CROSSFIT
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MITTAGONG'S Ben Garard has been named the 15th fittest man in the world.
Garard, 26, put in a strong showing at the 2015 Reebok CrossFit Games in Carson, California.
The Games began last Tuesday and concluded on Monday morning (Sunday afternoon in the US).
The CrossFit Games is a three-part combination to find the fittest man and woman in the world.
After a week of grueling workouts, Garard finished 15th in the individual men's category.
Ben Smith was the overall winner and Iceland's Katrin Tanja Davidsdottir took out the women's event.
Garard started the Games in terrific form, finishing fifth in the first event (pier paddle).
He then had a mixed bag of results in a variety of events, with highlights including a ninth place in the Murph workout (one mile run, 100 pull ups, 200 push ups, 300 squats and one mile run).
Garard, who owns the BENt on CrossFit gym in Mittagong, had a great group of supporters at the Games.
Several family members and friends headed over to the US for the week-long Games.
Garard also had great support back home, with many Highlanders cheering him on in each workout.
BENt on CrossFit member Andrew Mevissen said Garard had excelled at the event.
"We are stoked and he had great support from home," he said.
"We're all saying that we're lucky to be coached by the 15th fittest man in the world.
"It has been Ben's dream since 2012 to compete at the Games."
Mevissen said the Games was an amazing experience for Garard.
"To have the opportunity to compete alongside the world's best in the pinnacle arena is huge.
"It's an amazing experience and one that he won't forget quickly."
Garard will remain in the US to compete in the National Pro Grid League (NPGL).
The Mittagong fitness athlete represents the San Francisco Fire in the championship, which runs until mid-September.