CrossFit announced its highly anticipated 2021 season schedule, raising the curtain with a three-week CrossFit Open on March 11, organisers said on Thursday. Given the Covid-19-interrupted season and makeshift CrossFit Games in Aromas, California in October, the organisation is calling on members of the public to start registering from January 7. More than 415,000 took part in the 2018 Open. “The last year has been tough for everyone, so we want to kick off the 2021 season with a compelling and accessible Open that can meet the needs of every athlete in the world,” said Dave Castro, general manager of sport for CrossFit. “Whether you’re surrounded by people in your local gym, working out alone at home, or listening to friends cheer over Zoom, the Open will energise you and remind you why you are part of CrossFit.” The new season also promises new paths to its various competitions, such as a new “worldwide quarter-finals” that includes 10 per cent of Open athletes competing virtually from their own gyms; the return of the Affiliate Cup for advancement into the quarter-finals, semi-finals and Games; and the introduction of an “adaptive division” to cater for competitors who do not fall into the masters and teenage categories. CrossFit also schedules a “live and in-person Games finals” in Madison, Wisconsin, on July 26 next year. Online contingency plans have already been put in place should the pandemic remain a threat. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CrossFit (@crossfit) “Every part of this season has been designed to ensure as many people as possible can take part in, and experience the excitement, challenge and joy of the Open,” CrossFit CEO Eric Roza said. “A shorter Open means easier logistics for gym owners; a later start date gives more time for local reopenings; at-home options ensure access for all; masters, teen, and adaptive divisions welcome a broader group of participants; and continent-based semi-finals guarantee that athletes from all areas of the world will be represented at the Games. “I’m thrilled to be joining hundreds of thousands of CrossFit athletes around the world in this iconic event,” he said. Competitors around the world will be dreaming of overthrowing the legendary Mat Fraser, who was crowned the ‘Fittest on Earth’ for a record fifth time at the CrossFit Games in October. Tia-Clair Toomey, likewise, dominated the women’s edition .