Every year, the CrossFit Open reminds us why we do what we do.
And this year… it meant even more.
196 members from CrossFit Alberton signed up.
That’s not just a number.
That’s 196 people choosing growth.
196 people choosing challenge.
196 people choosing to be part of something bigger than themselves.
And that’s what makes this so special.
Why the Open Matters
The Open is one of the most unique things in sport.
There aren’t many places in the world where:
- Beginners and elite athletes do the same workouts
- Everyone competes under the same umbrella
- A global community is connected through the same experience
Yes, it’s the first step toward qualifying for the CrossFit Games.
But for us… it’s more than that.
It’s about:
- Community
- Courage
- Growth
- Shared struggle
And as affiliates, we need to protect that.
Because the day we lose the Open…
we lose a massive part of what makes CrossFit what it is.
CFA – A Community We’re Proud Of
This is now the second year in a row that we’ve had the most participants in Africa.
And that says something.
We’re not the biggest gym.
We’re not in the most affluent area.
We don’t have the most resources.
But what we do have… is people.
People who show up.
People who support each other.
People who care.
And that’s what makes CrossFit Alberton what it is.
To Our First-Time Open Athletes
This is one of the most important parts of the Open.
To everyone who did it for the first time…
You stepped into something unknown.
You pushed through nerves, doubt, and pressure.
And you showed up.
That takes courage.
We are incredibly proud of you.
First-Time Open Athletes
Anika Kern
Werner Reynierse
Vassiliki Marantos
Warrick Green
Tyra Cook
Taylor Foster
Thatohatsi Radihlare
Tayla Joubert
Sonia Da Silva
Sarainya Naicker
Seth Pearson
Sandisiwe Lunga
Rudi Hoffman
Ruan Ritter
Robin Robertson
Quentin Jan
Philip Engelbrecht
Paul Confait
Nicolas Tshilumba
Nicole Forte
Mutombo Andry Kayembe
Nicole Fourie
Morgan Jacobs
Markus Van der Westhuizen
Maryke Van der Westhuizen
Markus Oosthuizen
Malamba Lavhengwa
Luke Gouveia
Lizanne Meyer
Liz Alves
Lerato Lentsela
LeeAnne Torres
Larissa Roets
Kirsten Taljaard
Killian Engelbrecht
Keagan Jooste
Kaitlyn Merrifield
Jurgen Zwecker
Jorette Van Rooyen
Johnny Beytel
Jason Rutenberg
Jason Dunne
Jacin Senekal
Henning Luther
Harry Gomes
Eugene Roets
Fezeka Humana
Dominic Mollentze
Dieter Schulz
Derik Van Zyl
Danika Mitchell
Cindy Beeming
Christo Anthonissen
Cheska Crozier
Chanise Naudé
Chanè Van Eden
Chandré Luther
Celeste Ferreira
Casey Lage
Carlos Fidalgo
Byron Schulz
Bonguyise Zulu
Bongani Ngobe
Audrey Beukes
Beané Compion
Anushka Jordaan
Anne Bourne
We hope this is just the beginning for you.
Quarterfinal Qualifiers – Incredible Effort
A massive congratulations to those who qualified for the next stage:
Women
Angelique Mitchell (35–39)
Belinda Corrigan
Brenda Mitchell (70+)
Claudine van Heerden
Ilané Van Rensburg (40–44)
Storm Warmback
Zoey Coetzer
Men
Bradley Meyer (35–39)
Brogan Borrill
Byron Corrigan
Cameron Mitchell (35–39)
Dylan Heubner
Garrick Wilmans
Ivan Smit
Leandro Moutinho (35–39)
Luke Reece Meyer (35–39)
Marcio Pinheiro (35–39)
Neil Beukes
Robin Steyn (40–44)
Wesley Selley
This is no small achievement.
We are proud of you.
A Special Mention – Strength Beyond Fitness
This year, something really special stood out.
We had athletes take on the Open while pregnant:
Chelaine Gnäde
Cheska Crozier
Kaylee Wilmans
Vassiliki Marantos
This is what CrossFit is about.
We’ve seen it over the years:
- People walk in as beginners
- They grow stronger
- They become confident
- They take on competitions
- Life happens — relationships, families, kids
And through it all…
CrossFit stays part of their life.
That’s powerful.
Our Masters Athletes – True Inspiration
To our Masters athletes — you set the tone for this community.
Sheryl Gammie
Shona Selley
Sean Borrill
Roshan Maharaj
Quentin Jan
Niekie Coetzer
Marlene Smit
Liz Alves
Emmie Sargent
Deon Coetzer
Prudence Maharaj
Paul Confait
Philip Engelbrecht
Cindy Beeming
Brenda Mitchell (70+)
Anne Bourne (55–59)
Colin Steyn (70+)
Craig Jacobs
Henning Luther
Harry Gomes
Johnny Beytel
Jose Da Silva
You continue to show what consistency, resilience, and commitment look like.
Final Words
To every single person who took part…
Whether it was your first Open or your tenth…
Well done.
You showed up.
You pushed yourself.
You supported others.
And you helped build something special.
If we’ve missed anyone — please forgive us. This was done manually and mistakes can happen.
But one thing is certain:
We are proud of you.
CFA – This Is Who We Are
We don’t just train.
We grow.
We support.
We show up.
Together.
#BeLekker 💪
