Gutsy Scott shows her mettle

The former St Columba’s and St Dunstan’s College pupil has taken the big step up and will be representing CrossFit Urban Shack Benoni and Boksburg boxes, where she is a trainer, at the upcoming and prestigious CrossFit Games in the USA.

This comes after she won the Elite Women individual competition at the recent “Last Man Standing” competition, hosted by CrossFit Radium, in Pretoria.

The event took place at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, with athletes from all over the country taking part.

This individual competition tests athletes in all aspects of the CrossFit discipline.

The competition has five events in which the athletes compete for a place in the final.

In the male elite category, 20 athletes progress to the finals, while, in the female elite category, 10 athletes progress to the final.

The prize money for the winners in each of these divisions was a cheque for R20 000.

Scott, who is in the process of completing her degree in Sports Science at the University of Pretoria, explained what the sport of CrossFit encompasses.

“CrossFit is a high intensity sport that combines weightlifting, gymnastics and metabolic conditioning,” she said.

“It is a great sport for everyone to get involved in as it has various levels of participation, from children to adults, even over the age of 40 years old (masters).

“The CrossFit community stands strong, with competitors enjoying the fierce competition, combined with huge amounts of camaraderie and support.

“After all, every competitor has gone through the ranks and knows what every competitor goes through.

“CrossFit competitions are an opportunity for me to challenge myself in an environment of like-minded athletes.”

Scott is no stranger to competitive sport and is accomplished in acrobatic gymnastics, tumbling and on the trampoline.

She represented South Africa in various competitions and was awarded her Protea national colours at the age of 11.

“I continued competing at an international level up until last year, when a friend introduced me to CrossFit,” she added.

“I enjoy the hard work, the sweat and the determination needed to master the movements and to continue to get stronger, better and more efficient.

“Personal bests motivate me and it is safe to say that CrossFit changed my life.

“I not only enjoy the training and competition, but also thoroughly enjoy coaching at the box.”