Fittest in the Namib this weekend

The ultimate test of endurance awaits athletes this week at Fittest in the Namib, kicking off on Friday and continuing until Saturday.



The finals are scheduled for around 16:30 at the Vineta Central Sport Stadium in Swakopmund. A total of 35 teams are competing for the Fittest in the Namib title including two teams from South Africa and one from Zambia. The event remains a highlight for fitness enthusiasts and onlookers alike.



Jancke Rentel, the organiser of the event, explained that the competition is designed to push participants to their limits. “It’s not just about physical strength but also mental endurance and capacity. We’ve crafted challenges that highlight the best in fitness, combining elements of endurance, gymnastics, and functional movement.”



The event spans two days, beginning with athlete registration at CrossFit Swakopmund. Participants will dive straight into the first endurance workout at the horse stables near the SPCA on Friday at 09:15. They will then head to the Mole for a beach-themed workout, blending fitness with Swakopmund’s scenic coastline. This section of the workout brings a holiday vibe with athletes get to enjoy the water while pushing themselves to excel.



On Saturday, the venue shifts to the Athletics Vineta Stadium, where the competition intensifies. Athletes will tackle strength-focused exercises, culminating in a final event designed to test gymnastics skills, endurance, and raw power.



While the event is rooted in CrossFit principles, Rentel emphasized that it’s open to everyone. “CrossFit is a philosophy of functional movement exercises designed for all fitness levels. It’s about building a community and encouraging participation. This year, we’re focused on Fittest in the Namib, but there are some exciting ideas for next year and beyond.”



One standout competitor this year is 14-year-old Zuzu Rentel, returning for her second year. Despite her nerves, Zuzu is excited to compete. “I’m most looking forward to the clean ladder workout,” she said, describing the challenge of progressing through weighted cleans with a partner.



Spectators are encouraged to attend and cheer on the athletes. “Support from the community is invaluable. Come and be be part of the energy and help motivate our competitors,” concluded Rentel.





Here are some of the 2023 results:

Individual Men:

1. Mika Pilzer – 576 points

2. Hywie Bampton – 548 points

3. Bothma Keyser – 544 points



Individual Female:

1. Jessica Lofty-Eaton – 600 points

2. Michelle Pilzer – 570 points



Rx Female Teams:

1. Dynamic Divas (Marlinda Lucas and Hannelize de Waal) – 580 points

2. Hompie Kedompie (Robyn Visser and Jancke Rentel) – 564 points

3. Big Cook, Little Cook (Christel Thirion and Judith Bange) – 518 points



Rx Male Teams:

1. CFP264 (Tyrone Pieters and Andrew Mostert) – 588 points

2. Bro Reps (Jan Adriaan Potgieter and Freddie Nel) – 576 points

3. MAD Men (Deon Vermeulen and Massimo Basson) – 520 points