In a thrilling display of strength, endurance and sheer determination, three local fitness gurus from Amped Active Gym in Somerset West made waves at the prestigious IFBB Speedfit Nationals, held in Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal.
Ghyan Torri, Patrick O’Brien and the gym’s visionary founder, Tyron Swanepoel, not only made their debut in the gruelling competition, but also managed to clinch podium spots, with Torri just 2% short on points in securing a spot on the South African team for the upcoming international showdown in Spain this September.
The Speedfit challenge is a high-intensity crucible that demands competitors execute six demanding exercises within a heart-pounding two minutes. It’s a test not just of physical prowess but also mental fortitude. “It was a gruelling ordeal,” confessed Torri, catching his breath at the memory. “But we trained relentlessly, our sights set on gold.”
Their dedication and perseverance paid off handsomely. Torri emerged victorious with two silver medals, whilst O’Brien brought home a bronze medal in the Silver category, a testament to his grit and skill.
The trio credits their success to the unwavering support and inspiration of their clients. “Our members are our driving force,” said Swanepoel. “Their enthusiasm fuels our passion. We feed off their energy and it pushes us to reach new heights.”
With a vision to establish Amped Active as a premier Speedfit training hub, the team is currently undergoing the rigorous process of becoming certified Speedfit officials. Their commitment to the sport is evident in every rep and every set.
Torri, a former rugby and athletics star, admitted to feeling the pressure of the competition, but channelled his competitive spirit to overcoming the challenge. “I was definitely out of my comfort zone,” he said. “But I pushed myself to the limit. Representing South Africa would have been a dream-come-true.”
O’Brien, a seasoned fitness expert with a background in Exercise Science, found the experience to be a transformative one. “It challenged my perception of fitness in ways I never imagined,” he said. “Securing a bronze medal was an incredible validation of my hard work.”
Swanepoel, the entrepreneurial spirit behind Amped Active, is brimming with pride for his team. “We embarked on this journey with a mix of excitement and uncertainty,” he admitted. “To see them achieve such remarkable results is beyond words. Their experience will undoubtedly elevate our gym to new heights.”
Inspired by their coaches’ triumphs, the Amped Active community is buzzing with enthusiasm. “If our coaches can achieve this, imagine what our members can accomplish,” said Swanepoel. “We encourage everyone to step outside their comfort zone and chase their fitness goals.”
The trio’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence.
