WILLIAM

Tell us a bit about yourself and when you started CrossFit

I grew up on a farm in the Durbanville area and went to Rondebosch Boys High where I matriculated in 1989. Sport always used to play a big role in my life during those years. My fondest memories takes me back to the days that I was part of the provincial u.19 basketball team for 3 years as well as the Maties u.21 rugby team. After completing a B Agric Admin degree at Stellenbosch University, I returned to the farm and sadly never had the discipline to be involved with any form of sport or gym - partly due to a busy schedule, but mainly due to a sedentary lifestyle. My love for CrossFit started approximately three and a half years ago when my wife and daughters encouraged me to give it a try.

What was your lifestyle before joining CFL?

After selling the farm and moving to Langebaan, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer six years ago. Travelling between Langebaan and Cape Town became part of my daily routine for 2 months. After 28 sessions of chemo treatments, we believed I was cured and I was happy to get on with getting back to my old life. Unfortunately within three months the cancer had returned and much worse that the previous time. After another 30 chemo sessions over 6 months, the tumors were removed during a complicated operation which sent me to ICU for 9 days. I have to admit that at that stage, I was pretty sick of hospitals, doctors and people in general. Actually I was at the lowest point of my life. I was also hugely offended and hurt when my doctor, a highly regarded surgeon, blatantly told me that I was fat and had to lose weight if I ever wanted a chance of living a healthy life.

Tail between the legs, I continued my journey of recovery as I faced 24 radiation sessions and really struggled getting back on my feet. I had lost a lot of weight after the operation mainly due to not being able to eat as well as feeling extremely lethargic and very depressed. Receiving a clean bill of health was the best news ever, but I really struggled to get back to living life and getting over the emotional trauma of all that had happened. Approximately three months later my daughters walked in with the idea of joining CrossFit. I thought they were crazy...!

What changes did you notice after starting CrossFit and how do you believe it has helped you?

As my energy levels improved, so did my appetite - which was great as I really struggled eating after all the medical issues. I noticed that simple daily tasks such as carrying shopping bags to the car (instead of putting it into a trolley) became much easier. Within a few weeks I noticed that I was really starting to enjoy my daily class at 9h00. The thing about CrossFit is that it does not only change your body, but your mind as well. I noticed how my negative outlook on life became more positive and slowly I was finding myself again. I even managed to trust people again and have made life long connections with friends. I believe that joining CrossFit is one of the best decisions I have made with my life. It has added so much value to my health and emotional well being that I can not envision a life without it. Hard work pays off - I follow a balanced diet (not a restrictive diet at all), exercise 5-6 days a week and love being able to buy clothes that fit easily and not only settling for a XXXL. If you told me 10 years ago I would be doing a physical sport such as CrossFit, I would have laughed at you! In a few weeks I'll be 50 - I'm about 13 kg lighter than at 40, feeling physically and mentally stronger than ever before and in love with life.

What are your current views about CrossFit and would you recommend CFL to friends and family?

I honestly feel that CrossFit is for everybody and anybody. You don't have to be a super athlete to participate. You can join to improve your physique or to make friends. Irrespective of your motives, CrossFit Langebaan will add value to your life. I have come to believe that everybody has a different story, that everybody walks a different path in life. Mine is a story of healing and finding myself again, a story of re-evaluating the meaning of life and where I fit into it, connecting with people around me and being a positive role model in small ways. I hope that my CrossFit journey is a testimony that our Creator is good and our choices in life have an enormous impact on our quality of life. If you are thinking of joining the box, but for some reason are still hesitant - stop thinking, just DO!