The Okanagan Valley Throwdown took place at Penticton’s Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre, welcoming athletes from 29 gyms across British Columbia and Alberta. This exciting event, held on April 5 and 6, is part of the Throwdown Series, a rising star in Canadian fitness competitions, organized by Jennifer and Dave Metituk of Beach City Fitness.
Jennifer described the atmosphere as vibrant, saying the resort transformed into a hub of “strength, sweat, and serious determination.” The two-day event featured an impressive lineup of activities, including Olympic lifting, gymnastics, and running.
For the first time, an outdoor event graced the Throwdown, benefiting from the unexpectedly warm spring weather. This added an extra thrill, as families and friends crowded the competition floor, cheering competitors on through intense heats that often ended in nail-biting finishes.
Athletes from Beach City Fitness and CrossFit Penticton made a mark at the competition, achieving notable finishes:
- Dominique Brennan – Gold in Intermediate Women (Individual)
- Myioko McKeown – Silver in RX Women (Individual)
- Kellie Bigley – Silver in Scaled Women (Individual)
- Ladies RX Trios – Gold
- Men’s Intermediate Trios – Silver
Bigley expressed her surprise and joy after her first competition, stating, “I did better than I expected and had so much fun. Now I just want to sleep!”
A standout moment came from 14-year-old Lucian Aprille of CrossFit Vernon, who won gold in his debut Throwdown. His performance demonstrated poise and strength, making him a rising star to watch.
The OVT marks the first of three competitions in this year’s series, with the upcoming Richmond Throwdown set for September 27–28 at the Richmond Olympic Oval, followed by another event in Calgary in October.
The Throwdown Series is inclusive, inviting all athletes, not just CrossFitters, to test their limits and embrace the competition.
Fitness competitions like this are on the rise. According to a recent study by the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, more than 70% of Americans now participate in some form of organized fitness competition. This trend reflects a growing desire for community and motivation within the fitness world.
For more details about results, upcoming events, and photos, check out the official Throwdown Series page here.