This week, John and Adam sit down with our very first guest, Alfonso, Event Director of the MAD Fitness Festival, one of only two CrossFit Games Semifinals in Europe for 2026.

In this episode, we explore Alfonso’s journey and the evolution of an event that has grown out of the Madrid Championship into one of Europe’s key CrossFit competitions. Alfonso gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to develop and deliver an event at the semifinal level, including the challenges, logistics, and vision required to make it happen.

We discuss:

• Alfonso’s personal backstory
• His background in CrossFit and the wider fitness industry
• The origins and history of the MAD Fitness Festival
• What it takes to build, grow, and manage a major competition
• How an event becomes an official CrossFit Games Semifinal
• CrossFit events past, present, and how the landscape is evolving

Whether you're a CrossFit fan, athlete, or someone curious about how large-scale fitness events come together, this conversation offers insight into the people, process, and passion behind the sport.

Please share feedback and questions to: [email protected]

MAD Fitness Festival: https://madfitnessfestival.com/

MAD Fitness Festival Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mad_fitness_festival/

You can find Adam at https://www.instagram.com/adam.gilesy/
The Progm at https://www.instagram.com/theprogrm/

The Progrm Hyrox: https://www.instagram.com/theprogrmhyrox

We have an EIC offer for you. You can get a 10% discount on all of The Progrm courses or the Athlete Academy, just pop in the code EIC at the checkout to get the deal. Visit https://theprogrm.com/ and take a look at the COURSES and ACADEMY and make your pick!

The Progm at https://www.instagram.com/theprogrm/

We have an EIC offer for you. You can get a 10% discount on all of The Progrm courses or the Athlete Academy, just pop in the code EIC at the checkout to get the deal. Visit https://theprogrm.com/ and take a look at the COURSES and ACADEMY and make your pick!

The Progm at https://www.instagram.com/theprogrm/

This week, John and Adam chat about HYROX and the competition experience, from how equipment and lane setups can vary across events, to why those differences aren’t always as equal as they seem. They also dive into key insights on the Concept2 machines.

Please share feedback and questions to: [email protected]

You can find Adam at https://www.instagram.com/adam.gilesy/
The Progm at https://www.instagram.com/theprogrm/

The Progrm Hyrox: https://www.instagram.com/theprogrmhyrox

Black Friday offer: https://billing.theprogrm.com/b/14AfZh6PQddY0Vc9NOabK1m?prefilled_promo_code=BLACKFRIDAY

We have an EIC offer for you. You can get a 10% discount on all of The Progrm courses or the Athlete Academy, just pop in the code EIC at the checkout to get the deal. Visit https://theprogrm.com/ and take a look at the COURSES and ACADEMY and make your pick!

We have an EIC offer for you. You can get a 10% discount on all of The Progrm courses or the Athlete Academy, just pop in the code EIC at the checkout to get the deal. Visit https://theprogrm.com/ and take a look at the COURSES and ACADEMY and make your pick!

The Progm at https://www.instagram.com/theprogrm/

This week, John and Adam discuss the CrossFit Games qualification pathway for 2026, The Progm's youth competition "The Crown" and a bit about the next generation of CrossFit athletes.

Please share feedback and questions to: [email protected]

You can find Adam at https://www.instagram.com/adam.gilesy/
The Progm at https://www.instagram.com/theprogrm/

The Crown Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprogrmcrown/

The Progrm Hyrox: https://www.instagram.com/theprogrmhyrox/

The Crown 2024: https://youtu.be/xnJpHug9h_0?si=34NOIiyPH9cGpGEC

The Progrm - The next generation: https://youtu.be/xnJpHug9h_0?si=34NOIiyPH9cGpGEC

Black Friday offer: https://billing.theprogrm.com/b/14AfZh6PQddY0Vc9NOabK1m?prefilled_promo_code=BLACKFRIDAY

We have an EIC offer for you. You can get a 10% discount on all of The Progrm courses or the Athlete Academy, just pop in the code EIC at the checkout to get the deal. Visit https://theprogrm.com/ and take a look at the COURSES and ACADEMY and make your pick!

The Progm at https://www.instagram.com/theprogrm/

This week, John and Adam discuss highlights from the Rogue Invitational, programming concerns, athletes' perspectives on the competition and how it fits into the season. They examine why athletes are withdrawing from the World Fitness Project and the potential implications for the competitive landscape, and analyse the ongoing CrossFit sales rumours and their possible impact on the sport and gym industry.

Please share feedback and questions to: [email protected]

You can find Adam at https://www.instagram.com/adam.gilesy/
The Progm at https://www.instagram.com/theprogrm/

Black Friday offer: https://billing.theprogrm.com/b/14AfZh6PQddY0Vc9NOabK1m?prefilled_promo_code=BLACKFRIDAY

Join The Progrm here: https://www.theprogrm.com/

We have an EIC offer for you. You can get a 10% discount on all of The Progrm courses or the Athlete Academy, just pop in the code EIC at the checkout to get the deal. Visit https://theprogrm.com/ and take a look at the COURSES and ACADEMY and make your pick!

The Progm at https://www.instagram.com/theprogrm/

In this Episode, John is joined by the new host, Adam, to discuss what has happened in the worlds of CrossFit, HYROX, Training and The Progrm, since the last episode and some plans for the pod in the future.

Please share feedback and questions to: [email protected]

You can find Adam at https://www.instagram.com/adam.gilesy/
The Progm at https://www.instagram.com/theprogrm/

Join The Progrm here: https://www.theprogrm.com/

We have an EIC offer for you. You can get a 10% discount on all of The Progrm courses or the Athlete Academy, just pop in the code EIC at the checkout to get the deal. Visit https://theprogrm.com/ and take a look at the COURSES and ACADEMY and make your pick!

