business as Usual
In the opener (Run/Row/Run), Toomey reasserted her dominance: from the get-go she established a lead and pushed all the way through the finish line with a blazing time of 49:49, outpacing not just women but many of the men in the field too.
Who’s Chasing?
Aimee Cringle
The standout challenger on Day 1 was Aimee Cringle. She matched Toomey’s pace on the row and entered the final run nearly shoulder to shoulder, clocking 50:16 to finish second. Her closing surge proved she’s a serious threat whenever the event suits her strengths.
The Broader Field
While Toomey’s victory was hardly in doubt, pundits suggest the rest of the women’s podium is wide open - only Arielle Loewen has ever placed top three (third in 2023), making this one of the most unpredictable Games fields in years. Notably, athletes like Laura Horvath are frequently flagged as podium threats in Toomey’s absence - if only she’d slip.
Can Anyone Really Dethrone Her?
Can she be beaten? Maybe - on a bad day or a tailored event - but every sign says not yet. Her mastery across disciplines, experience in avoiding pitfalls, and mental fortitude keep her steps ahead.
But the gap beyond the gap is shrinking. With powerful contenders like Cringle primed to strike, and a field full of seasoned athletes hungry for their moment, the real story may be about how Toomey wins, not if she wins.
Final Take
Tia‑Clair Toomey remains the benchmark: dominant, disciplined, and almost untouchable.
Aimee Cringle, however, is emerging as the most immediate threat - especially if future events play to her strengths.
For the rest: it’s an opportunity-rich year. With only one familiar name on the podium outside Toomey, expect shake-ups and breakout performances.
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