12 of the Best Photos From the North America East Semifinal

Image Credits: Rafael Paredes

One of the goals when we started B.Friendly Fitness was to give opportunities to the many talented content creators that we have had the pleasure to get to know during our time covering the sport of CrossFit. These amazing creators are a main reason why we enjoy the sport so much. We also wanted to give opportunities to people to show off their work, their vision. Such opportunities were afforded to us at some point at that’s how we are able to have a platform like we have today.

Rafael Paredes (go follow him on Instagram @rafael.p.photography) is one of the up-and-coming content creators in the sport, so when we had the opportunity to work with him at the NOBULL CrossFit Games North America East Semifinal in Orlando, Florida we jumped at that opportunity.

We asked Rafael to select his favorite images from those four days in Orlando and give us a background on his 12 selections.

Anikha Greer being comforted by her boyfriend Alex Trobough after just missing her spot to the games. Moments like these are gutwrenching to witness but it showed her passion for the sport. I got a feeling that we will be seeing some great things coming from her over the next year. 

Will Moorad walking back from his set of squat cleans on a fun spin of “Linda”. Will is someone that I vividly remember, when I first got into CrossFit, competing at a few local events in South Florida. Great seeing him still crush it all these years later.

As soon as Tony Facchini heard his team’s announcement of making it to the Games, earning the tenth and final spot due to a tiebreaker, he hugged them tightly. The bond between these teammates of CrossFit Milford Team Conquer is more like that of a family, demonstrating the deep emotional connection they have with one another.

Chris Madigan, the CrossFit Games Communication Consultant with BZA Sports Public Relations and Marketing, addresses the media before allowing them to come onto competition floor to take photos of the podium finishers. This was the first time for me as a photographer actually being on the competition floor. I was honored, yet I also felt that it was right where I belonged.

Lindsey porter soaking in the moment and having fun with fellow athletes.

Rubbing elbows and working next to some of the best in the business. 

Kyra Milligan showing some love to the crowd and demonstrating her ability to stay present, both during and after each test.

Amanda Fischer secured a heat win during Test 1, showcasing both her fierce competitiveness on the floor and her outstanding character off of it.

Luke Parker with a fierce focus on his goal of punching his ticket to the games. The Job was done!

Faith Stewart showing off her insane gymnastic abilities during Test 6.

I was covering athlete Lindsey Porter during Test #1 when I started hearing some intense “motivating” coming from a group behind me. The women in this photo, Nadine Kramel, ended up being Lindsey’s coach and boy did she bring some energy! 

Fee Saghafi tears up in joy after punching her ticket to the Games. She wears her emotions on her sleeve and I felt every ounce of it capturing this moment.