CrossFit Open 26.1: Simple, Inclusive, Brutal

The first workout of the 2026 Open did not rely on gymnastics or high skill movements to create separation. Instead, 26.1 tested aerobic capacity, pacing discipline and mental resilience. No bar muscle ups. No handstand walks. No technical bottlenecks that exclude newer athletes.

From VOLT’s perspective, that makes it a strong introduction to the season.

This was a workout that invited participation at every level while still demanding excellence from the top end of the field. It did not lower the standard. It removed barriers.

For newer athletes, it was accessible and achievable.
For seasoned competitors, it was a race against hesitation and poor pacing.
For elites, it became a pure test of engine and execution.

That balance reflects a wider evolution in the sport towards inclusivity without sacrificing intensity.

The Unexpected Narrative

Colten Mertens dominated the live announcement workout, challenging early assumptions about who the test would favour.

Many predicted that taller athletes would thrive in a workout built around stride length and efficiency. Instead, Mertens proved that speed, transitions and commitment mattered more than leverage.

It was a reminder that:

• Assumptions rarely survive contact with execution

• Pacing strategy wins over raw size

• Confidence under pressure shifts outcomes

At this level, fitness is layered. Engine alone is not enough. Intent matters.

Too Close to HYROX?

Some long standing CrossFit athletes might argue that 26.1 leaned towards the endurance profile associated with HYROX.

There is truth in that observation. The test prioritised engine and repeatable effort over advanced skill expression.

But growth in the sport naturally creates overlap. Broader accessibility increases participation. Increased participation raises standards. Higher standards drive innovation.

CrossFit does not lose identity by expanding its entry points. It strengthens its ecosystem.

Why 26.1 Works

From our standpoint at VOLT, this workout succeeded because it:

• Removed technical exclusion

• Demanded mental discipline

• Rewarded simple, repeatable fitness

• Allowed affiliates to rally their community around the same test

It is week one. The Open does not need to peak immediately. It needs to unite the field.

26.1 achieved that.

Relentless By Choice Applies to Everyone

At VOLT, we built the brand around inclusion. Our phrase Relentless By Choice can sound elite on the surface. In reality, it applies at every level.

Relentless can mean:

• A Games hopeful chasing qualification

• A competitive athlete building season on season

• A first timer completing their first Open workout

• A parent balancing career, family and still choosing to train

Relentless is not a level. It is a decision.

26.1 rewarded that decision. The willingness to hold pace. The choice not to slow down when discomfort builds.

Watching Tom Kingdon

Tom Kingdon sits near the top of the leaderboard and continues to demonstrate consistency under pressure.

It is early in the Open, but workouts like 26.1 reward athletes who understand pacing and remain composed when the intensity rises.

We expect him to keep pushing as the tests unfold.

A Note from the Founder

Someone asked me recently,
“Are you doing the CrossFit Open?”

My response?

Do bears s**t in the woods?

Of course.

The Open is not just about rankings. It is a yearly checkpoint. A moment to measure your fitness, your intent and your willingness to step into discomfort.

Whether you are chasing qualification or chasing consistency, you choose how you show up.

That choice is what defines you.

Relentless By Choice™