European Regionals. Those two words still give me a buzz and a tingle down my spine, even with a bulging disc at L4. But seriously, it was the most insane 3 days of my life.
I could tell you about every event and the ins and outs of every heat and who was incredibly strong or blisteringly fast. But the standings and results show that.
However this post is about Crossfit Leeds' achievements and the effect that the European Regionals has had on me, myself and I.
Crossfit Leeds only opened in September 2010, and have achieved great things in such a short time. At the European Regionals, their team held a 2nd/3rd place position all weekend however unfortunately in the last event were pipped by Crossfit BC to finish in joint 4th to just miss out on going to LA. However, they were the highest finishing box from the UK, therefore are the best UK crossfit team. So a big shout out goes to Mike Rawlinson, Mike Holmes, Dan Crisp, Rosie Plowman, Chloe Barratt and Nicky Simpson for being heroes at the Regionals. Also a big shout out to all the members who volunteered, judged or just helped out in any way. Every member of Crossfit Leeds showed great support whether they could be there or not and I can tell you that there is a huge sense of pride about the place. 2012 is all about Crossfit Leeds.
Enough about them and more about me. Dash of arrogance there, Web Smith would be proud.
After some thought and deliberation, I decided to volunteer at the event, even just for the free bright yellow volunteer t-shirt. It turned out to be one hell of a decision. On day one 3rd June 2011, I had Mikko Salo as my boss for the day as we set up all the equipment together. It was tough in the stupidly hot heatwave that overcame Bolton but it was beautiful. I remember one moment where I held up the beautiful black 20kg Rogue bar for him whilst he put a 45lb Rogue bumper plate on the end and I felt a little patronising towards him. I was holding a bar up for Mikko Salo, one of the fittest men on the planet. Cool. The epic first day was complete and I enjoyed some peri-peri chicken at Nandos in Bury with Dan Crisp, Jon Crisp, Joshua Skepper, Coach Rawly and Rosie Plowman. During this meal, I somehow acquired the job of being the official tweeter for the European Regionals of the Crossfit Games. Wow.
I was now on the up and into the media team, this meant a new free t-shirt and this one was pale blue. However it was XL and looked like I was wearing a sky blue coloured tent for the next two days. That's when I had it on the right way around and didn't have MEDIA right across my chest. This t-shirt gave me the access to get into the "battlefield" and up close and personal with Europe's top athletes as they did what they do best. It was an experience I will never forget. Being 6 feet away from Tuomas Vainio as he exploded through OHS like air squats. Being in and about all the action for 3 days provided me with knowledge that I'd never have gained if I hadn't taken that opportunity. It has also provided me with the opportunity to meet me people and make new friends within the Crossfit community on a European level. From the athletes of Butchers Garage such as Sarah and the Norwegian Gronsund brothers from Crossfit Centrum to the world famous athletes like Mikko Salo and Iceland Annie! So much knowledge, motivation and inspiration I have gained and the next level is to make something of myself within Crossfit. If not as an athlete, then in another medium. Crossfit has so many opporunities to explore and that's what I am going to do with friends. I will be involved, we will be involved.
Congratulations and Good Luck to Crossfit Butcher's Garage, Crossfit Sport, Crossfit BootCamp Island, Annie Thorisdottir, Samantha Briggs, Jenny Jacobsen, Helga Torfadottir, Tuomas Vainio, Mikko Aronpaa and Elvar Por Karlsson! Who all booked their ticket to LA to represent Europe on the worldwide stage. Do Europe proud. Will be rooting for you all at the Games.
Keep reading my blog for more information about the development of the next stage. A few photos here to show you my experience.
Peace out
mbc. x
By the way, I gained 5 free t-shirts. Winning.
No comments:
Post a Comment