Lukas Högberg took to Instagram this week to share with fans why he would not be competing in the upcoming 2020 CrossFit Open.
Swedish CrossFit Champion Lukas Högberg confirmed on Instagram this week that he would not be participating in the 2020 CrossFit Open. Högberg, the #1 Ranked CrossFit athlete in Sweden, shared the sentiment with fans on Wednesday:
The announcement was a surprise coming from one of the sport’s top athletes and highest grossing competitors overall. Högberg placed 3rd at the 2018 CrossFit Games and 17th in the 2019 Games. Considered a serious contender for a top 5 spot, the announcement probably comes as a relief to many of his contenders for the trophy. Högberg explained his decision was due “stress,” saying the Open was a “sh*t show” that gave him “[no] motivation or joy.”
One has to wonder if Högberg’s reasons are more personal — maybe when he went down from 3rd to 17th he realized he would never hit the #1 spot and chose a swift exit over a slow decline. While it’s easy to read bitterness into the decision, many athletes have taken the opposing stance that Högberg is brave for putting himself and his mental wellness first. So many athletes push themselves too hard and suffer later. Högberg made it clear he still intends to enter the 2020 CrossFit Games by competing in Sanctionals. This shouldn’t be a challenge for Högberg, who has long been thought of as Sweden’s fittest man. Whatever happens with his career, Högberg is a truly stunning competitor with one of the most ripped physiques out there.
*Image courtesy of Instagram
