Andrew Hiller Continues to Challenge Online Competition Standard

With the 2023 CrossFit Season well underway, it seems that no one is safe from the wrath of outspoken digital critic, CrossFit judge, and, as his loyal keyboard cult refers to him, "Batman of CrossFit” - Andrew Hiller. With over 40 videos posted to his YouTube channel since week one of The Open, Hiller has wasted no time throwing out some of the biggest names in CrossFit today- Danielle Brandon, Dani Speegle, and Sam Kwant- to name a few.

Like any sports organization, CrossFit has seen its fair share of criticisms over the years. Whether over movement selection, upholding online submission standards, or the timeline of the season, this is not groundbreaking. Hiller, though, brings a relentlessness to his critiques that has a way of turning heads. 

Take, for example, his video from March 19th titled “William Leahy 4 QuarterFinals test 4 INVALID.” Taking possibly the hardest hit of the year thus far from Hiller, Leahy received criticisms on all three of the movements present in this fourth workout. 

“You can run, you can hide, but you can’t escape the Hiller !!!! Got another one “ one viewer commented.

Another added that “Watching this made me go back to my video to make sure I did everything you're saying. Your videos make the standard I put myself at better. I wasn't in contention but I would hate to feel I cheated in any way.”

 

Leahy made noise at last year’s Mid-Atlantic CrossFit Challenge, setting the worldwide record in repeat workout, 2014 Regionals Event 5, with a time of 2:33.30. Leahy finished 10th in his Semifinal debut and is headed there for a second time after a 31st place finish in the North American West QuarterFinals this year.

Whether this finish is warranted?- Andrew Hiller certainly doesn’t seem to think so. 

With the buzz of criticism filling the digital space of the CrossFit world, one thing is certain: as the season continues, eyes will not only be on the athletes but on the judges as well.