No top 10 for Tuteari but he’s ‘still our idol’

WHANAU FOREVER: Nothing beats whanau support, especially when you are a long way from home. Tuteari Te Rauna-Lamont (centre) with his siblings at the CrossFit Games in the United States last week. Back (from left) are Amokura and Te Ngaru Te Rauna-Lamont and Teilah Maia Te Rauna-Turangi. Front: Kopara Te Rauna and Tipene Te Rauna-Lamont. Picture supplied

CROSSFIT

Gisborne crossfit athlete Tuteari Te Rauna-Lamont placed 11th in the world for his division at the 2018 CrossFit Games in the United States.

After several intense days of competition in Madison, Wisconsin last week, the Gisborne teenager once again proved he could foot it among the top crossfit male athletes in the world in the 14 to 15 years age group.

He completed nine gruelling events over the week, with three events a day and one rest day in the middle of the week. His tasks included an obstacle course, another obstacle course while doing a handstand walk, an open water swim and numerous workouts featuring squats, weightlifting, rope climbs, chin-ups, pull-ups and running.

While Tuteari was aiming for a better placing, his whanau and community said they were always proud of him for putting up his hand and representing Gisborne/Tairawhiti.

Mother Janelle Te Rauna kept whanau back home updated through live posts on his Facebook support page. Messages of support flowed in all week.

“To make the world stage is a huge achievement in itself. Super proud of you Tutz,” said one whanau member.

“Hold your head really high neph. You’re still our idol,” said another.

Others said Tuteari was “an inspiration to our youth” and was “doing Gizzy and all of New Zealand proud”.

It was the second time Tuteari has competed at the games. Last year he finished in the top 10.

But these games were particularly memorable because he had a strong contingent of his closest whanau with him.

“We’re still very proud of him,” said Janelle.