Local Crossfit team take top honours
"It was such a special moment to pull it through, each member did a superb job,"
A combination of motivation, endurance, power, agility and teamwork resulted in Crossfit Nelspruit becoming the best rookie team in South Africa when they beat
107 others in the Last Man Standing challenge.
The two-day event took place at SuperSport Park in Centurion from
May 9 to 10, where teams battled it out in five different workout sessions to see who was the fittest of them all.
In the end it was local athletes, Ruhan Koekemoer, Chris Hobkirk, Nicola Temperman and Celeste de Beer who took top honours. Their team spirit was evident as they celebrated with a group hug after they won with the smallest of margins on a tie break.
“We went into the event looking for a top-10 finish. After the first event we were seventh and then we suddenly moved up the rank until we were stunned to see that we were number one after the first day,” said Ruhan, who is also the box owner of Crossfit Nelspruit.
“I was a bit nervous after the first day as I knew that I needed to up my game. I am glad that my teammates were so supportive. Even when I felt down and out they picked me up,” said Celeste.
This is where the team showed guts as they knew it was an opportunity they could not miss.
“We put everything on the line on the final day and we really pushed ourselves and supported each other ferociously.
“It was such a special moment to pull it through, each member did a superb job,” added Ruhan.
Teams were split into two males and two females with athletes tagging their partners before continuing to the next challenge. Pairs could only move to the next workout station when they successfully completed their reps.
There was also no chance that teams could get away with any short cuts as the strict judges made sure that everything was executed by the book.
“This was probably one of the most professionally executed events that I have ever partaken in,” added Ruhan.
Teams needed to complete a variety of exercises which included dead lifts, rowing, sprints, overhead squats and ring work. It is safe to say that this competition tests every muscle in one’s body and takes psychical and emotional stamina to the limit.
“We are a bit sore and stiff but that is all part of the fun. I am so proud of the guys,” he said smiling.
The team won a load of sponsorship items as well as medals for their outstanding achievements.
