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CrossFit

New Zealand hosts first CrossFit National Championship

New Zealand hosted its first CrossFit Nationals competition. (Fairfax NZ)
New Zealand hosted its first CrossFit Nationals competition. (Fairfax NZ)

In the sport that’s taken the world by storm, New Zealand hosted its first ever CrossFit national championships over the weekend, with more than 200 people taking part.

Crossfit Taurus New Zealand event organiser Nathan Cox said these individuals had qualified to compete for the title at Mystery Creek and 16 teams of four, in events involving squats, weightlifting, running and other gymnastic based movements.

In the two day event, participants competed in nine workouts in the bid to be named as New Zealand’s CrossFit Champion.

Over 200 competitiors would bid to be named the first CrossFit champion in New Zealand. (Fairfax NZ)
Over 200 competitiors would bid to be named the first CrossFit champion in New Zealand. (Fairfax NZ)

“The two mile run sort of knocked a few people about, she was a pretty nasty run with a big hill and stuff in it and the weathers been blowing and wet and windy so it wasn’t too kind to the athletes,” said Cx.

Cox said the top contenders for the title were Luke Fiso for the mens division, currently ranked number one in the country and Emma Wright and Tracey Stewart were expected to do well in the woman’s division. Meanwhile, the Functional Strength Team which features former Commonwealth Games weightlifter Pip Patterson was also expected to take out the team title.

Prizes included $7,000 cash and medals were up for grabs for the competition winners. With the competition only being in its first year, Cox said they were pleased with the interest of the 550 people who entered.

CrossFit incorporates gymnastic, weightlifting and running in the competition. (Fairfax NZ)
CrossFit incorporates gymnastic, weightlifting and running in the competition. (Fairfax NZ)

Source: Stuff NZ.