Broadcaster, Mental Fitness Coach and multiple HYROX finisher Liezel van der Westhuizen is teaming up with Caroline Matsimela and members of the Matsimela Ladies Clinic to take on HYROX Cape Town. They aim to prove that the global fitness race is not reserved for elite athletes; it’s a space where everyday women can challenge themselves, grow in confidence and cross the finish line together. Competing in the Corporate Challenge Women’s Relay this August, the team brings together four women with very different fitness journeys: Caroline Matsimela, Amanda Sibidla, Lilian Zingitwa and Liezel van der Westhuizen. Their participation is about far more than completing a race; it’s about showing women everywhere that fitness is accessible, inclusive and achievable. Building sisterhood through fitness Founded in 2020 by Caroline Matsimela, the Matsimela Ladies Clinic began with a simple yet powerful mission: teaching African women who had never had the opportunity to ride a bicycle. What started with just three bicycles and two friends has grown into a thriving sisterhood of more than 200 women across seven branches, united by their signature yellow jerseys and the movement’s inspiring motto, “Make the Circle Bigger.” Today, the organisation has expanded beyond cycling into hybrid fitness, making this relay its first-ever HYROX competition. Changing the narrative around HYROX Commenting on the initiative, Liezel shared her thoughts: “Every time HYROX content appears online, we mostly see the professionals, the elite athletes with elite performances. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with celebrating excellence, but that is not the complete picture. The majority of people entering HYROX are everyday individuals pushing themselves outside their comfort zones. They are encouraging one another, celebrating every finish and proving that showing up is already a victory. That’s the story we want to tell,” said Liezel. HYROX is for everyone HYROX has become one of the world’s fastest-growing fitness competitions, combining eight one-kilometre runs with eight functional workout stations, including sled pushes, rowing, farmer’s carries and wall balls. Designed to be accessible to participants of varying fitness levels, the event offers individual, doubles and relay categories, allowing more people to experience the challenge. For Caroline Matsimela, the relay format perfectly reflects what the Matsimela Ladies Clinic stands for. “You don’t have to look like the athletes on the posters to belong at HYROX. Bring your best friend, your sister, your neighbour or someone who’s never believed they could do something like this. That’s exactly why the relay exists. We want women to realise that they already belong,” said Caroline. Follow the journey By sharing their preparation and race-day experience, the team hopes to inspire more women to embrace movement without intimidation and discover the confidence that comes from trying something new. Liezel will be documenting the team’s HYROX training journey and race experience on her YouTube channel, @Liezelonline, giving audiences an honest look at the highs, challenges and triumphs of preparing for one of the world’s most exciting fitness events. HAVE YOU READ THIS ONE?: Liquideep Lands Major Africori/Warner Music Deal, Ushering in a Bold New Era Post navigation Liquideep Lands Major Africori/Warner Music Deal, Ushering in a Bold New Era
