Topsy

Complete as many rounds and reps as possible in 25 minutes of:
3 ring muscle-ups
8 thrusters
17-calorie row

♀ 75 lb
♂ 115 lb

Post rounds and reps to comments.

McCoy “Topsy” Turner, a loved member of the CrossFit community and former Seminar Staff trainer, died by suicide on March 8, 2025, after suffering from complex post-traumatic stress.

Turner served for 17 years in the Royal Navy, specializing as an exercise rehabilitation instructor. He was part of Operation Herrick when he served in Afghanistan before relocating to Bali and continuing his work in CrossFit education. Turner worked more than 250 Level 1 and Level 2 Seminars.

Turner was known for his warmth and kindness, and touched countless lives who attended CrossFit courses. He is survived by his sons Brodie and Tommy.

Stimulus and Strategy:
This Hero workout is a triplet where athletes can attempt to move at a consistent pace throughout the duration of the workout. The load on the thruster and the ring muscle-ups are intended to be completed unbroken. Row at a pace that allows for some recovery to allow for adequate performance on the remaining movement. Since this is a Hero workout, athletes can attempt it as prescribed even if the intended stimulus is not met. Embrace the challenge.

Scaling:
Reduce the loading of the barbell. Reduce the reps of the ring muscle-ups. Reduce the calories on the rower.

To reduce the complexity of the ring muscle-ups, consider jumping ring muscle-ups.

In case of injury or limitation, consider performing low-ring muscle-up transitions for the ring muscle-up. If necessary, consider a combination of 2-3 ring rows and 2-3 push-ups from the knees. For the thrusters, perform front squats if you have an overhead limitation or push presses for a squat limitation. For the rower, consider performing the same calories on any available machine.

Intermediate option:
Complete as many rounds and reps as possible in 25 minutes of:
3 jumping ring muscle-ups
8 thrusters
17-calorie row

♀ 55 lb
♂ 75 lb

Beginner option:
Every 5 minutes for 5 sets:
3 low-ring muscle-up transitions
8 thrusters
12-calorie row

♀ 35 lb
♂ 45 lb

Coaching cues:
On the thruster, keep the barbell connected to the shoulders until the lower body aggressively extends. At this point, use the upper body to press the bar into the overhead position. Proper timing will enhance the efficiency of this movement and allow for better performance in the muscle-up.

Resources:
The Kipping Ring Muscle-Up
The Thruster
Rowing Technique Tips
Jumping Ring Muscle-Up
Low-Ring Muscle-Up Transition