Early Life and Background of Lara Erlank
Lara Erlank’s journey began far from the CrossFit boxes she now frequents. Born in Namibia, she spent her childhood in Cape Town before globetrotting to Singapore, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Her academic pursuits led her to UCLA, where she not only earned a degree in Psychology and Comparative Literature but also a personal training certification. This foundation set the stage for her eventual dive into the world of competitive CrossFit, intertwining her passion for health, fitness, and holistic well-being.
CrossFit Journey of Lara Erlank
Lara’s CrossFit journey is a testament to her resilience and dedication. Initially coaching at and competing for Paradiso CrossFit, she made her mark at the 2013 Reebok CrossFit Games Affiliate Cup competition. However, her journey was not without its challenges. After the Games, she returned to Africa to be closer to family and to pursue a master’s in public health at the University of Cape Town. Despite facing obstacles like a torn meniscus and a hiatus from CrossFit due to limited access to equipment in Namibia, Lara’s competitive spirit never waned. She eventually won the Walvis Strongman Competition in Namibia before moving to Cape Town, South Africa. There, she began following Christian Oman’s advanced athlete programming at Cape CrossFit, aiming to refine her technique and build a stronger foundation.
Competitive Achievements of Lara Erlank
Lara’s competitive track record is impressive, with a noteworthy performance at the 2019 CrossFit Games, where she represented Namibia. She has consistently improved her standings over the years, with a particularly strong showing in the 2021 season. Her achievements include finishing 22nd at the Fittest in Cape Town and 30th in the Individual Quarterfinals, demonstrating her skill and determination. Lara’s background in various sports and her ability to excel across different CrossFit events highlight her versatility and commitment to the sport.
Personal Life and Pursuits of Lara Erlank
Outside the box, Lara is equally committed to her academic and professional development. After completing her master’s degree, she obtained CrossFit L-3 trainer and nutrition coach certifications, among multiple other fitness certifications. Currently, she leverages her extensive experience and passion for health and fitness as a Premium Health Coach at Wild Health. Lara’s journey from a global traveler to a CrossFit competitor and health advocate exemplifies her multifaceted approach to life, balancing rigorous training with a dedication to holistic health and fitness.
