Local trio to represent SA at functional fitness masters champs in America
The trio have a combined 23-years of experience in functional fitness and this competition gives them an opportunity to test themselves against the best masters athletes in the world.
Three Benonians are set to make their mark on the international stage when they represent South Africa at the prestigious Bolder Athlete Legends Masters Championship in the USA.
The event, which runs from December 12 to 14 at Arizona State University, will see the local trio, Jaco Pepler (50), Vanessa Botha (46), and Julanka Taylor (37) from MHC Fitness Centre in Farrarmere, test their strength, endurance, and skill against some of the world’s most seasoned functional fitness competitors.
Pepler said this marks a proud milestone in his journey, having taken up functional fitness a decade ago. “It’s a special one,” he said.
What began as a personal pursuit of health and strength has now evolved into an opportunity to represent his country on one of the sport’s biggest stages – a moment the 50-year-old described as both humbling and deeply rewarding.
“It’s a worldwide competition. I entered and didn’t know what to expect. I entered because I wanted to test myself against the rest of the world. I was quite surprised I qualified. I’m proud I’ve achieved it.”
Pepler will test himself against 17 others in his age group.
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Botha said her decade-long experience in the sport has been nothing short of magical. She was attracted to it “by the high-intensity training that combines a variety of movements and because it’s challenging, unlike going to a normal gym.”
“Functional fitness is about people who want to be in an environment where they are going to be uplifted and surrounded by positivity, while getting a good workout,” she said.
On qualifying for the masters-only event, she added, “This is big for me. I’m proud of myself for qualifying for the competition.”
Reflecting on the past three years since she started functional fitness, Taylor stated she always pushes herself to achieve her goals.
“Last year, I finished in the semi-finals of a world qualifier. That was my biggest achievement. I will never stop doing this sport. Every day is different. The community is nice and we always motivate each other.”
She said she’s going to the USA to do her best and gain experience.
The trio advised anyone who wants to take up functional fitness to ignore the stigma often attached to the sport, remember you are never too old to start, and not to give up when it gets tough.
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