The CrossFit Meridian Regionals is the qualification round for the best CrossFit athletes advancing from the Open in the regions of Europe South and Africa Middle East. Last year, the whole of Europe competed at the Meridian Regional. In 2018 it has been divided into two regions (qualification in Europe North took place on May 18. – 20.), which means that more athletes from the old continent have a chance to advance to the finals in Madison, Wisconsin.
The Meridian Regional takes place on 1. – 3. June at Caja Magica in Madrid. Here are a selection of exciting athletes to watch out for in the male and female competition.
WILLY GEORGES
Willy Georges from France advanced to the Meridian Regional from the first place in Europe South, taking the third place in the Open overall, behind Mathew Fraser and Alex Vigneault. The twenty-five year old athlete trains at CrossFit DBS in La Garde, France. Willy played rugby before starting CrossFit. His favourite movement is snatch and he had to get used to long periods on the rower or assault bike.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg53kZzn3jv/?hl=en&taken-by=iamwillgeorges
- Age: 25
- Height: 179 cm
- Weight: 86 kg
In 18.2 B he cleaned 165 kg.
For Willy, CrossFit means more than passion. It is an evidence that allows him to fully use his body capacity. He writes his programming himself and trains 5-6 days a week, sometimes completing three sessions in a day.
Willy Georges – “I will CrossFit”
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JASON SMITH
Jason Smith, 34-year old veteran from South Africa, advanced from the first place in the Africa and Middle East, ending 34th in the world.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd1zq9EF19f/?hl=en&taken-by=j_smithsa
Last year the fittest man in Africa took eleventh place in Madison. It was his first appearance at the Games in a series of eight Regionals. Jason played soccer and rugby, and for ten years he did motor-cross plus bodybuilding style training in order to maintain strength. Bodybuilding was the transition sport to CrossFit in 2008, when he tried the first workouts with his brother. He likes weightlifting movements, which is documented by his best lifts, especially 250 kg deadlift. Jason hopes that his success at the 2017 Games will attract more support to the sport of CrossFit in South Africa.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BffekXqFP1b/?hl=en&taken-by=j_smithsa
- Age: 34
- Height: 185 cm
- Weight: 88 kg
- Affiliate: CrossFit Kyalami
- Back squat: 204 kg
- C&J: 156 kg
- Snatch: 138 kg
- Deadlift: 250 kg
- 400 m run: 1:05
- 5 k run: 19:30
CrossFit Meridian Regionals- LUKAS ESSLINGER
Lukas Esslinger ended second in the Europe South, 69th in the world Open. Few years ago he used to train at CrossFit Invictus, before returning to Zurich, where he also completed studies in finances. It is his fifth appearance at the CrossFit Meridian Regionals and he competed at the Games twice.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiUHimoHYcC/?hl=en&taken-by=esslingerlukas
Lukas can snatch over 125 kg and in 18.2 B he cleaned 164 kilograms.
- Age: 25
- Height: 181 cm
- Weight: 92 kg
- Affiliate: CrossFit Kreis 9
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf8wYb2H7dY/?hl=en&taken-by=esslingerlukas
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RITA GARCIA
Rita Garcia from Spain ended first in Europe South together with Norwegian Jaqueline Dahlstrom. Thirty years old Rita has been doing CrossFit since 2013 and she is the owner of CrossFit Sweet Death in Madrid.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfWjJmFhwcx/?hl=en&taken-by=ritagarciaherrera
- Age: 30
- Height: 157 cm
- Weight: 56 kg
- Affiliate: CrossFit Sweet Death
- Back squat: 135 kg
- C&J: 90 kg
- Snatch: 75 kg
- Deadlift: 145 kg
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JAIME GREENE
Jamie Greene from New Zealand advanced to the Meridian Regional from the first place in Africa Middle East (9th worldwide). Former gymnast and rugby player, she appeared at the CrossFit scene in 2014, ending 391th in the world in the Open.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhdVaRhD893/?hl=en&taken-by=jgreenewod
At the Games she earned two silver medals with the team CrossFit Yas (2015, 2016). She also competed as an individual last year and finished in an impressive 8th place.
- Age: 26
- Height: 163 cm
- Weight: 61 kg
- Affiliate: CrossFit Yas
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgYTHQTD21G/?hl=en&taken-by=jgreenewod
JAQUELINE DAHLSTROM
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi95pQ6lDqX/?hl=en&taken-by=jacdah
Jaqueline Dahlstrom picked CrossFit after she quit fitness, with no intention to compete. Her ambitions changed after she became aware of her potential. Last year she finished 8th in Europe and therefore her main goal is to advance to the Games.
- Age: 26
- Height: 167 cm
- Weight: 66 kg
- Affiliate: C23 CrossFit
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjMd6CZFa3G/?hl=en&taken-by=jacdah
