CrossFit Jozi: The Largest Team in Africa

March 15, 2013

Kirsty Roebuck

With 109 registered athletes, CrossFit Jozi has earned the title 'Africa's Largest Team.'
 

With 109 athletes registered for the Open, CrossFit Jozi is Africa’s largest team.

This means that the 250-member affiliate has won tickets to the Africa Regional.

The increase in Open registrations throughout the region is testament to the rapid growth the sport has seen. The number of registered men has risen from 267 in 2012 to 779 in 2013, and the women from 107 to 360. Almost 10 percent of these athletes are affiliated to CrossFit Jozi.

In the box, the atmosphere leading up to the 2013 Open was one of apprehension and excitement. 

“There was great anticipation in the days counting down,” CrossFit Jozi coach Andre Gadney says. “Everyone wanted to know who was registered and who was not.”

Coach Tania Dobson says gym members felt a strong sense of community, which turned into a very positive environment while members were trying to get others to join in.

“We encourage every athlete to get involved,” coach Ruby Wolff says. “It’s all about community growth and support.”

Gadney highlights another reason for encouraging athletes to register.

“The Open creates an atmosphere where you push yourself harder than you would normally,” he says. “There is no better way to challenge yourself.”  

Head coach Imtiaz Desai agrees.

“Every time athletes enter competitions, they hit a personal best, and when they return to training their progress shoots,” he explains. “They come back with more belief and hunger. You learn so much about yourself in competition.”

There was a further incentive for driving participation: to win the competition for the box with the highest number of registrations, and with it a spectator ticket for every person in the box who entered.

“It’s another opportunity to get our members exposed and involved in the Games season,” Desai says.

Despite the intensity of the competition, the attitude at CrossFit Jozi is ultimately one of community spirit.

“Our goal is to give it our all and have loads of fun,” Gadney says. “It is CrossFit after all.”