Height definitely plays a valuable role in a lot of different sports, but does it matter in CrossFit?

Are shorter men at a disadvantage in CrossFit, or can modest height actually work in their favor?

We did the research so you don’t have to. Here’s all you need to know.

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If you’re wondering if being a few inches (or more) shy of 5’9” is going to ruin your chances at being a great fit for CrossFit (no pun intended), you can probably guess the answer, which is no!

To prove our point that short men can still kick ass at CrossFit, we’ve rounded up a list of the shortest male CrossFit athletes to compete in the Games.

6 Shortest CrossFit Athletes

Here’s our list of the shortest CrossFit Games athletes, from shortest to tallest.

1. Caleb Williams – 5’2”

Hailing from the small town of Buford, Georgia, Caleb Williams is a world champion powerlifter and national Olympic lifting champion.

So it’s no surprise that he’s a total beast at CrossFit. He’s competed in the CrossFit Games three times and now runs Peak Performance Weightlifting in his home town of Buford.

2. Josh Bridges – 5’5?

Josh Bridges is a former collegiate wrestler and U.S. Navy Seal turned CrossFitter.

He’s competed in the CrossFit Games four times, with some impressive stats to boot. Bridges has finished on or near the podium in 3 out of his 4 times competing in the Games.

In 2016, he won 13th place and was not only the oldest, but also the shortest guy in the Games that year.

3. Austin Malleolo – 5’5?

A man of modest height, Austin Malleolo is the head coach for Reebok CrossFit ONE.

He’s a three time winner of the CrossFit Northeast Regional (in 2011-2013) and finished in the top ten at the CrossFit Games in 2010 and 2012.

Malleolo is also part of the CrossFit HQ Seminar Staff.