Latest news with #Hyrox
Irish Independent
3 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Mayo garda completes gruelling 10 hour challenge to raise funds for Down Syndrome Mayo
And that wasn't all of the physical exertion which James Carty did at the week-end. For five kilometres he also yanked two pulleys on a SkiErg, undertook five kilometres of rowing, 400 metres of burpee broad jumps, half a kilometre of lunges, one kilometre carrying two 24kg kettlebells, half a kilometre lunging with a 20kg sandbag and a 6kg ball walloped off a ten-foot-high target 500 times and all in just over eleven hours. That is how far James went to fundraise over €17,000 for Down Syndrome Mayo over the weekend. James is chairperson of the organisation, which provides services and support to over 100 families of people with Down Syndrome throughout Mayo. The Knock native was inspired to undertake the challenge by his youngest daughter Iris, who was born with the condition in on May 11, 2021. 'It's just surreal, is the word,' James told the Irish Independent after completing the gruelling challenge. In the surrounds of Crossmolina's North West Fitness Academy, cheered on by dozens of friends, family members, locals and flanked by fellow fitness fanatics, the 46-year-old Garda sergeant tested his physical and mental fortitude with five back-to-back Hyrox simulations. The concept of Hyrox originated in Hamburg, Germany, and involves a series of physical challenges broken up by solo runs. For James, this meant five eight-kilometre laps of Crossmolina followed by an array of pushing, pulling, carrying and jumping. He began at 7.40am on Saturday morning. By 6pm that evening, he had burned over 8,000 calories. 'It was an unbelievable day, an unbelievable experience. The support from everybody is just amazing,' said Mr Carty, still suffering from mild Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness and slight brain fog. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Though the task of completing this gargantuan test of endurance rested on his shoulders alone, Mr Carty was joined in body and spirit by hundreds of people throughout the day. This included over 100 fellow Hyrox athletes, members of Down Syndrome Mayo and their families, members of North West Fitness Academy, and gangs from M Fitness in Belmullet, Evolve Fitness in Donegal, Crossmolina GAA and Killala GAA. Working under his coach, Jack Curtis, James spent months preparing for the challenge. However, expectation and reality were still quite different. 'I got to the third one and I thought that was enough, but I just kept going,' James laughed. 'It was tough, it was. I look back on it and I did a lot of hard training, so I did. It prepared me very well, it really did.' The statistics back it up. In October 2023, Mr Carty completed his first ever Hyrox in one hour and 44 minutes. On Sunday, he completed his fifth and final Hyrox in 12 hours in one and 48 minutes. 'It was kind of crazy to think that the training had brought me to that level,' said James. The nauseating physical challenge alone made it an unforgettable weekend. But one moment will always stand out for James. 'I had said it to [my wife] Ciara a couple of days beforehand, I said 'When I get to the last run, have the push chair, the buggy read, Iris is going in it, and I am going to push her. She is going to do the last bit with me'.' At the very last kilometre, there she was. Iris hopped straight into the buggy to join her father on the home stretch, waving her hands to an adoring, cheering, applauding crowd of supporters. 'That's a memory for life,' said James. 'My other children, Ivy and Emlyn, they came out running with me, a few of their friends, came out.' So too did Noel Ryan, a member of Killala GAA Club, who compared it to a scene from a Rocky movie. 'Just seeing my own family being so happy in the moment and just having that picture in my mind from the start that I get to push Iris up the end, that was a real driving force behind it,' said James. When the last 6kg ball hit the ten-foot target after six o'clock, the exhausted garda embraced his family before sinking his shattered, weary glutes onto the nearest object. 'I still had an energy to keep going, but not to do another Hyrox,' he said. The money raised for Down Syndrome Mayo will help subsidise various therapies and counselling sessions for families who often struggle to access them. 'Having that money there to help subsidise that is immense. We do get a lot of people fundraising and that, but a lot of work goes into getting grants to make sure there is stuff there for our members,' explained James. Days like the one he had last Saturday are not all about fundraising either. 'We get to talk about Down Syndrome and make it a normal thing,' James said. 'People start talking about it and normalising it. It becomes a part of everybody's daily life that they don't see any differences…we have come an awful long way in such a short period of time in this country with it. But there is still a lot of work to go on. 'By being able to spread that awareness just gives us a stronger platform for going forward.'
