South Africa’s master athlete heading to the States

Functional training athlete and coach Angelie Penney is heading off to the USA to compete at the Legends Championship presented by Mayhem Athlete in Tennessee from December 8 to 11.

The mother of two qualified to compete at the event hosted by four-time fittest man on earth, Rich Froning, following an online qualification process where they did six workouts in two weeks.

“Master athletes from around the world submitted their scores on the legends leaderboard. After video submissions were made, the top 20 athletes in each age group were chosen to compete for the final title,” she said.

Dressed in black yoga pants and a vest exposing her toned arms, we caught up with the Rynfield resident straight after her class on October 8 at MHC Fitness and Rehab Sports Centre in Farrarmere.

As we enter the facility, we find her class in session with her students engaged in clean and jerks, thrusters and bench presses. To the sound of music blasting loud, the exercises are done at incredible intensity.

Angelie quickly spots us. Arms out and panting, she approaches and introduces herself. Amazed at how ripped she is, it takes a few moments before our conversation starts.

“Anyone can do it,” she said. “You start at a basic level. It’s normal to have fear because you are vulnerable when you walk into a training centre like this. All your weaknesses are exposed,” she added.

Her training starts at 06:00 with an endurance workout that included 400m runs and long rides on the bike. That was followed by a training class, which she conducts and then from 13:00 until 15:00, she continues her training with a strength workout.

This seasoned competitor’s strength and conditioning have landed her several accolades in her career. This, she said, was achieved through a commitment to training.

“It just doesn’t happen. You have to put in the hard work, time and show up for class every day.

“When you think that you can’t anymore, you always have more in you. On a bad day, your mind can tell you that you can’t do something and on a good day when you think your body is failing you, your mind can make you push more.”

A competitor for eight years and level two CrossFit trainer, Angelie is inspired not by Rich Froning or Tia-Clair Toomey but by coaching.

“My inspiration comes from your normal person coming in, starting from scratch and becoming confident in training. That growth and confidence in people keep me doing what I love most.”

Among her accomplishments is her recent win at The Battle where she raked in 298.65 points to win the 45-49 age group division.

She’s now going to devote the next two months to her training and being the best version of herself.
“It’s the whole experience that’s important to me. I’m going to give it my all and have fun.”

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