CROSSFIT Swindon scored a third-placed finish in their debut team competition.

More than 100 teams from across the UK entered CrossFit five-man team competition, Battle of the Boxes and the top 33 were invited to compete at the live final in Colchester.

Entering the finals in 15th position and the team of Harry Palmer, Luke Knapp, Dan Jackson, Cheryl Loxton and Stephanie Knapp from CrossFit Swindon had a challenging day ahead.

After four workouts, CrossFit Swindon made it to the semi-finals in a joint first where the top 12 teams would fight for a place in the final.

The top four teams went on to battle for a podium position in the final, CrossFit Swindon entered the final in joint third.

An intense final saw CrossFit Swindon take a place on the podium with fractions of a second between them and second.

This achievement was made more impressive by the fact this was their first team CrossFit competition.

Team captain Palmer said: “The team gave their all for all six workouts, I am immensely proud of their performance and team spirit.”

The sport of CrossFit’s is designed to test athletes overall fitness compromising of all the components of fitness - cardiovascular, endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy.

Not only do team events test individuals fitness but also their ability to work as a team to complete the tasks at hand.

Battle of the Boxes organisers promoted the event to find out who has the fittest CrossFit box in Europe.

The teams faced a mixture of challenges including max effort weight lifting, Olympic lifting and gymnastic movements such as bar muscle ups and handstand holds.

“We exceeded all expectations and finished on the podium.”