There was plenty of UAE athletes in action on the opening day of the CrossFit Games.
Abu Dhabi-based Jamie Green was the pick of the bunch, producing a stellar performance in the women’s category. The Kiwi, who trains at CrossFit Yas in the UAE capital, sits a stunning tenth overall after finishing third in the first event and 23rd in the second event.
Remarkably, her time of 19:00.67 for the first event was just behind defending champion Tia-Clair Toomey and current leader Karissa Pearce.
Elsewhere, Dubai-based Carmen Bosmans also shone on Thursday and sits 45th in the standings after placing 34th and 48th in events one and two respectively.
Shahad Budebs, a former UAE football international, performed well in the two events but was unable to make the cut after a gallant performance. It was a great display, nevertheless, for the 24-year-old who will be back stronger and better in the future.
In the men’s category, Abu Dhabi-based Elliot Simmonds lies 28th overall after the first day. The Englishman, another CrossFit Yas athlete, finished his workouts in 34th and 24th respectively, and will be relishing the prospect of improving again on day two.
Meanwhile, UAE’s Mahmood Shalan was inches away from making the cut and progressing to day two, but fell short after placing 59th in the second event. Still, it was a performance full of promise and spirit for the 26-year-old.
In the team event, CrossFit Alioth from Dubai lie sixth overall ahead of day two. The Dubai-based quartet placed fourth in the assault to bob, 10th in the rope worm and 8th in the clean and jerk.
