On the 18th and 19th January 2014, a pre-qualified group of the world’s best athletes made their way to the Copper Box Arena at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for two gruelling days of competition.
Even though I’m currently not attending Crossfit (buying a flat = expensive) I went along with some guys from my box at Crossfit Vauxhall, and their sister gym Crossfit Central London, to watch the action! There were also 3 athletes from Crossfit Central London competing which was pretty awesome. They smashed it!
The Battle of London only started in 2012 (and was previously called the London Throwdown). Both that year and 2013 the female winner was Samantha Briggs, who went on to win the Crossfit Games in the US as well.
This year saw 150 male, 100 female, 30 male masters and 20 female masters athletes from all across Europe compete over two days to see who would be victorious and take their stake of the £5000 prize purse!
There were some serious displays of strength and fitness over the weekend, with six different WODs (workouts) combining Olympic Lifting, bodyweight exercises, kettlebells, sprints, burpees, double unders and many others! It was both exhausting and awe-inspiring to watch! If I ever get to be half as strong as some of the women competing I will be ecstatic. Not to mention coveting the six-packs on display!
One of the best thing about the competition was the incredible support. The Copper Box Arena was packed with cheering crowds, there was pumping music and the atmosphere was amazing. And as always with the Crossfit community the loudest roars were for those people struggling or finishing last, but still with grit and determination on their faces (before collapsing on the floor).
It was one of those situations where you either think “I’m never going to be that fit, I may as well give up now!” or “One day that will be me down there!” – even if it won’t, it’s something to aim for! I think I’ll go for the second option… Cannot wait to get back to the box!
NB: Photos from Battle of London Facebook page. Check out their YouTube channel for awesome videos of the workouts!
This article from the Telegraph is pretty good too, although it’s in the Mens section so doesn’t feature any of the awesome female athletes.
Have you ever been to a Crossfit competition? Inspiring or scary?
Beki x
