2013 CrossFit Games Preview: Africa Region

With the 2013 CrossFit Open just days away, we thought we’d take some time to preview every region taking part this year.

Today we take a closer look at the Africa Region.

Just like Asia, Africa is widely regarded as one of the weaker Regions in the sport of CrossFit.

In the past two years, no individual competitor has finished inside the top 35 at the CrossFit Games, and no team has finished inside the top 40.

However, over the past 12 months, CrossFit has continued to grow in the Africa, and we can expect to see an improvement in the Region in 2013.

Here are some individuals and teams to look out for this year.

Men

David Levey is probably the stand out performer in the Africa Region. Last year he claimed the Regional title by 10 points, and then went on to finish 36th at the Games.

2011 CrossFit Games competitor, and former Regional champion Danie du Preez is also a big chance to re-claim the title in 2013. du Preez was the runner up at the 2012 Regionals, despite winning three of the six events.

Other names to keep an eye on include 3rd place finisher at the last two Regionals, Christian Oman, and Jason Smith (4th at 2012 Regionals).

2012 Regional Results:

1. David Levey
2. Danie du Preez
3.  Christian Oman

Women

The women’s division has been struggling over the past few years in the Africa Region.

Last year, just one athlete (Rika Diedericks) was able to finish all the Regional workouts within the cut-off times, with just six making it past the first event.

While Rika Diedericks claimed the Regional title last year, she struggled at the CrossFit Games, finishing last overall.

It will be interesting to see how much the standard improves in this particular division in 2013.

2012 Regional Results:

1. Rika Diedericks
2. Wilna Appel
3. Estevan Strauss

Team

Only four teams competed at the 2012 Africa Regionals, with only two advancing to the final workout.

CrossFit Platinum claimed the title that year, but went on to finish second last at the 2012 CrossFit Games.

With a number of new CrossFit gyms opening up in Africa in the past year, we can expect to see an improvement in this division in 2013.

2012 Regional Results:

1. CrossFit Platinum
2. Team Cape CrossFit