Bowral’s Chris Hilder and his two team mates finished in the top ten of the men’s intermediate teams division at the Wodapalooza Fitness Festival in Miami on the weekend.

Hilder beat 1570 other teams which also sought a berth in Miami during the online qualifying rounds in October and November.

The team, called The Boys Down Under, ended the three-day contest ninth out of 30 teams.

The fitness festival ran from January 13 to 15 and there were an estimated 25,000 spectators in attendance at the competition.

The competition was designed to test athletes physically and mentally.

The workouts featured movements such as pull ups, deadlifts, squats, wall balls, burpees, muscle ups, thrusters and hand stand walks. Hilder said he was pleased with his performance at the event. 

“We had a blast competing amongst such a strong field but we gave it our all and I‘m really happy with our top 10 finish,” he said. 

This was the second time Chris has competed at the Wodapalooza Fitness Festival.

He competed in January 2016, as an individual and finished 52nd from 70 of the world’s top Crossfitters. 

During his final preparations at BENTON CrossFit before heading overseas, Hilder said he felt stronger and better prepared mentally for the 2017 contest.

“I’m a much better athlete this year than last year stronger, more experienced and healthier through nutrition,” he said.

 “I’m ready with my team mates to give Miami everything I’ve got.”

Hilder has been a CrossFit athlete for three years and said he hoped to qualify as an individual or as part of a team to compete at the sport’s pinnacle Australian event, the CrossFit Regionals.

The Regionals are an important event which are held each year in May.

“I’m using every event to gain more experience and to hone my strength and skills,” he said.

Hilder also thanked BENTON CrossFit head coach Ricky Garard for his training in the lead up to Wodapalooza and his sporting clothing sponsor, Wodnut, for their support in getting him to Miami.