CrossFit Games for Geraldine
No matter the weather, roadworks or muscle fatigue, you're sure to find Geraldine at the Box every morning.
In 2017, Geraldine Treherne of Shelly Beach was introduced to the sport of CrossFit by her son Robert, a personal trainer in the UK, and she hasn’t looked back.
It’s led her on an exciting journey, the next part of which is competing in the Masters CrossFit Games in Birmingham, Alabama, in the USA from August 29 to September 1 this year.
“It’s never too late to start, and you’re never too old to dream,” she said.
Geraldine, or Mamma G as she is affectionately known at Wild Coast CrossFit, where she trains, qualified in 12th position in the semi-finals, with 20 progressing to the finals.
She now has her sights set on the ultimate prize – a gold medal.
And competing in the 65+ category, she certainly believes dreams can become reality.
Originally from Port Elizabeth, Geraldine has been married to Craig (better known for his fishing exploits) for 35 years.
They have two sons, Robert and Trevor, who is a veterinarian based in Johannesburg.
Before Geraldine fell in love with CrossFit, she enjoyed golf, underwater hockey, squash and mountain biking.
CrossFit is now, by some way, her first love when it comes to sport, and she has not looked back, although she still cycles with Craig, usually ‘chased’ by their two dogs.
No matter the weather, roadworks, or muscle fatigue, you’re sure to find Geraldine at the Box every morning.
She’s there with her welcoming smile, beautiful outfits and an eagerness to tackle the next gruelling workout the coaches throw at her.
Her results so far reflect her determination and resilience over the past five years or so. She puts in the extra hours, and it’s paying off.
However, it’s not all rigorous training and discipline.
In her downtime, she can usually be found in her kitchen baking something healthy.
When she does occasionally indulge, her favourite is a large plate of ‘slap chips’.
She is excited about the trip and the competition but also at the prospect of meeting two of her favourite CrossFit Games athletes, Tia-Clair Toomey and Annie Thorisdottir.
In the meantime, she will join hundreds of other CrossFit athletes in the two-day Wild Coast CrossFit Festival, which takes place at Margate Sports School this Saturday and Sunday (June 22 and 23).
The local CrossFit community has rallied behind Geraldine and will be giving her full backing and support.
They’ll be cheering from afar, no doubt shouting at their TVs in support when she takes centre stage.
