What is Kandahar CrossFit?

Kandahar CrossFit is a non-profit box serving civilians, soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines from around the world deployed to in the second largest city of Afghanistan.  Kandahar CrossFit is operated and managed by volunteers from the Kandahar community.  Truly an international box in the desert with members representing the people of Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Welsh, India, Ireland, Scotland, Slovakia and the USA. When the timer starts, these nationalities all come together and represent CrossFit, “Forging Elite Fitness” together in a time of War.

There are many Australian’s that hold a unique bond for Kandahar CrossFit. Whether you personally spent time stationed in Afghanistan or it members of your family or friends served their duties. Maybe they weren’t stationed in Afghanistan, but shared a similar experience in another war zone in the world. Kandahar CrossFit hold’s a special place in our heart.

Who is the legend they call Ronnie?

Ronnie Marchant has been a member of the Australian Military since 1999 and a member of CrossFit Tenacity in Adelaide, South Australia. Throughout his time in the Australian Military, Ronnie has been stationed in Afghanistan and has had the opportunity to coach at Kandahar CrossFit. The WOD Life had the opportunity to catch up with Ronnie to get a feel for the environment and the unique community formed in  get a feel for the environment and the unique community formed in one of the most remote and dangerous boxes in the world.

Thanks for talking the time to talk with us Ronnie. Are you able to give everyone a feel for the military base in Kandahar, Afghanistan?

Kandahar air base has about 30,000 people. It’s a self-sufficient mini city. There are even traffic jams in peak hour.

Where is kandahar crossfit located relative to the military base? 

Kandahar CrossFit is located nearly in the centre of Kandahar Air Base. Only about two minutes walk from the boardwalk, which is where coffee and food outlets are situated. These are not proper shops, but rather semi trailers converted into shops.

Kandahar CrossFit is truly an international box, with members from all around the world. does everyone train together or is it segregated?

All countries train together. It is just turn up to the class on time and whoever is there it’s time to throwdown. You could be working out in a team WOD with partners where no one speaks the same language. It’s crazy and unique. 27 countries from Slovakia to Australia all training and you would not be able to tell where they come from. We do not charge membership fees or anything. It’s free to all who attend.

You have had the fantastic opportunity to be a coach. What is this experience like?

Being a coach is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I believe it has made me a better athlete. Two weeks ago I watched a 52-year-old United States Army Colonel get his first muscle up after trying for three months. I spent ten minutes on technique with him and he got it. Knowing I was part of that is a great feeling. It’s sad when people leave but knowing you were involved in making them choose a healthier and fitter lifestyle is a great feeling. 

Have you ever had a rocket attack or had to drop a barbell mid-WOD to attend to action?

Yes and yes. Sometimes you wish a rocket attack would happen so the pain stops. We were doing a work out called “The Lady Killer” [Annie, Isabel, Karen, Fran then 200m Farmers carry] and a rocket attack started. I was so close to finishing the killer work out that I kept going. I thought there is no way I’m starting this again.

What is your favourite story from your time at Kandahar CrossFit?

So many. Seeing Kimberly McMillon make the Asian Regionals attempting to reach the 2013 CrossFit Games whilst being in a war zone. Also, when an athlete named Jessica Folk broke her PR deadlift by 45 pounds with the advice of ‘”you have good technique, it’s in your head, stop being a douche bag and just stand up with the weight”.

What is the one thing that you believe sets Kandahar CrossFit apart from other boxes in the world?

Kandahar CrossFit is different from all other boxes in the world for the obvious reason that we are in a war zone. It’s truly unique as war fighters train there. But the one thing that is above all the WODs we do together; is the amount of fun, respect and companionship for each other. It’s a distraction from the things that are happening 24/7 here. It’s something to look forward to when you are out on a mission. You are welcomed right from day one and missed at the time you leave. 

If there were one message about Kandahar CrossFit you had to give to the rest of the world, what would it be?

We have a couple of simple rules that makes it special:

1. Applaud the effort you made and others make;
2. No ego and
3. Never be satisfied with normal standard.

Thanks Ronnie. Truly an inspirational insight into one of the most remote, unique and dangerous CrossFit affiliates in the world.