Vicky MacIntosh dominates as SA's first-ever winner in HYROX world fitness competition
Here's what HYROX is all about!
Africa Melane speaks to fitness presenter and mental fitness coach, Liezel van der Westhuizen.
What is HYROX?
HYROX is a global fitness competition that combines running and functional workouts.
Participants run a one kilometre race then complete one functional workout station, repeating eight times.
Some examples of functional workouts include a one kilometre ski, 50 metre sled push, 80 metre burpee brawl jump, one kilometre row, 200 metre farmer's carry, 100 metre sandbag lunge, and 100 wall balls.
Races take place indoors in large exhibition halls, creating a stadium-like atmosphere.
The consistent race format across the globe allows for a global leader board and a World Championship at the end of each season open to professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Van der Westhuizen says 'HYROX is the second biggest growing sport in South Africa.'
At the top of the HYROX championship board is South Africa's first-ever female winner...
Making history in the sport is NPL athlete, Vicky MacIntosh who became South Africa's first HYROX champ by winning the inaugural race held in Cape Town in September.
This win secured MacIntosh the qualification for the 2025 HYROX world championships.
"It pushes you beyond your limits in the best way possible. I've been training HYROX for the last year... it's challenging but also so so rewarding. It's definitely a test of both mental and physical resilience."
- Vicky MacIntosh, South Africa's first HYROX champion
"It's incredible to have a South African on the global stage... it's amazing to see us making paths and getting out there and playing on a global scale."
- Vicky MacIntosh, South Africa's first HYROX champion