6th Kares Caribbean Fitness Challenge Dillon Mahadeo is the man to beat, going for his 5th successive win, today

Feb 09, 2020 Sports

By Franklin Wilson

Ever since his second place finish at the inaugural Crossfit Games in March 2015 when Joseph Rivera of the USA won, Dillon Mahadeo has been the man to beat as he has won every year since then and is going for his fifth consecutive title today when the 6th Kares Crossfit and Lotus Hardware Caribbean Fitness Challenge comes off at the National Park Tarmac.

Dillon Mahadeo is the man to beat today.

The sport and the level of competition has been improving since being introduced here by Guyana Fitness Games and without a doubt, Mahadeo has more or less become the face of the competition as he has set the standard.
Today would be no different as Mahadeo, believes that he has put in the work and is ready to reap the rewards by occupying the top podium spot come this evening at the presentation ceremony.
“This being my sixth year of prepping for this competition, every year I learn and I’m still learning where I can push my body and mind to be resilient to whatever challenges we face on competition day. This year is no different; I’ve put in the most training ever leading up to a competition, not just physically but mentally as well.”
The confident Mahadeo, who has already secured his spot at this year’s Reebok CrossFit Games, the pinnacle for the sport to be held in Madison, Wisconsin, USA from July 29 to August 2, believes that it is now down to executing correctly with the least amount of faults, baring injuries.
“Most of the pressure I put on myself is internal, I can’t really control the outcome of another individual’s performance, that’s why on competition day I compete against the best version of the athlete that I can be. I respect all other competitors and take no-one for granted. I approach all competition with the same diligence. We are all competing to get the top spot and most of these guys I’ve had experience competing against previously both locally

Dillon Mahadeo, aiming for another 100% performance today.

and regionally and they’re all really fierce competitors. I welcome the competition to Guyana, my home soil.”
Athletes from Canada, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname will be vying for the top prize of USD$2500 (GYD$500,000) and the action is anticipated to be intense as will the sweltering conditions.
Admitting that no one competes to lose, Mahadeo stated that he hates losing more than he appreciates winning and is looking forward to what would be served up today, competition wise.
Being able to dominate at this level consistently is not easy according to Mahadeo who credits his success to a number of persons: “I’m privileged to have an entire team that believes in my abilities and supports my journey daily and it wouldn’t be possible without them,

Dillon Mahadeo acknowledges fans after completing the final event in 2019 enroute to his 4th title. (Franklin Wilson photo)

my family, my mother who always ensures my nutritional and basic needs are met. And I’m sure my DAD is smiling upon me in heaven. My sponsors: Fitness Express, MVP Sports, Degree Deodorant, Preymum Canola Oil, Fireside Grill & Chill, Lotus Hardware Store.”
He too is commending the main sponsors, Kares Crossfit and Lotus Hardware Store for putting up cash prizes that is equal for male and female athletes.
“I absolutely love that fact of equality; I don’t think there should be any question about it. All the women that sign up to compete have my respect. They train and push their bodies relatively harder than most of these guys, regardless of the stigma against women lifting weights. I think they deserve the same rewards as male athletes not only in crossfit but across all disciplines.”
The first event today will get started at 06:30hrs, with a time cap of 30-minutes, athletes would be involved in a one mile odd object carry (20lbs, 40lbs); 75 overhead squats (55lbs, 75lbs) and cap it off with a one mile run. This opening event is not for spectators but Mahadeo is urging all to be out in their numbers from 13:00hrs to witness the other events.
“My message to the General populace, especially the youths to come out today is, the phenomenal athletes competing may inspire you to begin your recreational fitness journey. Just get started, pay attention to your health and fitness or whatever it is you can benefit from for the longevity of your life. When I began my fitness journey, competition day is a product of all the hard work and sacrifice we’ve put in over time, so come out and support your local athletes.”
The 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th place athletes would receive $400,000, $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000, respectively.