An Amanzimtoti fitness warrior has returned from the world champs with two gold medals around his neck. James Meredith, 35, competed in his third Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) World Championships, this year held at Kelvedon Hatch, England, from 11 to 13 October.
He won a gold medal for his age category 30 to 39-years-old in the 3km sprint event and a second for 35 to 39-years-old in the 15km main event.
Competitors have to contend with carrying a 30kg sand bag, tyre drag and an awkward weighted cylinder during the runs, and tackle obstacles like monkey bars and crawling through mud. “This year there were 80 obstacles on the course, but last year there were 100,” said James. “The world champs are held at the same venue for two years.
“In my previous two, I competed in the pro division, which is the toughest competitors in the world, and my best result was 21st in the 3km and 35th in the 15km. This year my coaches, Claude and Trish Eksteen, suggested I compete in my age group. I put more pressure on myself this year, because I flew over wanting to win the gold, and I’m glad it paid off.”
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James trains at his coaches’ venue Adventure Obstacle Training in Durban North every day of the week, except Mondays. Surprisingly, most of his running is done on the road, with a bit of trail running and beach training, especially when the SA champs come around, as it’s usually held at Blythedale Beach in June or July. This year James finished fifth, and fourth last year.
He only took up the sport seriously three years ago. “A mate and I did the Warrior Race just for fun one year and enjoyed it, so we competed in a couple more. When I bumped into Trish and we started talking at an event, I joined them and started training for it seriously.”
James was born in Toti and did his schooling at Warner Beach Prep and matriculated at George Campbell High School. He grew up rock climbing and is a member of the KZN Mountain Club and a volunteer rescue officer.
Weighing just 83kg, he is the perfect ratio of muscle to speed. Most of his competitors are 20kg lighter than him, which gives them an advantage in running, but when it comes to packing weight or dragging, he has one over them.
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James will be in action at the Urban Hero Challenge at Gateway on Friday, 15 November from 6pm, and again at the Warrior Race series final in Johannesburg on 30 November to wrap up a successful year.
With his two world champ wins, he has free admission to next year, which is being held at Vermont, USA, but the cost of getting there and accommodation comes out of his own pocket. “There is a race taking place in Russia in September at the same time that my coaches are keen to do, so I might rather opt to join them. Thanks to my sponsors Salomon, Keto Sports Nutrition and Air Team SA, and my coaches Claude and Trish for helping me to achieve gold.”
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