Scaled Tommy V
scale Tommy V
21 thrusters (75/55 lb)
21 rope climbs (with legs)
15+15
9+9
Hero WODFor Time25 min cap
Tommy V Hero WOD: Thrusters & Legless Rope Climbs
Chief Warrant Officer Thomas J. Veith, USA
U.S. Army — KIA June 7, 2008, Kunar Province, Afghanistan
Tommy V is a 21-15-9 Hero WOD of thrusters at 115/75 lb and legless rope climbs, honoring U.S. Army CWO Thomas Veith. The thruster load is heavier than Fran, and legless rope climbs are among the most demanding gymnastics skills in CrossFit — requiring upper body pulling strength without any leg drive. This combination creates a cumulative grip, shoulder, and pressing demand that makes Tommy V one of the hardest Hero WODs for athletes who have not specifically trained rope climbing.
Quick answer
Tommy V is best used as a benchmark when you can preserve the intended stimulus while scaling movements, load, or total volume to your current level.
The Story
CWO Thomas J. Veith was a Special Forces soldier killed in Kunar Province. Tommy V combines thrusters at a heavier load than Fran with legless rope climbs — one of the most demanding gymnastics movements in CrossFit. The combination is brutal.
The WOD
For Time
25-min time cap
Thrusters
21-15-9♂ 115 lb · ♀ 75 lb
Legless Rope Climbs
15 ft
Note: Legless rope climbs: no leg assistance whatsoever.
Good Scores for Tommy V
Reference benchmarks across all fitness levels. Use these to set a realistic target before race day.
Beginner
30–40 min (scaled with leg rope climbs)
Intermediate
20–30 min
Advanced
14–20 min
Elite
Sub-14 min
Strategy & Coaching Tips for Tommy V
Rope climbs are the time budget — manage them as singles
Legless rope climbs at 21 reps are an extreme volume for any athlete. Each climb should be treated as an individual effort: ascend controlled, descend controlled, rest 5–10 seconds, repeat. Rushing descents burns grip and forearm flexors that you cannot afford to lose by round 2.
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Tommy V-Inspired WOD
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21 thrusters (DB/BB)
21 rope climbs with legs
15+15
9+9
Scaling Options
RX
21-15-9 thrusters (115/75 lb) + legless rope climbs (15 ft).
- ›21 thrusters (115/75 lb)
- ›21 legless rope climbs
- ›15+15
- ›9+9
At-Home
Standard rope climbs (with legs) using tree branch or outdoor setup.
- ›21 thrusters (DB/BB)
- ›21 rope climbs with legs
- ›15+15
- ›9+9
No Equipment
Replace rope climbs with towel rows (anchor towel above head, pull body up).
- ›21 thrusters (DB or bodyweight)
- ›21 towel inverted rows
- ›15+15
- ›9+9
Beginner
Thrusters at 75/55 lb, standard rope climbs with leg assistance.
- ›21 thrusters (75/55 lb)
- ›21 rope climbs (with legs)
- ›15+15
- ›9+9
Equipment Needed (RX)
barbellrope
Your Tommy V Scores
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Frequently Asked Questions — Tommy V
What is Tommy V?
21-15-9 thrusters (115/75 lb) and legless rope climbs (15 ft), honoring CWO Thomas Veith.
How do I scale legless rope climbs?
Use standard rope climbs with feet for assistance, or substitute with 5 strict pull-ups per rope climb. Legless rope climbs require significant lat and bicep strength — scale until you can complete 5+ without leg support.
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