We have an EIC offer for you. You can get a 10% discount on all of The Progrm courses or the Athlete Academy, just pop in the code EIC at the checkout to get the deal. Visit https://theprogrm.com/ and take a look at the COURSES and ACADEMY and make your pick!

The Progm at https://www.instagram.com/theprogrm/

In this Episode, John is joined by the new host, Adam, to discuss what has happened in the worlds of CrossFit, HYROX, Training and The Progrm, since the last episode and some plans for the pod in the future.

You can find Adam at:

 https://www.instagram.com/adam.gilesy/

The Progm at:

https://www.instagram.com/theprogrm/

The website:

https://theprogrm.com/

Training Progrm:

https://theprogrm.com/programs/

Hyrox Progrm:

https://theprogrm.com/hyrox/

We have an EIC offer for you. You can get a 10% discount on all of The Progrm courses or the Athlete Academy, just pop in the code EIC at the checkout to get the deal. Visit https://theprogrm.com/ and take a look at the COURSES and ACADEMY and make your pick!

The Progm at https://www.instagram.com/theprogrm/

 In this episode, John talks about working with Michaela Norman, a CrossFit athlete who very successfully transitioned into Hyrox and is competing in the World Championships in Nice. And John and Vicki discuss what makes a good Hyrox athlete, is it "just" about the running? 

- The  differences in programming for Hyrox vs. CrossFit.
- Insights from John about his athlete Michaela Norman on her journey.
- The surprising factors that can make or break a Hyrox competitor.

This episode was recorded last week, before the final round of semi finals. We will catch up with that in our next episode.

We have an EIC offer for you. You can get a 10% discount on all of The Progrm courses or the Athlete Academy, just pop in the code EIC at the checkout to get the deal. Visit https://theprogrm.com/ and take a look at the COURSES and ACADEMY and make your pick!

You can find Vicki at https://www.instagram.com/vicmcleod/
The Progm at https://www.instagram.com/theprogrm/

In our latest episode of "Europe Is Coming," Vicki and John discuss the intense European semi-finals, the highs and lows of coaching, and the unique challenges faced this year. From sleepless nights to the thrill of victory, John shares his first hand experience of guiding athletes through one of the most competitive events in CrossFit.

Here are 3 key takeaways from our conversation:

- The Weight of Expectations: John reveals the immense pressure coaches feel, often carrying stress that only surfaces after the competition ends.
- The Importance of Team Dynamics: Discover how the C23 team, despite limited time together, managed to secure their spot at the games.
- The Role of Event Organisation: Learn why a well-run competition can make all the difference for athletes and coaches alike.

Tune in to hear more about the behind-the-scenes of the European semi-finals and what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

Don't forget to:
- Share your thoughts in the comments.
- Pass this on to someone who could benefit from these insights.
- Subscribe to "Europe Is Coming" for more in-depth discussions and stories from the world of CrossFit.

00:00:00: Introduction and Welcome
00:01:51: Reflections on Last Year's Semi-Finals
00:03:56: Improvements in This Year's Semi-Finals
00:04:45: Defining a Successful Competition
00:06:21: New Venue Experience
00:07:30: Atmosphere and Spectators
00:08:29: Team C23's Performance
00:09:45: Training Plans for the Games
00:12:05: Standout Teams
00:12:52: Individual Performances
00:14:19: Luca's Journey
00:15:46: Erica's Experience
00:16:19: Moritz's Qualification Journey
00:21:12: Emotional Moments and Coaching Reflections
00:22:38: Best Test of Fitness
00:25:10: Comparing Regional Performances
00:27:11: Rebecca's Injury Update
00:28:14: Post-Semi-Finals Plans
00:28:41: Games Camp Preparation
00:30:57: Reflections on Stress and Achievements
00:31:40: Closing Remarks and Thank You

We have an EIC offer for you. You can get a 10% discount on all of The Progrm courses or the Athlete Academy, just pop in the code EIC at the checkout to get the deal. Visit https://theprogrm.com/ and take a look at the COURSES and ACADEMY and make your pick!

You can find Vicki at https://www.instagram.com/vicmcleod/
The Progm at https://www.instagram.com/theprogrm/

Let's get right to it, John gives his reaction to the news that Europe has had its Games places cut for 2024. 

We have an EIC offer for you. You can get a 10% discount on all of The Progrm courses or the Athlete Academy, just pop in the code EIC at the checkout to get the deal. Visit https://theprogrm.com/ and take a look at the COURSES and ACADEMY and make your pick!

You can find Vicki at https://www.instagram.com/vicmcleod/
The Progm at https://www.instagram.com/theprogrm/

To mark the beginning of the Age Group Semi Finals we are revisiting an interview from 2021 with Kristin Holte when she announced her retirement from competitive CrossFit. Any eagle eyed sports fans will know that Kristin has subsequently started a very successful coaching career and has become a mum as well, AND put in some impressive finishes in this year's Open to boot! Just showing that you can be badass even when you are classified as a "Master"!

Best of luck for everyone competing this weekend in the AG Semis, hope you get the results you deserve! 

We have an EIC offer for you. You can get a 10% discount on all of The Progrm courses or the Athlete Academy, just pop in the code EIC at the checkout to get the deal. Visit https://theprogrm.com/ and take a look at the COURSES and ACADEMY and make your pick!

You can find Vicki at https://www.instagram.com/vicmcleod/
The Progm at https://www.instagram.com/theprogrm/