For a first showing on the national stage, Legion Fitness exceeded expectations by returning home with four medals from the recent SA MMA Championships in Gauteng.
The Athlone-based gym spent months working tirelessly to ensure their fighters could make the trip, with fundraising efforts becoming just as important as training sessions in the build-up to the tournament.
In the end, the hard work paid off, with the team bringing home one gold medal, two silvers, and a bronze against some of the best amateur fighters in the country.
Gold medallist Xavier Cornelius, 19, from Mitchell’s Plain, credited the achievement to the effort and discipline that have been put into the gym under the guidance of head instructor Irfaan Gool.
“Winning a medal meant a lot to me, it felt amazing,” said Cornelius.
“I went there and I was the best in my category, so that felt really good.”
For Cornelius, the experience went beyond simply standing on the podium. Competing at national level opened his eyes to the bigger opportunities available within mixed martial arts and the level of commitment needed to continue growing in the sport.
The teenager says the achievement has only increased his hunger to improve and gain more experience inside the cage.
“My goal after this is to keep improving and take all the fights I can get, learn everything I can. It takes a lot of hard work,” he said.
Silver medallist Haseen Gool, 14, also walked away from the championships with renewed confidence after testing himself against top opposition from around the country.
“It felt good, and it was a nice experience,” he said.
“I learnt that I can compete with the best in South Africa and I’m on that level.”
The teenager already has his sights set on unfinished business, to turn silver into gold when he returns to the national stage.
“My goal is to go back next year and win gold this time,” he added.