Katelin in select dozen
A former Hockeyroo, turned CrossFit champion will now take on her next big challenge, being named a Gladiator Australia.
Mother of two, Katelin Van Zyl will be one of 12 Gladiators taking on 12 contestants when the TV show airs this month.
Van Zyl said she found herself very lucky to get the opportunity after an injury setback.
“I am actually recovering from hernia surgery which has made things a little difficult but I wasn’t going to miss this opportunity,” Van Zyl said.
“I got the phone call to come out and try out for the show early in 2023.
“When I got there in Sydney, there was about 200 people trying out for Gladiator’s.
“Then they finally named the final 12 and I was one of them which was such a surreal moment.”
Originally from Toowoomba, Van Zyl took up hockey at the young age of four, playing for 20 years before moving over to CrossFit at the age of 24.
Since then, the now 32-year-old has competed in competitions around the world.
“Representing your country was incredible, something that I was incredibly thankful for and always will be,” Van Zyl said.
“I remember my first CrossFit session and we had to do something like a 5km run.
“And I thought if this is CrossFit then this is going to be awesome because I got the best time out of all the men and women.
“Then the second session the next day was pull-ups and I for the life of me cannot do pullups. So it was a big change but I love that sort of challenge, I have always been competitive.”
The Australian Gladiator has a very busy life preparing for her next competition, owning CrossFit Urban in Southport and two young kids under age of seven.
“It has been a bit tough recovering from hernia surgery and training because I have had to make sure I don’t over do it as well,” Van Zyl said.
“Which is tough for me because I just want to do things, don’t like just staying at home.
“And then having two boys, six and three, they definitely keep me busy as well.
“But I love what I do, I love being a mum, I love seeing people at the gym working on themselves.”
Gladiator Australia premieres on Channel 10 on Monday, January 15.