CrossFitters compete at Mackay Mayhem 2022

CrossFit has a reputation for being a brutal workout experience, but Mackay Mayhem showed off a warm and encouraging atmosphere where everyone could be a part of the fun. PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

In the heat of a workout, crossfitter Dean Fuhlbohm says he “counts backwards” in his head to help him push through the pain.

“It hurts and you have just got to focus on other things,” he said.

“A trick I do, I count backwards in my head.

“You can’t breathe almost.”

CrossFit competitors Dean Fuhlbohm (left) and Jackson McGregor at the 2022 Mackay Mayhem event. Picture: Duncan Evans

Mr Fuhlbohm was one of more than 150 CrossFit athletes who participated in the 2022 Mackay Mayhem event, a CrossFit competition that draws crossfitters from across Queensland.

The crossfitters pair up for two-person teams and compete across three categories: RX, intermediate and beginner.

CrossFit gurus Tenielle Kattenberg and Kurt Brunker at the 2022 Mackay Mayhem event. Picture: Duncan Evans

Mr Fuhlbohm, at the RX level after six years of training, competed with Jackson McGregor.

CrossFit is defined as “constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity.”

Jake Standen competes in the 2022 Mackay Mayhem event while his teammate Bradley Spreadborough looks on. Picture: Duncan Evans

At Mackay Mayhem, which took place at the CrossFit 4740 gym at the Mackay Showgrounds, teams were judged on a range of metrics, for example how many reps they could complete or how much weight they could lift.

Whichever team receives the most points wins the competition.

Tori Drinkwater (left) and Codie Frank at the 2022 Mackay Mayhem event. Picture: Duncan Evans

As music blared from speakers, scorers wearing purple Mackay Mayhem shirts watched carefully as the line-up of crossfitters huffed and puffed their way through brutal workouts.

A man with a microphone yelled out encouragement and told the crossfitters how much longer they needed to endure before a changeover.

Hundreds gathered at the Mackay Showgrounds for Mackay Mayhem 2022, a CrossFit competition. Picture: Duncan Evans

Friends and family observed from the sidelines.

Organiser Tenielle Kattenberg moved through the gym to keep everything humming along.

Adrian Martin at the 2022 Mackay Mayhem event. Picture: Duncan Evans

“People are realising CrossFit can be suited to anyone, any movement is scalable,” she said.

“It is an effective way to improve your fitness.”

Sara Mason (left) and Kirsty Dorman at the 2022 Mackay Mayhem event. Picture: Duncan Evans

Mackay is also becoming a hotspot for excellence, with CrossFit 4740 athlete Christee Hollard competing at the CrossFit Games in the United States in August.

Beginners Mackenzie Bennett and Josie Jamieson-Bews paired up for the competition and said they loved the “community” feel of CrossFit.

Mackenzie Bennett (left) and Josie Jamieson-Bews at the 2022 Mackay Mayhem event. Picture: Duncan Evans

“It is the people that you are with,” Mackenzie, a CQUniversity student, said.

“It is a welcoming community and at the same time you are getting fit.

“The beginners get more encouragement.”

Kelisha Day (left) and Annika Geraghty at the 2022 Mackay Mayhem event. Picture: Duncan Evans

After their rapid fire workout, Nathan Stack and Mitch Scott walked around outside the gym to catch their breath.

“My legs are a bit shaky,” Nathan said.

“Pretty breathless,” Mitch added.

Nathan Stack (left) and Mitch Scott at the 2022 Mackay Mayhem event. Picture: Duncan Evans

For Nathan, training and mental preparation is the key to making it through a CrossFit pain cave.

“You have got to be mentally prepared,” he said.

After the competition wrapped up about 3pm, Kylie Watts and Cara Weller were declared the female winners and Jake Standen and Bradley Spreadborough were the male winners.

The winners received $2000 and a trophy.