The sun was shining in Melbourne last Saturday. A landscape of barbells, bumper plates and boxes awaited members — the calm before the storm.
Following the live announcement of Open Workout 13.2, athletes around the globe laced their shoes, chalked up their palms and prepared themselves for the second week of the 2013 Reebok CrossFit Games Open.
CrossFit South Yarra, of Melbourne, Australia, was one of the many boxes around the world taking part in the season’s festivities.
Thirty athletes from the affiliate are competing in the Open. Some are taking part for the first time, while a few are pushing for a place at the Australia Regional.
Saturday is the day most CrossFit South Yarra’s members choose to complete the Open workouts. The sun was shining in Melbourne last Saturday. A landscape of barbells, bumper plates and boxes awaited members — the calm before the storm.
Athletes and spectators gathered, and the air of anticipation was evident. Strategies and game plans were hot topics of discussion as the first wave of competitors took their place, aligning themselves with certified judges.
Five shoulder-to-overheads, 10 deadlifts and 15 box jumps, for as many repetitions as possible. Simple right?
Competitor Charlotte Walker, who later posted a score of 288 summed up 13.2 perfectly.
"Classic CrossFit workout. Looks alright on paper, but you know it is going to hurt," she says.
Athlete, Derek Chang, waited his turn and looked on as people tackled the workout.
"I fear the overhead press,” he says. “But the box jumps present the hidden challenge.”
Ongoing support did not waiver as members continued to will the athletes on.
Head coach, Ben Frazer, was proud of his team, and also to be a part of the action.
"As a coach, it's still amazing to see how much people are willing to give for those few extra reps,” he says.
Applause was mixed with sighs of relief as the workout came to an end. The floor became the common safe haven, as athletes rejoined their sweat beads, expelled just moments earlier. True imagery representing the embodiment of CrossFit and what the sport brings out of each individual: determination, perseverance and commitment.
After peeling himself off the floor with a score of 278, Jono Toh expressed his thoughts.
"Accomplishment, elation, relief … and nausea,” he says.
Competitors continued into the early afternoon with some great numbers posted, superhuman efforts and a great show of community support for all involved.
CrossFit South Yarra coach, Leigh Gant, who successfully completed 269 reps is already looking forward to next week.
"Although exhausted from watching and coaching my friends, I am now energized and ready to start planning for next week,” Gant says.
