2013 WGC Gym X Training Awards
2013 has seen a growth in participation at each of the events. More importantly the female Intermediate participation has increased and its great to see events being sold out in advance.
WGC has struggled again to get a hold and make an impact in setting up The Ultimate Gym Athlete. Numerous clubs and chains were contacted throughout the year with mainly a negative response. There it seems is the problem in expansion for Gym Sports.
It is though with great pleasure that of the events I attended, there was an obvious buzz. The organisers have done an outstanding job and ensured that each event ran slickly and each gym athlete raced , was judged fairly and all results were published quickly.
Based on the events that I was at only , Id like to to add a few awards for the performances that were witnessed over the year.
Best Race of the Year ...
The Fenton Grueller on the 22nd June at Fenton Fitness saw the best race , with Charlie Paton and Paul Morton finishing in deadlock (full results).
Male Gym Athlete of the Year
Doug Harrison. Having competed in a number of events in WGC (11) since 2010 Doug secured this nomination by competing in both the Indoor Rowing Championships (Cardiff) and the Hampshire XT on the same day. A massive effort and recognised by winning in his category at Cardiff and unfortunately retiring from HXT.
Female Gym Athlete of the Year
Tracy Davies. A year at Advanced with a build up from Intermediate has seen a chasing Tracy chase Gwen making the Advanced section still gripping since the departure of Kelly Friel to CrossFIT. Gwen Fennell remains undefeated and deserves as a special mention as does Becky Ciel who since 2006 has entered 21 events consistently turning up performing at the top level.
Best Event
It's hard not to be impressed by the Hampshire XT. Every year it consistently turns into a shining beacon attracting the most traveled and seasoned Gym Athletes . The after show party is just an extension of the the days events in the gym. It really is a massive effort by those who run it (Ben Williams and Liam Florey) and all the judges and time keepers to make this must attend of the year.
Most Awesome Personal Trainer
Ty Whitlock (Left) No greater strength of knowledge in Gym Sports can outweigh the result of a client and his climb to the top. The work that Ty and Liam Florey have produced in such a short period of time is astounding.
Outstanding Contribution to Gym XT 2013
John Shepherd. The editor of Ultra FIT magazine has during 2013 given crucialspace in his magazine whose very roots developed the sport we see today. Media exposure is crucial in getting the top names exposed and Ultra FIT Magazine has over this year allowed features on Liam Florey, Cat Trentham (cover) , Charlie Patton, The Royal Marines XT event, Jon Worthey , Ty Whitlock, Kiddy and The Fenton Grueller.
Most Inspired Performance
Cat Trentham. Cat has always competed at Advanced level, but was cautious to the Grueller in 2011 (Intermediate) , but I think this year at the Fenton Grueller will be the event she will remember most 2012/ 36:20 to 2013/24:18 is in any ones books a brilliant performance.
International Gym Athlete
Kiddy (Kristjana Hildur Gunnarsdottir)takes the title form Iceland. The event 5 by 5 continues to probably the biggest event in the Gym Sport arena with tv coverage and massive participation. A mixture of Bootcamp , CrossFIT and Gym X Training is a very bold move and I'm sure it would be a huge hit if it were to take place in the UK
Who to look out for in 2014
Scott Parry from Hampshire looks a very exciting prospect. Training partner to Liam Florey and mentored by outstanding personal trainer of the year Ty Whitlock means very good things will happen to in the near future. We have also Steph Whitehead in Intermediate Female who is being trained by Doug Harrison and proving very successful in the events entered so far.
2014 ....
Goals and focusing remain strong and optimistic. the X Training Series has been a huge success with Alex Woods, Stuart Leng and the now retired Steve Dowse and all the organisers pushing their events to the max with huge success. WGC remains focused on capturing the gym market and is under no illusion that a sport for gyms is a horrendous task. What rings in my ears this year is from my local authority sport complex manager " We have a monthly footfall of 70, 000 members through this centre and you (me) are the only person asking for gym sports!"
Good luck to all of those who take part in the 2014 season.
