A local physiotherapist has qualified for the world championships of a functional fitness race after competing in the sport for the first time earlier this year.
Serena Webb is getting ready to go to Chicago for the HYROX World Championships in June.
The sport, which has seen rapid growth in recent years, combines running with functional fitness stations.
The 28-year-old, whose job as a physiotherapist for the General Hospital also keeps her active with the various rehab classes she runs, explained that fitness has been a part of her life from a young age.
“I’ve always been a bit of a runner,” said Serena.
“Ever since school I’ve always done lots of sports – I think my mum and dad put me into every single sport that I could do – and I started the gym when I was 16 years old.”
After discovering HYROX through social media, Serena competed in her first event in March, entering the women’s open solo in Rotterdam and claiming second place in her age group.
She put the appeal of the sport down to “the atmosphere”.
“It’s just incredible – when you go to the event it’s like one huge family,” she explained.
“Everyone is there to hype everyone up and say well done.
“In terms of the race, because of my background of being a bit of a runner, I think my strongest stations are definitely the runs.”
Shortly after her performance in Rotterdam, Serena was notified that she had qualified for the HYROX World Championships.
“My training is mostly lots of running, I’m hitting about 40 to 50km a week,” she explained.
“Then about three days a week I’m doing double sessions in the gym, plus some HYROX classes at Fitness First.”
She added that she has also been looking for sponsors for the event, and that those interested could contact her via Instagram.
“I’m trying to look for sponsors to try and help promote a bit of community fitness and things like that, because I think it’s awesome and for such a small island and I would love to increase the awareness of HYROX,” said Serena.
“I do have one sponsor already, Krafty J’s. They’re really cool, they’ve helped me out loads.”