“Last year I finished in the top 10 but this year I’m trying for a podium finish,” he said.
“Definitely pushing for first place. That’s the goal.”
Te Rauna-Lamont has been involved in crossfit since he was 10 years old and has competed at an international level since 2015.
Last year he was one of the first Kiwi teenagers to qualify for the games.
“The experience of competing at the worlds last year has helped me to prepare better, especially mentally,” he said.
'I know what’s coming this time.'“I know what’s coming this time.”
To qualify, Te Rauna-Lamont had to pass a series of challenges.
The first task was completing five workouts over five weeks.
“We’d do one every week and video record it, send it in to the officials and they’d review it.
“If you made the cut, then you’d go on to the second round, which was a little more intense. There were four workouts to complete over four days.”
He has worked hard on building up his strength during the off-season.
Since qualifying for the games, Te Rauna-Lamont’s focus has been on cardio and fitness.
On top of his training regime, he represented New Zealand at the Oceania Weightlifting Championships in New Caledonia last month.
He also led kapa haka group Turanga Wahine Turanga Tane (Gisborne Girls’ and Boys’ High schools) at He Pouwhenua, He Puapua — the national secondary schools’ kapa haka competition in Palmerston North earlier this month.
His full focus is now on Madison.
“It’s all about the mental preparation now. I learned a lot from last year, and one of the biggest things was to try to enjoy it more — make the most of the moment and soak it up.
“I’m fortunate because this time a lot more of my whanau will be coming.
“That whanau factor will definitely give me a boost while I’m on the floor.”