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In this episode of Masters in Motion, Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson sit down with Micah Shoemaker, the driving force behind the Magic City Games, to unpack the upcoming Masters in-person semifinals and what they mean for athletes competing this season.
With the CrossFit season evolving, Masters athletes now have new pathways to qualify, and this conversation digs into exactly how those qualification processes work, what athletes should expect from the in-person semifinal experience, and why events like Magic City are becoming such an important part of the competitive landscape.
Micah shares his background in organizing large-scale CrossFit events and explains the thinking behind the Magic City Games — from athlete experience and competition flow to safety, logistics, and venue selection. The group also discusses the Birmingham Crossplex, weather expectations for May competition, and how event organizers are working to create a professional and fair environment for Masters athletes.
They also explore the broader future of Masters competition, including the balance between in-affiliate qualifiers, online formats, and in-person events, as well as the financial and logistical realities that go into running competitions at this level.
If you’re a Masters athlete aiming for semifinals — or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at how these competitions come together — this episode offers valuable insight into what lies ahead.
🔑 Key Takeaways
* Masters athletes now have dedicated in-person semifinal opportunities
* The Magic City Games is becoming a key event in the Masters competitive season
* Qualification pathways continue to evolve to improve fairness and access
* Event logistics are designed around athlete experience and safety
* The Birmingham Crossplex provides a professional venue for high-level competition
* Weather in Birmingham during May typically falls in the low-to-mid 80s
* In-affiliate and in-person competitions offer very different competitive dynamics
* Community engagement plays a major role in successful events
* Financial realities influence how qualifiers and semifinals are structured
* The future of Masters competition looks increasingly professional and athlete-focused
🧠 Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Masters in Motion02:58 – Quarterfinals Experience and Athlete Insights05:39 – Transitioning from Quarterfinals to Semifinals11:35 – Micah Shoemaker’s Background and the Magic City Games17:44 – Understanding the Structure of In-Person Semifinals23:50 – Magic City Games Details and Expectations26:10 – Creating a Safe and Competitive Environment27:33 – Exploring the Birmingham Crossplex Venue29:11 – Competition Logistics and Event Planning30:12 – Weather Expectations for May Competition31:15 – In-Affiliate Semifinals Overview32:10 – In-Person vs Online Competition Perspectives35:08 – The Importance of Community Support38:07 – Upcoming Qualifiers and Events39:36 – Financial Realities of Running Qualifiers43:25 – What This Season Means for the Future of Masters Competition
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