As the CrossFit season draws to a close, local team the Slumtown Sled Dogs finished as the winners of the intermediate phase of the 2022 East Coast Championships.
Slumtown Sled Dogs team members Sarah Maritz, Simone Ionnides, Taygan Swartz and Rob de Lange claimed the crown based on their performances in nine events at the East Coast Championships, which included teams from across the province.
CrossFit is focused on varied, high-intensity training.
The championships included events such as in calisthenics, Olympic-style weight lifting, powerlifting, strongman, plyometrics, bodyweight exercises, indoor rowing, aerobics, running and swimming.
Proving their muscle, the Slumtown Sled Dogs placed first in five out of the nine events at the championships, which were held in Gqeberha from September 23-26.
Ioannides said: “To be honest, I did not think we were actually going to win at the championships.
“You always look around the room when you arrive and try to earmark who your strongest competitors will most likely be.
“There were some very big male competitors who we knew would dominate with any weight event but can’t necessarily swim or climb a rope efficiently.
“Our big secret was that we were all not one-dimensional but we are competent in all disciplines,” Ioannides said.
“There were some events that were more suited to my strengths and abilities than others.
“I would say I managed the gymnastic and cardio elements more than the heavy bar work.
“That’s the beauty of being part of a team, you do your bit to the best of your ability but the combination of all your efforts as the team is what counts. We all have different strengths, so when combined, we proved to be a force to be reckoned with.”
The team intend to return in 2023 to defend their title.
Ioannides said instead of worrying about the scoreboard, they focused on every event.
“I went with the mindset of having a fun weekend of competing in various events and throwing it down with some friends against tough competition,“ she said.
“The win was extra-sweet, as was competing alongside my partner and two mates.”
