Australia’s Zac Thomas will take on the third Semifinal of his young career this week at the Oceania Semifinal by Torian Pro. The 22-year-old has had an impressive 2024 season so far, finishing 13th in Oceania in the Open and fifth in the region in Quarters. Thomas lives and trains in Wollongong, Australia, home of the former CrossFit Regionals and the current location of Australia’s largest off-season competition, the Down Under Championship.
Thomas first started at CrossFit Wollongong when he was 15 years old to improve his basketball strength. Within six months, the youngster ditched the hardwood for the barbell and found himself training with Games hopefuls Jake Sole and Luke De Jonge. “Luke was starting to train for the Games in 2017 (as a teen),” Thomas told the Morning Chalk Up in an interview. “I was a swimmer so I had a good fitness base from that,” he continued, “Luke saw it in me that I was fit and I could keep up on some of the ergs and stuff like that. He got a push from me there, and I also did some swimming with him to get him ready for the Games.”
The trio trained every day Thomas remembers, but things took a turn in 2021. “[Early on] we pretty much did what Luke did. We’d rock up and Luke would write something on the whiteboard,” he said.
“Up until 2021, it was all sunshine and rainbows; no one got injured. We were teenagers. We thought we were all unbeatable, and then Luke got hurt in 2021. That was his last Semifinals (until this year).”
### Semifinals Spotlight: Could Australia’s Zac Thomas Be a Dark Horse Podium Pick in Oceania?
Thomas will be a top athlete to watch at the Oceania Semifinal amidst his impressive journey in the CrossFit world. As he aims to secure his first-ever ticket to the CrossFit Games, his dedication and growth as an athlete continue to drive him towards success.
### Training Camp Semifinalists and Exciting Event Updates
Several prominent training camps have dropped full rosters of their Semifinal-qualifying athletes, showcasing an array of talent ready to compete at the highest level. In addition, noteworthy events such as the Pit Collegiate Throwdown provide opportunities for emerging athletes to showcase their skills and progress within the CrossFit community.
### Reebok Unveils “Unity by Reebok” for 2024 Pride Celebration
In a nod to inclusivity and diversity, Reebok introduces its “Unity by Reebok” collection for the 2024 Pride celebrations. The vibrant and expressive line embodies the spirit of Pride parades worldwide, emphasizing the mantra of “For Anybody and Everybody.” By donating to LGBTQ+ organizations, Reebok underscores its commitment to supporting and uplifting the community.
### TYR Wodapalooza Reveals TYR Cup Details
As excitement builds for the inaugural TYR Cup this Fall, more details emerge about the event’s structure and prize purse distribution. With an emphasis on team dynamics and individual performance, the TYR Cup promises intense competition and substantial rewards for top contenders. Stay updated on the latest developments surrounding this highly anticipated CrossFit tournament.
### Basque Sports x CrossFit Collaboration at CFHK Championship
Witness the fusion of CrossFit skills and traditional Basque sports at the upcoming CFHK Championship in Barakaldo, Spain. Featuring mixed teams engaging in a variety of challenging workouts, this innovative event showcases the intersection of athletic disciplines and celebrates diverse training methodologies within the CrossFit community. Stay tuned for thrilling competition and unique cultural experiences at the CFHK Championship.
### Inspiring Success Stories and Community Achievements
Amidst the competitive fervor of Semifinals and regional events, heartwarming anecdotes and noteworthy accomplishments add depth and meaning to the CrossFit world. From personal milestones to community initiatives, the spirit of camaraderie and resilience shines brightly across various CrossFit activities and engagements. Join us in celebrating the diverse achievements and inspiring journeys within the global CrossFit community.
