2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games Africa Semifinals Preview
The 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games Africa Semifinal will be running May 19-21 at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Africa received the least amount of the qualifying spots for the Games, with just one man and woman having the opportunity to earn a ticket to Madison.
Games Experience for Africa
- Jason Smith: The three time individual CrossFit Games competitor (2017, 2019, 2021) mentioned in a recent post that his goal was to compete in the 35-39 Age Group division, but was knocked out of qualifying after a major penalty. He has decided to pursue his fourth individual CrossFit Games in 2023.
- Kealan Henry: Henry won the 2022 Fittest in Cape Town, punching his ticket to his first CrossFit Games. Unfortunately, Henry withdrew after four events in his rookie season due to injuries. He would later reveal on his social media that had been battling a serious hamstring tear, hand injury and was still recovering from illness.
- Michelle Basnett: Basnett took 32nd in her rookie season at the CrossFit Games in 2021. She finished third at the 2022 Fittest in Cape Town behind Michelle Merand and Christina Livaditakis, but with Michelle Merand going team in 2023, Basnett has a good chance of returning for her second CrossFit Games appearance.
Athletes to Watch
- Darren Zurnamer: Zurnamer finished third in the 2022 Fittest in Cape Town and comes into this year’s Semifinal ranked second in the men’s division for Africa.
- Christina Livaditakis: Livaditakis was the runner up at the 2022 Fittest in Cape Town, missing the CrossFit Games behind Michelle Merand by 40 points in the women’s division.
The bottom line: With only one male and one female earning an invite to the 2023 CrossFit Games from the Africa region, the pressure will be on for the 30 men and 30 women taking the floor in Johannesburg this weekend.
The big showdown on the men’s side looks to be between Kealan Henry and Games veteran Jason Smith. The battle on the women’s side looks to be between Christina Livaditakis and Michelle Basnett after only 24 points separated the two in last year’s Fittest in Cape Town (and with Michelle Merand deciding to go team).
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