Week Two in Review: Africa

March 18, 2013

Jolene Raison

If the first two weeks are anything to go by, we can look forward to more solid performances from the old hands on the men’s Leaderboard and to newcomers adding fresh energy and excitement to the women’s competition.
 

There’s been a shake-up in all but the No. 1 spot on both the men’s and women's Leaderboards this week.

Mona Pretorius retains a comfortable overall lead for the second week running with a score of 330 for 13.2. Many people have the 2011 Regional winner pegged to take the title again this year. She returns to the Open after having taken a break to focus on Olympic lifting last year. She won silver at the Senior Commonwealth Champs and the African Champs in 2012.

Newcomer, Mary Jamieson, of CrossFit Platinum, follows 15 reps behind Pretorius and 2012 Regional winner, Rika Diedericks, places third overall with 310 reps. Jamieson seems to be one to look out for after having placed third in 13.1

Tied in fourth place overall are newcomer, Janine Prinsloo (308), and 2012 Games team competitor, Beatrix Snyman (311). They climbed from their respective 10th and 12th places in 13.1.

2012 Regional champ, David Levey, remains top overall in the men’s division, while Gian Smit moves from fourth to second place. Making their first appearances in the top five so far are Nico van der Walt, placing third overall, with Jaco van der Vyver and Richard Smith tied in fourth.

Van der Walt scored the highest from the men with 328.

Unlike the Women’s Leaderboard, which retains a mix of unknown and familiar favorites at the top, the Men’s is populated with veteran athletes. The 2012 Regionals saw Smith, Smit and van der Walt placing fifth, eighth and ninth, respectively.

This week’s surprise performance comes from CrossFit Stars athlete, Karim Maamoun. The Egyptian, who placed 100th after 13.1, logged the second highest men’s score for 13.2. His 307 reps catapults him to 51st place overall. Egypt is on the map.

If the first two weeks are anything to go by, we can look forward to more solid performances from the old hands on the men’s Leaderboard and to newcomers adding fresh energy and excitement to the Women’s competition.