Muscling up for champs

It's funny how dreams can turn into reality.

Whangarei's Tracey Stewart didn't believe for a second that a year after watching a YouTube clip of a man doing a "muscle up" that she would be able to do one herself. And, that's just the start of it.

"I didn't ever think I'd be able to do a muscle up, but I can now," said Stewart.

The 27-year-old physical education teacher at Tikipunga High School will compete at the Australasian Regional CrossFit Championships in Sydney this month after placing 45th in Australasia out of 3500 at the CrossFit Opens, sneaking inside the top 48 to qualify.

Stewart's rapid rise in the sport after only one year has amazed her, especially after just starting out casually.

"I wasn't planning on being there [Australasian Championships] for another year," said Stewart. "I didn't think I'd get there so quickly.

"I was aiming to make it in the top 200 [after CrossFit Opens], so I kind of blew that goal out of the water. [Especially after a] bit of research to see where I could do CrossFit and saw [Far North CrossFit had] just opened up and thought 'It's just meant to be'."

Stewart said while her rise up the ranks was a surprise there were not many secrets; instead it was the results of hard work at training.

Even though 45th may not sound amazing, CrossFit is the world's fastest growing sport and if Stewart is able to punch well above her weight, as she is doing currently, she could be heading to the CrossFit Games which are screened on ESPN.

Since qualifying, Stewart has had to up her trainings per week from six to 10, with some days involving double sessions.

"I'm really keen to go. When I made it I was really stoked but started to think about all the things I needed to do [before competing at the Australasians] and now we're down to three weeks [until competing].

"I've been working hard on my Olympic lifting, which has given me a lot of confidence. I'm looking forward to seeing that level of competition [and] I definitely want to go again next year, but, I would be keen to go in a bit higher ranked."

Stewart said that while she had expectations of herself she was enjoying having no pressure to win and was able to absorb the atmosphere and experience. She expected to meet some amazing athletes while competing, adding she would hopefully be able to learn a few tricks from higher ranked athletes.

"The thing I like about CrossFit is the community. People are always willing to give you tips and everyone just wants to help you get better. So, hopefully I'll be able to learn a few things."

The CrossFit Regionals run from May 24-26. Stewart hopes to raise money for her trip to Australia. A sponsored rep workout takes places this morning at 33 Commerce St from 8.30am to 10.30am. Athletes will do sponsored circuits.

Stewart invited locals to come down and see what CrossFit was all about.