AN ANDOVER gym coach competed with athletes from all around the world at an international event in Cyprus last month.

Kat McEwen took part in the Aphrodite CrossFit Games, in Limassol, along with CrossFitters from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The 26-year-old, who coaches at Andover’s AFS CrossFit gym, finished in 16th place - two spots higher than her seeded starting position - after a pool of 400 entrants was whittled down to 56 for the final tournament.

“It’s probably the biggest one that I’ve done,” said Kate.

“It’s for people all over the world. It’s a good one to do because they are high level athletes, so it certainly pushes me more than the normal competitions around the UK.”

Taking place at the end of September, the event was held outside in Limassol’s Old Harbour, meaning participants were subjected to gruelling temperatures of 30-plus degrees.

Over three days, competitors completed an array of workouts including runs, swims, weight-lifting and more, pushing participants to their limits in a range of disciplines.

“You’ve got to be good and everything,” said Kat, “you never really know what might come up.

“If you’re super good at one thing and rubbish at everything else, it’s going to bring your score down.”

Kat trains and coaches at AFS CrossFit, in Colebrook Way. On top of her day job as a pastoral worker, she runs beginner classes at the gym at 7am in the morning, as well as the odd evening class.

But as daunting as her exerts at the Aphrodite Games sound, she says anyone and everyone can get involved in the sport.

“It’s absolutely accessible to everyone,” she says. “Yes you’ve got these competitions that are big and scary, but it’s suitable for everybody.

“Everyone can scale their workout to suit their needs and become the best them.”

For more information on the gym go to afscrossfit.com