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June 2014 Athlete of the Month: Raymond Goncalves

I’ve been training at CrossFit Jozi since: 

March 2013.

I discovered CrossFit through:

I discovered CrossFit whilst watching the broadcast of the 2012 CrossFit Games and was instantly hooked. I later found out that a friend of mine in the North was participating in CrossFit at the time so I joined him for a session which confirmed my enjoyment. I wanted to start training right away, but had to wait until studying died down. I learnt that CrossFit Jozi was nearby after searching online and then paid Imtiaz a visit shortly thereafter.

The most significant change in my health since starting CrossFit has been:

I have gained an overall increase in strength and fitness. I just feel more powerful! I have had two ACL reconstructive surgeries on my right knee in the past and CrossFit has helped me regain strength in that region. So squatting does cure health issues. I have also learnt that a healthy diet plays a significant role in an active lifestyle.

My biggest challenge in CrossFit is:

My biggest challenges would be patience and sometimes forgetting to check the ego at the door. I need to be more mindful at times and recognize my current limitations. I am constantly striving to be better than yesterday but I do become frustrated with slow progress.

What keeps you coming back?

There are a few things that keep me coming back. I generally enjoy keeping in shape and it is a great way of venting stress. I have a great deal of respect for the quality coaches at CrossFit Jozi. I enjoy surrounding myself with passionate, positive people who go all-out to improve themselves and it only inspires me to do the same. There is an element of Fomo (fear of missing out) and competitiveness. I enjoy having to be ready for anything, the fact that the program is constantly in growth and I get to discover attempt movements that I possibly would have never tried if I did not start CrossFit.

If I could use one word to describe myself it would be:

Diverse

My favorite activity outside of CrossFit is:

Relaxing or spending time with my girlfriend, friends and family.

My favorite place to eat in Jozi is:

Rainbow Sushi in Norwood when I feel like having a massive all you can eat cheat meal. For Paleo, I’d say the local Bedfordview Adega for a bit of surf and turf, substituting the chips for vegetables of course!

My proudest accomplishment at CrossFit Jozi is:

The muscle-up!

My goals for the remainder of the year are:

To improve my form in snatches and to finally perform handstand walks comfortably.

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