The original CrossFit benchmark workout Annie was first programmed on CrossFit.com for Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005.
The workout was named for Annie Sakamoto, who started CrossFit at Greg Glassman’s original gym in Santa Cruz, California, in 2004. In 2005, Sakamoto appeared alongside Nicole Carroll and Eva “T” Twardokens in another CrossFit benchmark, Nasty Girls.
Sakamoto went on to become a trainer at the original box before later becoming co-owner of CrossFit Santa Cruz Central. She’s also a perennial Games athlete and was named Fittest on Earth in the 45-49 division in 2021.
But even someone as fit as Sakamoto can learn and develop new skills.
Last month, we asked Sakamoto if she would take on an upgraded version of Annie — a new benchmark called Gymnasty Annie that adds presses to handstand to the original double-under and sit-up couplet. She noted she didn’t have the press to handstand but agreed to take on the challenge of learning them — and quickly.
See how it went.
Gymnasty Annie WOD Demo