Kalis Games, a standard of Filipino excellence
BY JANNIELYN ANN BIGTAS
On the first day of Kalis Games 2019, the WOD floor was already “forged by fire.”
Athletes from 26 countries took Events 1 and 2 by storm putting their best foot forward and wearing their game face on.
All eyes were set on each of the athlete's every move as they kicked off in their respective heats in the “Manananggal” and “Captain Barbell” WODs.
The Manananggal was inspired by the mythical creature of the same name, the WOD features an Assault Run and a Legless Assault Bike, paying homage to the man-eating, blood-sucking monster that has the ability to sever its upper torso from its lower torso.
Kristen Lim doing Event 1: “Manananggal”
Meanwhile, the Captain Barbell workout requires athletes to do one max hang squat snatch, one touch and go full squat snatch and 3 attempts max snatch. Embodying the classic Filipino comics character of the same name who transforms into a being of superhuman strength, this WOD respects only those who have mastered the “magic barbell,” much like the Captain himself.
2018 Champion in the RX Female division Kristen Lim — who is representing the Philippines — finished fourth in the Manananggal event, sharing she strategized to pace her run, admitting she knew she’s not the fastest runner.
Kristen Lim on Kalis Games 2019 Event 2: “Captain Barbell”
Unsurprisingly, she recovered and took the overall top spot after the second WOD, where she had no misses, successfully lifting her heaviest snatch in 170 lbs.
Now that more athletes are competing this year, Kristen believes she has to step up her game and to never be complacent with her performance.
“I will do my best because the competition is getting tougher every year so you can’t be complacent of your performance you have to be prepared for it,” she says. “You don’t say you’re the strongest, you’re the fastest you have to stay humble so that you don’t get surprised and then mas parang sharp and then you’re not lax when you do your workout.”
A rising star to watch out for is Katie Wreghitt — a Kalis first timer representing Great Britain — who initially took the top spot in the first event for the RX Female category finishing the Manananggal in 10.48.0 minutes.
After wrapping up the second event, Katie is still at the top of the leaderboard, just one place behind Kristen.
“[This] is my first time in Kalis and I was so impressed by the competition, the programming work, the floor looks awesome, the environment and community, it’s so exciting,” Katie shares her experience.
Despite going through big changes with her training and schedule to prepare for the competition, Katie who has been doing CrossFit for five years says her goal is “to have fun and enjoy being here.”
Her motivation to compete has been intensified even more with the presence of her boyfriend Ali Reece who is also competing in this year’s RX Male category. Katie shares Kalis is the first competition they joined as a couple.
Katie Wreghitt on the Assault Air Runner
Katie Wrightt doing Kalis Games 2019 Event 2 - “Captain Barbell”
Whenever Katie’s heat is underway on the WOD floor, Ali takes his athlete’s shoes off to be one with the spectators to cheer for her girlfriend Katie.
Ali Reece of Kalis Games 2019 RX Male Category - cheering for his girlfriend and fellow athlete Katie Wrightt
Katie plays the same role for Ali in the competition, they push each other to their limits, she says Ali is her “main competition this weekend” all while still being “supportive of each other.”
With two events done, 2018 RX Male champion Rocky Dorjsembe — representing Mongolia — places the top spot, and running close behind him is Robert Hibbard of the United States of America.
Kristen — who is months fresh from the CrossFit Games — thinks the Kalis Games organization is at the top of their game as the first-ever licensed Crossfit competition in Asia.
Coming from someone who experienced competing in one of the most celebrated CrossFit competitions internationally, Kristen says the athletes who joined Kalis are lucky.
She says “with our resources we were able to convert the Games, localize the Games with a Filipino aspect.”
With five more workouts and two more days left, the big question is, will the two champs defend their top spots until the end of the Kalis Games or will new conquerors emerge?
Rocky Dorjsembe doing Kalis Games 2019 Event 1: “Manananggal”