Cosmopolitan
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Love Island's Dejon: Everything to know about the new Islander from famous dad to football career
It's time! Our favourite season is about to kick off, get ready for a summer of cracking on, eggs in multiple baskets and rapping to lift the mood - Love Island is here! Earlier today ahead of the series launch next week, ITV revealed the full list of the first 12 Islanders who will be making their way into the Spanish villa, looking for a summer of love. And amongst the 12 Islanders, one of the first to be introduced is Dejon. So what is there to know about Dejon? Consider this your essential fact file on the nepo baby Islander. Dejon is 26 years old. Dejon is from London. Dejon is a personal trainer and already has one very famous former Love Island client, as he's recently been training Tyrique Hyde from season 10. And not one to just sit and watch his clients train, Dejon recently completed his first Hyrox competition, taking part in the recent Barcelona race in a mixed doubles. Ahead of going into the villa Dejon told ITV he was looking to couple up with someone who is "beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy." Nepo baby alert! Dejon is the son of famous footballer Gifton Noel-Williams. Gifton has played for teams such as Watford and Real Murcia, before moving into coaching. Through his dad Dejon is already accustomed to the life of fame Love Island can bring, telling ITV he's already met David Beckham. "My dad being an ex-professional footballer, I've met all kinds of famous people through him," he explained. "When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I've met David Beckham, he was really nice. And following in his dad's footsteps Dejon has also played football in a number of teams including Oxford United and Slough Town. He's also played for the national team of Grenada. If you want to know even more about Dejon then head over to his Instagram where he has over 14,000 followers and is blue tick official. Of course a lot of his feed is full of fitness content, including his shoutouts to brands such as Nike and Gymshark. Love Island begins on 9th June on ITV2 and ITVX
Tatler Asia
10 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Tatler Asia
Hyrox racing: The brutal, beautiful fitness race that's taking over the world (and Asia's elite gyms)
Hyrox racing in Asia Once dominated by European and North American cities, the Hyrox circuit now counts Asia among its fastest-growing territories. Manila The Philippine capital has emerged as a rising Hyrox hub. , with Hyrox Philippines holding its first competition in May 2024, with another set for October 2025. Singapore Always ahead of the curve, Singapore embraced Hyrox with unofficial races at studios like Field Assembly and Fitness Bravo. The first official Hyrox Singapore event took place in October 2023; another is scheduled for September 2025. For time-conscious Singaporeans, the sport's precision and structure are a perfect match—plus, there's a smoothie bar waiting at the finish line. Bangkok Bangkok's fitness scene is led by Base, where Hyrox-style group classes are taught under neon lights and thumping music. It's nightlife meets high-intensity interval training. Hyrox Thailand hosted its first official race in January 2024, with another slated for January 2025. See more: The most stylish fitness studios in Singapore for yoga, pole dance and spin classes in gorgeous interiors Why are people Hyrox-hooked? Hyrox scratches a uniquely modern itch: the urge to quantify progress. With its global format, athletes can compare times across cities and continents. It's competitive, but also communal—bonded by shared effort and mutual respect. At training studios across Southeast Asia, Hyrox athletes defy stereotype. Gen Z beginners, busy professionals, and 40-something parents all share the same arena. Athleisure ranges from local labels like Thailand's V Activewear and the Philippines' Recess, to familiar names like Lululemon and Garmin. Hydration is now high fashion—electrolyte packets have replaced green juice—and race talk flows from paces and splits to weekend getaways in Seoul or Sydney. Hyrox is more than a fitness trend. It's becoming a lifestyle, much like running or cycling. Hyrox pros and cons Let's start with the good. HYROX racing is gloriously quantifiable. Every second counts, making progress feel tangible. For data-driven types, this is fitness you can track, chart and flex about. The event also cultivates a unique camaraderie: you're racing with and against others, bonded by the shared grind. Add to that functional movements that build real-world strength—think sled pushes and sandbag carries—and it's more than a workout; it's athleticism with purpose. You get to travel There's also the wanderlust factor. With races held everywhere from Dubai to Seoul, HYROX racing is becoming the global athlete's playground—a circuit where you can train hard and travel harder. High intensity But it's not for the faint of heart. The format is intense, and the risk of injury is real, especially without good form or guidance. Sled pulls and burpee broad jumps aren't forgiving. Then there's the cost: races typically run US$85 to US$110, plus travel, gear and gym memberships—fitness at a first-class price. And while leaderboards can motivate, they can also tip into obsession. For some, it's less about health and more about hustle. In that case, what started as wellness can quickly become another source of stress. What experts say While long-term studies on Hyrox specifically remain limited, sports scientists are intrigued. A 2023 review in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research suggests hybrid races like Hyrox 'bridge a unique physiological gap' between strength and endurance disciplines, potentially reducing cardiovascular disease risks when scaled appropriately. Experts caution that the intensity can overtax the body, especially for recreational athletes. Recovery and coaching remain key. But with the proper guardrails in place, Hyrox remains a viable and attractive alternative to traditional workouts. In an era of filtered wellness, Hyrox stands out as something real—a challenge you can feel, measure and conquer, one rep at a time.
