Stabroek News Sunday

Mahadeo, Adonis disappoint­ed but optimistic

-

Guyana’s CrossFit stars, Dillon Mahadeo and Delice Adonis expressed disappoint­ment at being unable to compete at the Reebok CrossFit Games, but the pair is prepared to take all the steps necessary to return to the event next year.

The CrossFit Games recently announced that National Champions will not be able to compete in this year’s Games due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as their qualificat­ion spots have been rescinded.

Though disappoint­ed, the pair is optimistic of the future.

Said Mahadeo recently “I’m disappoint­ed that CrossFit rescinded their invitation to the Games but I completely understand with everything going on in the world right now. However, looking at the bigger picture, I cannot complain, due to the unpreceden­ted pandemic globally, persons are being affected immensely and are losing so much more, it’s fatal for some or for their loved ones. I count myself lucky that my family and I are safe from COVID-19 and this is of utmost importance currently.

For now, we need to stay optimistic and plan for the future, and come out of this pandemic stronger on the other side. My goal is to keep putting in the same hard work and discipline it takes to get to the next level and qualify and earn my spot to compete at the pinnacle of our sport in 2021, to represent my country to the best of my abilities so I can once again hoist the Golden Arrow Head proudly on the world stage.

According to the Games’ website, the top 20 men and 20 women worldwide along with the athletes from Sanctional­s will receive invites to the annual fixture which kicks off on July 7 in Aromas, California, USA.

Adonis said the following “Obviously I’m disappoint­ed that CrossFit rescinded their invitation to the Games but I completely understand. With everything going on in the world right now and especially the U.S which is proving to be the new epicenter of the pandemic, it’s probably in the best interest of the athletes. For me, this is effectivel­y the end of my 2020 season. Preparatio­ns have now begun to fight to earn that invite again for 2021. I’ve been pushing my body quite a bit since last October so I’m actually a little happy to have a break where I can focus on properly rehabbing my injury and on gaining strength and developing some of my skills without feeling like I’m jeopardizi­ng my competitio­n prep. I don’t know what the 2021 season is going to look like and I can’t make any assumption­s this early on, but my hope is that the CrossFit season can return to normal by then.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Last year, CrossFit Headquarte­rs expanded the field of athletes in attendance at the Games to include the fittest athlete in every eligible country. In light of current constraint­s, it will not be possible to host the previously invited 239 national champions in Aromas. The national champion race will reset in 2021 with invites extended to champions who earn top placement in the upcoming CrossFit Open.

2021

The changes above have been made in considerat­ion of the current challenges globally. The CrossFit Games will reset for the 2021 season with the intent of returning to crowning national champions and including teams, age group athletes, and a deep field of individual­s competing for the title of Fittest on Earth.

 ??  ?? CrossFit stars Dillon Mahadeo and Delice Adonis, left, have expressed their disappoint­ment at being unable to fly the Golden Arrowhead at this year’s tournament in the USA in July.
CrossFit stars Dillon Mahadeo and Delice Adonis, left, have expressed their disappoint­ment at being unable to fly the Golden Arrowhead at this year’s tournament in the USA in July.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Guyana