LAUNCESTON’S Team Crunch has taken the south west CrossFit scene by storm in its first competitive season.

Run by local gym owners Mark and Merwyn Quick, the collective narrowly missed out of the final of August’s Plymouth CrossFit Primal Games by just four points, placing fifth out of 25 teams.

Mark, a former competitive bodybuilder, won the Welsh Masters CrossFit Throwdown in June, coming first in his masters category and sixth out of 55 overall.

CrossFit is a competitive fitness sport incorporating aspects of Olympic weightlifting, plyometrics, powerlifting, gymnastics and more to thoroughly test an athlete’s all-round capabilities.

Mark said: “We’re having a gruelling but extremely fun first season with lots of local athletes getting involved in Team Crunch.

“I’ve been training for 28 years and all the hard work is still paying off. I’m so proud of myself and all those who are closest to me. Daily motivation is sent by others who strive to share their fitness goals and achievements. They make it more possible for me to push to my limits.”

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week’s edition of the Post.