BONUS - RUSTENBURG - 4am Wake-up calls. Protein shakes. Up to three hours of exercise a day. Being a better a version of yourself.
Yes, Barend Smit might be a bit of a cliché when it comes to the image and idea of CrossFit, but there is no denying that almost a decade of the utmost dedication has brought him to the threshold of where is now - heading to the 2024 CrossFit Games in Texas, in the United States of America.
Smit (32) is taking part with his team, CrossFit Tijger Valley RELENTLESS, consisting of himself, Henri Meiring, Janine Penniall and Lani Venterexas. Although his teammates all reside in Gauteng, Smit has been a Rustenburger for almost 30 years and this is where he crossed paths with Meiring, who also originally hails from the Platinum City.
Smit and his wife, both are professional CrossFit coaches and have made fitness into a family business. However, it is the "fitness family" that makes him stay so dedicated to the sport. "That is what makes me stick. The high fives after the training sessions. The small victories of clients being able to climb a flight of stairs without becoming winded. Grandparents being able to play with their grandchildren, feeling fit and healthy. The competition is with yourself, and the exercises are not repetitive."
Watching and listening to Smit, his passion becomes clear and his animated way of conversation shows his complete dedication to the sport. Yes, it takes sacrifices. Yes, you "suffer". Yes, Smit does admit that he has a natural talent for sport. However, he also admits that the way his team and his clients celebrate one another, the way each "personal best" is a milestone to be ticked off, the way CrossFit improves health, makes it all worthwhile.
"It is difficult to express in words how I feel about my team's achievement. I am humbled. I am proud. The Lord made this possible, but you absolutely have to earn your ticket." CrossFit Tijger Valley RELENTLESS is the only team from the African continent that will compete at the international CrossFit games and the four-day event can run up quite an expensive bill. Competing at this level isn't cheap and the team is running a raffle to pay for their travel, accommodation and other competition expenses. By supporting the team, you're helping them to represent the whole of Africa at the Games.
Raffle tickets are selling at R300 and entries close on 20 July 2024. To enter, WhatsApp Barend on 072 768 6238. Banking details to enter: BB Smit, Absa cheque account number 9253466098, branch code: 632005. The more entries you have, the more opportunities you have to win a seven-night stay in St. Francis Bay or a five-night stay in Hibberdene (or other exciting prizes).
If you would like to contribute by way of sponsorship or donation, click on this link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/crossfit-tijger-valley-relentless-crossfit-games-2024.
Follow Barend on Instagram: @barend_smit