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
New Love Islander Dejon reveals he's a secret nepo-baby and his famous dad introduced him to David Beckham
NEW Love island hunk Dejon Noel-Williams has revealed he's a nepo baby with very famous connections ahead of his time in the villa. The footballer and PT, 26, is one of the first three faces revealed in official ITV2 images confirming the line-up in full. 6 Love Island hunk Dejon Noel-Williams has revealed he's a nepo baby with very famous connections Credit: Instagram 6 The London-based PT was one of the first stars announced for the ITV2 matchmaking series Credit: instagram 6 His father is former footballer Gifton Noel-Williams Credit: Getty London-based Dejon, who has played for Grenada's national side, told how his claim to fame saw his dad rubbing shoulders with David Beckham, 50. He said of parent Gifton Noel-Williams, 45, who has played for Stoke City, Waford and Burnley to name a few: "My dad being an ex-professional footballer. "I've met all kinds of famous people through him. "When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. "I've met David Beckham, he was really nice." Dejon's social media accounts are full of sexy photos of his ripped body and he already has an Instagram following of more than 11,000 fans. His bio reads: "I go beyond the gym—helping you build Strength, Confidence & Discipline for life." He is now after a partner with a similar mindset. Dejon, who has modelled for a host of sports brands, told of his dream villa babe and said: "Someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy." Dejon recently took part in his first HYROX competition and told his fans on Instagram: "I trained for the moment, and the moment didn't break me. First Hyrox down." Ten Years of Love Island Love Island bosses will officially confirm the OGs today, with the series to kick off next Monday. Recently, The Sun revealed exclusive photos of the new-look Majorcan villa. The snaps revealed the new look fire pit in all its glory but there was no sign of a roof terrace, suggesting the iconic seating area may have been ditched. They'll be joining Love Island at a great time as the show's 12 series have now been streamed 2 BILLION times on ITVX. 6 Noel told of his showbiz connections ahead of entering the villa Credit: Instagram 6 His dad played for Stoke City - and Dejon met David Beckham via his father Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
New Love Islander Dejon reveals he's a secret nepo-baby and his famous dad introduced him to David Beckham
NEW Love island hunk Dejon Noel-Williams has revealed he's a nepo baby with very famous connections ahead of his time in the villa. The footballer and PT, 26, is one of the first three faces revealed in official ITV2 images 6 Love Island hunk Dejon Noel-Williams has revealed he's a nepo baby with very famous connections Credit: Instagram 6 The London-based PT was one of the first stars announced for the ITV2 matchmaking series Credit: instagram 6 His father is former footballer Gifton Noel-Williams Credit: Getty London-based Dejon, who has played for Grenada's national side, told how his claim to fame saw his dad rubbing shoulders with David Beckham, 50. He said of parent Gifton Noel-Williams, 45, who has played for Stoke City, Waford and Burnley to name a few: "My dad being an ex-professional footballer. "I've met all kinds of famous people through him. "When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. read more love island "I've met David Beckham, he was really nice." Dejon's social media accounts are full of sexy photos of his ripped body and he already has an Instagram following of more than 11,000 fans. His bio reads: "I go beyond the gym—helping you build Strength, Confidence & Discipline for life." He is now after a partner with a similar mindset. Most read in Love Island Dejon, who has modelled for a host of sports brands, told of his dream villa babe and said: "Someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy." Dejon recently took part in his first HYROX competition and told his fans on Instagram: "I trained for the moment, and the moment didn't break me. First Hyrox down." Ten Years of Love Island Love Island bosses will officially confirm the OGs today, with the series to kick off next Monday. Recently, The Sun revealed The snaps revealed the new look fire pit in all its glory but there was no sign of a roof terrace, suggesting the iconic seating area may have been ditched. They'll be joining Love Island at a great time as the show's 12 series have now been streamed 2 BILLION times on ITVX. Love Island winners - where they are now EVERY year Love Island opens its doors to more sexy Islanders who are hoping for a holiday romance that could turn into more. Here we take you through all of the 2025 - The second series of All Stars saw STATUS: Still together. 2024 - The summer Love Island saw and Josh Oyinsan were STATUS: Broken up. 2024 - The first ever All stars spin off show was STATUS: Still together. 2023 - STATUS: Broken up. 2023 - The first series of 2023 saw STATUS: Still together. 2022 - STATUS: Broken up. 2021 - STATUS: Still together. 2020 - The first ever winter Love Island saw STATUS: Broken up. 2019 - Series 5 saw STATUS: Broken up. 2018 - It wasn't surprising fan favourites STATUS: Broken up. 2017 - STATUS: Broken up. 2016 - Nathan Massey and Cara De La Hoyde were together from the start of the series, and since they won the show they've had two kids and are married. STATUS: Still together. 2015 - Despite poor STATUS: Broken up. 6 Noel told of his showbiz connections ahead of entering the villa Credit: Instagram 6 His dad played for Stoke City - and Dejon met David Beckham via his father Credit: Getty 6 The 26-year-old is after a woman who is 'beautiful on the inside and out' Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
