Elite women’s CrossFit competitor Bethany Shadburne had to withdraw from the 2021 Nobull CrossFit Games following a positive Covid test. The unfortunate news came just a day before the start of the CrossFit Games that will take place in Madison, Wisconsin, July 27-August 1.
It was an exhilarating season for athletes around the world and while Bethany Shadburne stood out with her West Coast Classic performance, even beating out her teammate and 2020 CrossFit Games podium finisher Kari Pearce, her season has ended, and this is devastating news for the 27-year-old.
The CrossFit Games takes place once a year and there’s so much hard work and sacrifice that goes into preparing for it. But for now, she’ll be in quarantine until things improve.
Another competitor, Kara Saunders, recently tested positive for Covid-19 after testing herself upon returning from travel. However, she’s retested with a negative result and is cleared to compete.
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It’s also important to mention that both Shadburne and Saunders came into contact with other athletes including Pearce, Dan Bailey, and Danielle Brandon. But as of now, their on-site tests came back negative, and therefore, they are still scheduled to compete.
However, they will be closely monitored according to the CrossFit website.
“All three athletes tested negative during their on-site screenings but will remain segregated from their peers and receive daily antigen testing throughout the competition. If that daily testing remains negative, those athletes will be permitted to take part in the competition with heightened safety protocols, including separate housing, segregated transportation to/from events, and distanced lanes or segregated workout areas during the competition, when possible.”
Bethany Shadburne, Kari Pearce, and Danielle Brandon are all a part of Underdogs Athletics under coach Justin Cotler. This was heartbreaking for everyone including Cotler who shared about the news on Instagram.
“We are absolutely gutted at the news that Underdogs Athletics athlete @bethanycf will no longer be competing in the 2021 CrossFit Games after testing positive for Covid-19 this morning.”
“Bethany tested positive this morning. All of us in the Underdogs Athletics family are gutted by the news. She was peaking mentally and physically and I’m confident she would have put on a show for the fans. She will regroup and recover from this and knowing Bethany the way I do, she will be motivated to come back better than ever next season.”
“Kari and Danielle tested negative and are eager to start the competition not just for themselves, but now for their teammate as well – @justincotler.”
Bethany Shadburne has come a long way in her journey to becoming a top CrossFit athlete. She started competing in CrossFit in 2015 and climbed the ranks every year. In 2017, she finished 22nd at the CrossFit Games, then moved up to 16th in 2018, and finally cracked the top ten in 2019 with an 8th place finish.
If all goes well, she’ll come back even stronger next year and we wish her a speedy recovery and good health.
