The owner of BENTON CrossFit Braemar was the only Australian to compete in the major competition. 

The Dubai Fitness Championships is the UAE's largest competitive fitness event, and takes place annually in Dubai.

Garard competed against 37 of the world’s best CrossFit stars, including previous winners of the World CrossFit Games. 

This was the biggest event Garard had competed in thus far, and he said he was very proud of his results. 

"I'm super happy with the result I got. I set a goal of top five before coming over here,” he said.

“Even though I was scared to say it out loud, I believed it and executed it. I competed with the best guys in the world and proved I'm right with them in the top of the field.”

The four day competition consisted of 15 workouts and the top three athletes in each and every workout won cash prizes. 

Garard won $27,000 in prize money for his results. 

Garard said the Dubai event was a key cog in his path to qualifying for the sport’s pinnacle event, the World CrossFit Games. 

“It's really rewarding and satisfying to know all this hard work I've been putting in has paid off and is leading me closer to my goal of making the Crossfit Games in America next year."

The games will be held in America next year and qualifying rounds will begin in February.

After the first day of competition, Garard was beating American Matt Fraser who won the world CrossFit Games in Los Angeles this year and fellow American Ben Smith who won the games last year. 

Ben Smith finished second overall while Matt Fraser finished in top spot. 

A fundraising event for members of BENTON CrossFit was held in November to help Garard get to the Dubai contest. 

“I’m feeling good, the training’s been good and I’m feeling as fit as ever and the Dubai event helped to sharpen my competitive edge and gave me more arena experience,” Garard said. 

“I’m grateful so many BENTON CrossFit members have supported me. The strong community of people of all ages and from all walks of life provided me with a great deal of support as has my brother Ben who competed at the CrossFit Games in 2015.”  

Garard also thanked his sponsors, Fit, Jaw, Blue Dinosaur, FitTrips. True Protein, Reebok, Balance Health and Performance and Source Bulk Foods in Bowral, for supporting him at the event. 

Businesses interested in sponsoring Garard can call 0431 846 100. For information on BENTON CrossFit, call 0406 607 144 or visit  www.bentongym.com