Eighty competitors and a big crowd of supporters attended a special fitness competition hosted by Benton Crossfit in Braemar on Saturday, July 8.
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The im of the event was to raise travel funds for champion CrossFitters Ricky Garard and Tyler Hickey, who will head to America this month for world’s biggest CrossFit event.
The dynamic duo have qualified to compete at CrossFit’s peak, international event, the CrossFit Games, in Madison, Wisconsin, from August 3-6, 2016.
Ricky is head coach at the gym and Tyler, 15, is one of its youngest members.
Eighty CrossFitters aged from four to 56 from the Southern Highlands, Wollongong and Sydney competed in four fitness workouts at the gym.
Divisions covered children, opens, advanced and masters athletes over 35.
The winner of the female masters division was Benton Gym member Belinda Peterson, followed by Amanda Crystal and Emma Fitzsimons.
Tayla Plowes took out the womens opens category, with Charlotte Oliver and Sarah Coyte third.
In the advanced contest, Jennifer Vong came first followed by Caitlin Danyi from Benton and Abby Marmont.
In the male masters, Scott Lipman took out first prize followed by Benton members Josh Correia and Gordon Cole.
Wil Kelly won the male open, with PJ Cliff and William Peachy second and third.
In the male advanced category, Tyson Clinton clinched first place ahead of Tyler Adamson and Benton member Rhyse Fawcett.
Benton Gym owner and Ricky’s brother, Ben Garard, who competed at the CrossFit Games in 2015, said it was an exciting time for the gym.
“Ricky and Tyler leave Australia this month for final training in the US before the Games so this event provided a chance for Benton members and CrossFitters from outside the area to come along, support them and wish them all the best,” he said.
“The event was a great community day and a big success.”
Ricky said he and Tyler were overwhelmed by the community support.
“Tyler and I really appreciate everyone’s support which will help our journey to the CrossFit Games. We will do you all proud in Wisconsin,” he said.
Ricky is one of only five Australians who qualified to compete at the CrossFit Games in the US, at which 40 of the world’s top CrossFit athletes will challenge each other for the title of the ‘Fittest Man on Earth’ and a first prize of US$285,000.
Bowral High School student Tyler Hickey has also qualified to compete at the CrossFit Games.
Tyler will compete in the teenager competition as one of the 20 top CrossFitters from around the world in the 14-15 age division.